Car market, hybrids exceed 40% share in May

Hybrids earned 5.4 points during the month and exceeded a 40% share.SUVs and crossovers are especially popular, with the Nissan Quashqai on the second step of the podium;what the new model offers.

In the January-May period, according to what emerges from the analysis Unrae of registrations by segment, Nissan Qashqai is firmly in second place among the best-selling c-suvs (the medium-sized ones, so to speak) in Italy, after Kia Sportage and before BMW X1.Confirming a formula (the first debut dates back to 2007) which continues to please Italians for the good balance between price, equipment, performance and the practicality typical of crossovers.To get an overall picture, hybrid cars earned 5.4 points during the month and exceeded a 40 percent share.

But returning to the case of Nissan Quashqai, there is another interesting fact:in Italy, 50 percent of preferences go to e-Power hybrid version, certainly the most interesting (there is also a mild hybrid version on the list) for efficiency and innovation of the powertrain, as we will see shortly.After celebrating in 2023 i 90 years of history, Nissan's unprecedented commitment on the safety front is worth mentioning micromobility, with the launch expected soon electric scooters and microcars with removable batteries on the model battery swapping which involves replacing the exhausted battery with a charged one in special exchange stations, as already happens for e-bikes and scooters.We will keep you updated on this as soon as the service is made available.

Nissan Qashqai second act, what has changed

Given the consolidated successes, Nissan does not change the substance for the new Qashqai, but focuses everything on form and enriched contents.The latest version of the Japanese crossover (but produced in England) changes above all in external design:in detail, the interventions were concentrated on the front with a series of interventions that have updated its appearance overall:glossy black grille, headlights (the front ones are more efficient, the rear ones redesigned), bumpers, alloy wheels, new shades for the bodywork.The settings are also enriched, allowing for new color combinations. But to see the evolution better just compare the characteristics of the new model with those that emerged in Stockholm in 2022 during our test drive of the first version of the Nissan Qashqai e-Power.

Interiors, the point on perceived quality and connectivity

Similar operation for the interiors, where space and practicality are confirmed to be very good (among the increasingly interesting features for the Nissan Qashqai), and where the fittings are enriched with more refined finishes, such as the Alcantara inserts which embellish the dashboard and other parts of the bridge, the “eco leather” for the seats (without however specifying their origin and leaving leather of animal origin also available);in a recent seminar available here Nissan has addressed issues such ascircular economy better defining future commitments also on diversity and inclusion with the contribution of numerous experts.

Returning to the car, connectivity also improves thanks to the integration of the services offered by the Google suite;the possibility of having the preferences of the personal account also in the car, such as the places and points of interest saved in Google maps, for example, all without having to use the smartphone obviously, without distractions and with hands firmly on the steering wheel.There is also voice control Hey Google to manage a series of commands, such as adjusting the climate control or making a phone call, while with Amazon's Alexa the vocal interaction with the car extends to listening to music or requesting updates on weather and traffic.

How the e-Power hybrid system works and why it is so efficient

We have seen it, 50 percent of Italians who chose the Nissan Qashqai opted for the hybrid version which debuted at the end of 2022.What is it about?The e-Power system is a system full hybrid to all intents and purposes, with a peculiar characteristic however;to act on front driving wheels it is always and only the electric motor, while the thermal one (a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with 158 horsepower) works like a generator, i.e. it produces energy which either goes to the battery or contributes during acceleration, for example, or when maximum power is required. power.

Three driving modes:Sport, Eco and Standard.Driving options such as e-Pedal, already known on totally electric models of the brand like the new one Ariya, which allows you to accelerate and slow down almost without having to use the brake pedal, or the function Ev-mode which offers a few minutes in electric only.The result is an overall pleasant ride, in many conditions very similar to that of aelectric car (the electric motor alone provides a power of 190 horsepower), therefore with the typical fluidity of operation, silence and an almost total absence of vibrations.

A "magic" that depending on the driving style can last for a long time, or at least until you require more power, or when you face climbs.Or, again, when the charge level of the lithium battery of the hybrid system (from the capacity of 1.97 kWh) is insufficient. There is no real electric autonomy, but it depends precisely on the performance required.THE consumption real are not very far from those declared (5.1-5.3 l/100 km), while the emissions they range from 117 to 120 g/km depending on the trim level.

New Qashqai, high attention to safety is confirmed

Speaking of the efficiency of the hybrid system, the new Qashqai confirms other features that make its daily use rather intuitive.Among all the Around view monitor system:imagine having 4 cameras which from above reproduce on the central on-board display a 360-degree 3D view of the car and what is nearby, but also of any presences such as people or animals.The same system allows you to see where the wheels are as if the front of the car suddenly became transparent, allowing you to better see any obstacles.In short, if you are one of those who fear parking maneuvers you will certainly appreciate it.