AIMS: Nissan new model trio pricing announced

With the three models' 'faces' familiar by now, Nissan's focus on its trio of newbies at AIMS was pricing.

After 10 years of not having a volume light car contender Nissan has finally reintroduced the Micra light car with very sharp pricing that will start at $14,990 when the car goes on sale in December.

Part of the reason for the car's absence in the Australian market was that it was built only in England and exchange rates meant that it was not a viable proposition. However, with the model now built in Japan as well, it has become a contender.

The little five-door is powered by a 72kW/137Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a standard four-speed automatic transmission.

Sharp pricing was also the order of the day for Nissan's other Sydney show star, the compact urban-oriented Dualis. This distinctive all-wheel drive crossover that sits midway in size between a small hatchback and compact SUV will be priced from $28,990 for the six-speed manual ST. There's a CVT option that costs an extra $2000.

Standard kit in the ST model includes dual front airbags, ABS, CD audio, cruise control and air-conditioning while the $33,990 Ti also gains heated power front leather seats, six stack CD, VDC stability control and front side and side curtain airbags.

All models are powered by a 102kW/198Nm 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine.

For those who like their compact all-wheel drive SUV with a bit more space and macho visage, Nissan also unveiled the new X-Trail.

Despite the similar aesthetics to the current model, the second generation actually features a new body and suspension with about the only carry over part being the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

Drive to all four wheels is via either six-speed manual or CVT transmissions -- the latter replacing the current car's four-speed auto -- and prices remain the same as the outgoing model.

That means despite the extra space and features the new car kicks off at $31,990 for the manual ST with the CVT adding $2000. The mid-range ST-L starts at $35,990 and the top of the range Ti priced from $38,990.

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