Nissan has been pushing its e-Power hybrid system for the past few years, claiming that it allows drivers to feel the seamless acceleration and smoothness of an electric motor, with the convenience of filling up with petrol, rather than plugging into the mains, because the electric motor's battery is constantly topped up by a 1.5-litre petrol engine.
So far, so familiar. What's new?
Well, Nissan hasn't sat still with the e-Power setup. The system has received a constant round of tweaks and updates since it was first introduced, aimed at making it more frugal and more efficient. While that might be all well and good in the laboratory, Nissan has now proven the e-Power's economy by driving around a well-known island on one tank of fuel.
One of the Blaskets, perhaps?
Think bigger. Like, a LOT bigger. In fact, Nissan has taken a Qashqai e-Power and driven it all the way around the island of Tasmania, without refuelling. That's more than 1,300km with the fuel flap taped shut.
What kind of fuel economy did Nissan record?
Overall, on the journey, the Qashqai e-Power averaged 4.5 litres per 100km, but it has previously managed even better. Nissan also drove one from Land's End to John O'Groats, the full length of Britain, on one tank, covering 1,347km at an average economy of 3.76 litres per 100km, with 160km of indicated range still remaining once the Qashqai reached the tip of Scotland.
"These two journeys demonstrate the consistency and capability of the latest generation of e‑POWER across very different driving environments. Whether on long motorway routes in the United Kingdom or more demanding terrain in Tasmania, Qashqai e‑POWER continues to deliver the same balance of efficiency, refinement and EV-like driving performance. Nissan's e‑POWER hybrid technology represents how Nissan continues to evolve the hybrid SUV through advanced hybrid technologies designed around real customer driving needs,” said David Moss, senior vice president, region research & development for Nissan's European region.
Read our Nissan Qashqai reviews here.