Nissan has introduced a new powertrain for its best-selling Qashqai crossover, which promises to improve fuel efficiency and deliver the driving experience of an electric model.
Nissan Qashqai: hybrid engines and chassis
Another huge change for the Qashqai comes underneath the bonnet. The Japanese brand has dropped diesel engines from the line-up, so the bulk of the range is filled by an evolution of the old car’s 1.3-litre DIG-T turbo petrol unit, now with mild-hybrid tech. It adds 22kg in weight, but reduces CO2 output by up to 4g/km, Nissan claims.
The engine is available with either 138bhp or 156bhp and up to 270Nm of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard on base models, while four-wheel drive is optional for the most powerful mild-hybrid. A CVT automatic with artificially stepped ratios is also on offer.