The Nissan Qashqai’s interior is one of its strengths.

The existing J12 generation launched in 2022 benefits from a longer wheelbase and roomier interior.

Entry and egress are easy, with the front seats providing ample comfort, lofty views out and an excellent driving position.

Clear and concise analogue dials in the ST-L are replaced by extended digital instrumentation on higher-spec grades, while a head-up display is reflected on the windscreen on Ti-L and N-Design. 

All models include a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, though physical buttons remain for the audio, climate and vehicle-settings functions, making this vehicle always simple and intuitive to operate.

Other strong points include ample ventilation, excellent storage and access to USB ports front and rear.

On the flipside, shallow side windows and thick pillars make for poor rear vision, while the gear shifter can be a bit fiddly to engage.

Note that the Ti-L makes do with the very unsatisfactory tyre-repair kit. All others, including the N-Design, include a temporary spare wheel.

The Nissan Qashqai comes with LED headlights, proximity key, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry/start, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, USB-C outlets front and rear, a wireless phone charger, voice control, Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking sensors, rear air vents, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a three-year connected app subscription.

Above the ST-L, the Ti receives extended electronic instrumentation, a powered driver’s seat, heated front seats, artificial leather trim, ambient lighting, roof rails and 19-inch alloys.

Moving up to the more luxurious Ti-L sees quilted leather upholstery, massaging front seats, a head-up display, panoramic roof with sunshade, Bose audio upgrade and 20-inch alloy wheels.

For slightly more money, the N-Design brings a sports body kit and blacked-out exterior and interior treatments, including unique alloys.

On the safety front you also score autonomous emergency braking (AEB) front and rear, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera including under-car vision in all grades.

The Nissan Qashqai uses the company’s latest, third-generation e-Power hybrid system that is an all-enclosed five-in-one unit.

This combines a 116kW/250Nm 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol-turbo engine. Its only job is to charge a 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery, while a 140kW/311Nm electric motor solely drives the front wheels via a single-speed reduction-drive transmission. 

Combined powertrain outputs are rated at 140kW from 4900rpm to 5900rpm, or 151kW in Sport mode, while torque tops out at 311Nm from 0-3600rpm.

The Nissan Qashqai is a large-ish small SUV with five seats.

The front bucket-type seats are comfortably contoured, with cloth inserts in the ST-L, artificial leather in Ti, quilted leather in the Ti-L and Alcantara/leatherette in the sporty N-Design.

Grades from Ti and up swap out the manual reclining adjustment for electric assistance with heating elements, whilst the Ti-L adds a massaging function.

The fixed rear bench features a 60/40 split-fold backrest, with the centre backrest housing a folding armrest with cupholders.

A trio of child seat tether latches are incorporated in them, while each outboard position offers ISOFIX latches.

The Nissan Qashqai e-Power can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h (0-100km/h) in under 8.0 seconds, on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 170km/h.

The Nissan Qashqai e-Power averages 4.1L/100km on the combined ADR 81/02 cycle , for a carbon-dioxide emissions rating of 98 grams/km.

Brimming the 55L fuel tank with the required 95 RON premium unleaded petrol, expect a range of up to 1340km between refills.