Smooth, responsive and refined: Qashqai with new e-POWER beats key rivals in comprehensive tests

The Nissan Qashqai – available to inspect and test-drive at Hawkins Motor Group – has achieved top position in road tests carried out by two of the UK’s leading automotive titles: Auto Express and Parkers.

Auto Express had high praise for the latest version of Qashqai’s clever hybrid technology, which it described as ‘‘smoother, more refined and slightly quicker than before, while also delivering excellent real-world efficiency’’. It reported: ‘‘In 2025, the third-generation car’s improvements focus on technical upgrades, with an overhaul of the e-POWER hybrid technology aiming to boost performance, efficiency and refinement.’’ Qashqai certainly impressed, achieving an Auto Express ranking of four-and-a-half stars out of five.

The title said the Nissan’s ride was the best of the trio, adding: ‘‘Qashqai’s powertrain sets it apart. It has the smoothness, responsiveness and very nearly the refinement of a full EV.’’ Over at Parkers, Qashqai was hailed as ‘‘king of the hill’’ as it triumphed against the Kia Sportage in a twin test that looked at practicality, interior quality, performance and price. The Parkers team said Qashqai’s handling was more refined than the Sportage’s, adding: ‘‘It cuts through the air a little more cleanly and its swanky new engine is far less raucous when you’re driving quickly, as it’s barely ticking over in the background. Where the driving experience is concerned, the Qashqai has the Sportage beaten hands down.’’ Turning to running costs, Parkers said: ‘‘Here’s where the Qashqai really gets into its stride. Good grief, it’s efficient. During our testing, the Sportage returned a respectable 43mpg. But the Qashqai managed an incredible 53mpg. ‘‘That’s bordering on diesel levels of efficiency – and, if that figure holds true for the 7,000 miles most drivers average annually, the Qashqai should save you around £200 per year in fuel when compared to the Sportage.’’

For more information on Qashqai or any of the other great cars in the Nissan range, contact HAWKINS MOTOR GROUP