A Journey Around Tasmania in the 2026 Nissan Qashqai
Nissan recently made headlines with a remarkable feat: driving the 2026 Qashqai hybrid SUV over 1303km around Tasmania without refuelling. The journey, which covered the entire island, was completed using just 50 litres of fuel, showcasing the vehicle’s impressive fuel efficiency. This achievement highlights the improvements in the new-generation e-Power hybrid system, which is designed to compete more effectively with rivals like Hyundai and Toyota.
The trip began in Geelong, where the Qashqai was filled up before boarding the Spirit of Tasmania ferry to Devonport in northern Tasmania. From there, the vehicle embarked on a complete lap of the island, covering key locations such as Launceston, the Bay of Fires, Freycinet, Hobart, and the famous 99 hairpins on the winding road into Queenstown on Tasmania’s west coast. After completing the journey, the Qashqai returned to the ferry and disembarked in Geelong, where it was finally refuelled.
This demonstration was not just about proving fuel efficiency; it was also a way for Nissan to highlight the real-world performance of its e-Power technology. The 2026 Qashqai claims a fuel efficiency of 4.1L/100km, but these figures are often based on laboratory testing. Real-world conditions can vary significantly, and this has led to increased scrutiny from the Australian Government, which now funds real-world efficiency testing.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) conducts these tests on real roads to compare a car’s actual fuel use with advertised figures. While the 2026 Qashqai e-Power has not yet been tested by the AAA, the previous non-hybrid variant recorded 11 per cent higher fuel use than in lab testing. This discrepancy underscores the importance of real-world trials.
Nissan Oceania Managing Director, Steve Milette, described the trip as a “dream lap of Tasmania,” emphasizing that it was conducted under real-world conditions. “This isn’t laboratory testing, this is the real world and real conditions,” he said in a media statement.
Nissan’s e-Power technology is designed to deliver an “EV-like experience” without the need for charging. Unlike conventional hybrid systems found in vehicles from Toyota or Hyundai, which can power the wheels using either the engine, battery, or both, the e-Power system only uses the electric motor to drive the wheels. The engine, in this case, is solely used to charge the battery.
Central to the 2026 Qashqai is what Nissan calls its new ‘5-in-1’ powertrain. This innovative system combines the electric motor, generator, inverter, increaser, and reducer into a single unit, reducing costs and improving efficiency. This design not only enhances performance but also contributes to the vehicle’s overall fuel economy.
The 2026 Nissan Qashqai starts at $45,640 before on-road costs for the ST-L e-Power variant. With its improved fuel efficiency and advanced hybrid technology, the Qashqai is positioned as a strong contender in the Australian market.
