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Nissan brings the Qashqai e-POWER to Australia with a compact, clever powertrain
Nissan has confirmed Australian pricing and core specifications for the 2026 Qashqai as the compact crossover prepares to go on sale early this year. The headline is its updated e-POWER drivetrain — a compact "5-in-1" unit Nissan says boosts efficiency, sharpens throttle response and keeps the driving experience purely electric at the wheels.
How the 5-in-1 e-POWER works
Under the skin is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that behaves as an onboard generator rather than driving the wheels directly. That generator charges the battery, which in turn powers the electric motor that always drives the Qashqai’s wheels. The system recaptures braking energy through regenerative braking and requires no external charging — you fill up at any petrol station.
Key benefits Nissan highlights:
- Instant acceleration with no turbo lag
- No conventional gear changes
- 100% electric drive delivered to the wheels
The "5-in-1" description comes from packaging five elements into a single compact assembly: the electric motor, generator, inverter, increaser and reducer. This tighter integration reduces complexity and weight compared with separate components, according to Nissan.
Fuel economy, emissions and performance
Nissan cites a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.1 L/100 km (about 57.4 mpg US) for the new Qashqai e-POWER and CO2 emissions of 92 g/km. Sport Mode brings a modest power increase — an extra 10 kW (around 13 hp) — and Nissan also says highway cruising is quieter thanks to the system refinements.
Equipment and cabin tech
The 2026 Qashqai e-POWER arrives with a strong standard kit list. Highlights include NissanConnect Services, the Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety suite, an intelligent key with walk-away lock and approach unlock, wireless smartphone integration and a wireless charging pad. A 12.3-inch infotainment display, a digital around-view monitor with "skeleton hood" and T-junction views, plus dual-zone climate control round out the tech features.
Trim levels and pricing in Australia
Nissan has expanded the lineup with a new entry-level ST-L grade, making the Qashqai more accessible. Local pricing is:
- ST-L: AU$45,640 (approx. US$30,535)
- Ti: AU$49,640 (approx. US$33,215)
- Ti-L: AU$53,640 (approx. US$35,890)
- N-Design: AU$54,140 (approx. US$36,225)
The previous 2025 Qashqai e-POWER is being withdrawn, and driveaway offers for that model are no longer listed as Nissan transitions to the refreshed 2026 range.
Where the Qashqai sits in the market
The Qashqai continues to compete in the hotly contested compact crossover segment, offering a distinctive hybrid-electric alternative to conventional petrol and mild-hybrid rivals. Its plug-free e-POWER layout appeals to buyers who want electric driveability without the need to change charging habits. For Australian shoppers, the combination of strong standard equipment and a new lower entry price aims to sharpen its appeal against other family SUVs.
"Expect Nissan to release further technical details and local launch timing as the on-sale date approaches," the company said in its press material.
If you follow compact SUVs, the 2026 Qashqai e-POWER is worth watching: it pairs familiar, everyday convenience with an electrified driving feel and better economy, packaged in a mainstream crossover layout.
Source: autoevolution
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