The Qashqai’s interior is larger and more spacious than in previous generations, thanks to a handy 19mm wheelbase stretch. Doors open very wide, revealing a cosy yet roomy layout dominated by a modern and attractive dashboard layout. It features a centrally-mounted touchscreen as well as an electronic display ahead of the driver. Some models also score a head-up display reflected on the windscreen.

A good driving position, excellent access to all controls, ample ventilation and lots of storage are further Qashqai interior highlights. However, rear vision is limited due to shallow side windows and thick pillars. The rear seat area has all expected amenities across the range, including ventilation and USB A and C outlets. Some models also feature a folding centre armrest with cupholders.

All Qashqais include LED headlights, keyless entry/start, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, a reverse camera, USB-C outlets front and rear, electronic instrumentation, a wireless phone charger, voice-control, Bluetooth connectivity, a centre touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, rear parking sensors, rear air vents and alloy wheels.

The regular petrol-powered Qashqai uses a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol making 110kW/250Nm. It drives the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission known as a CVT.

Under the e-Power’s bonnet is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 116kW of power and 250Nm of torque on its own. It is paired to a small-ish 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery and inverter, powering an electric motor that sends drive via a single-speed reduction-gear transmission to the front wheels. Combined power and torque maximums are 140kW and 330Nm, respectively.

The Qashqai’s front seats are well bolstered, providing good support at speed through tight corners. Higher grades swap out the manual reclining adjustment for electrical assistance, whilst the top model also includes massaging functionality. The 30/70 split-fold rear bench seats three, is fixed and thus does not recline or slide, as per some SUVs and crossovers. It does include a centre armrest with cupholders in higher-spec versions. A trio of child-seat tether latches are fitted, along with ISOFIX latches in the outboard positions.

The Qashqai e-Power can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h (0-100km/h) in around 7.9 seconds, which is about half a second quicker than the regular 1.3-litre turbo petrol’s 8.4s result, on the way to a top speed of about 170km/h (versus the latter’s 206km/h).

The normal Qashqai with the 1.3L turbo petrol engine averages 6.1 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, which matches to a carbon dioxide emissions rating of 138 grams/km. Switching to the e-Power version, these figures tumble to 5.2L/100km and 117g/km respectively. Even with a 55L fuel tank, that means about 900 and 1050km between refills, respectively, though keep in mind both powertrains require 95 RON premium unleaded petrol.