Dualis finds common ground

Australia's motoring journalists have finally had a close-quarters look at Nissan's latest model, Dualis.

Describing the Dualis as a crossover, Nissan has signalled that the new model will satisfy the apparently conflicting requirements of small car and compact SUV buyers.

It's a car that will offer some limited offroad ability within a small-car footprint. The Dualis's on-road driving characteristics are also acceptably close to those of some small cars.

Nissan has priced the Dualis -- which is known as the Nissan Qashqai in markets other than Australia, New Zealand and Japan -- from $28,990 for the entry-level ST model with the six-speed manual transmission.

With Qashqai (more here) posting sales beyond the wildest expectations of Nissan's divisions in Europe, the Australian arm is currently limited by supply constraints to 350 units per calendar month. The company sold 118 units to local buyers last month and expects domestic consumption will outstrip supply initially.

There are two levels of trim, with the Dualis Ti building on the ST specification and priced from $33,990. For those who can't quite stretch to the flagship model, the ST can be specified with an option pack for $30,990.

Standard trim for the ST model includes: 16-inch steel wheels with full covers; a four-speaker CD audio system; electric mirrors and windows; remote central locking; front cupholders and height-adjustable driver's seat.

For the extra two grand, the ST Option Pack model adds 16-inch alloy wheels; side and curtain airbags; and dynamic safety aids such as VDC (stability program) Enhanced Understeer Control and Active Brake Limited Slip.

Over the ST Option Pack equipment, the Ti features front fog lights; rear centre armrest with cupholders; leather trim; heated front seats; leather-bound steering-wheel with remote controls for the audio, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connection and trip computer; aluminium trim highlights; a six-stack CD audio system with six-speakers; rain-sensing windscreen wipers; auto-on/off headlights; sliding centre console armrest and a storage tray under the front seats.

All Dualis models are fitted as standard with dual front airbags; active front headrests; air conditioning; reach and rake-adjustable steering column; 60/40 split-fold rear seat which liberates up to 1443 litres of luggage capacity when folded down; a 14-litre refrigerated glovebox; cruise control; a full-size spare; two-stage indicators; seatbelt pre-tensioners and ABS/EBD with Brake Assist.

A 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder powers the Dualis. Boasting all-alloy construction and a 16-valve head, the engine develops 102kW of power at 5200rpm and 198Nm of torque, from 4400rpm. Nissan has tuned the MR20 engine to produce 90 per cent of the peak torque from as low as 2000rpm.

Torque is transmitted to the 'all mode 4x4' system by either the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional CVT, which features six manually selectable steps. The CVT is a $2000 option for both grades and the ST Option Pack variants.

Pricing:

Dualis ST manual $28,990
Dualis ST CVT $30,990
Dualis ST Option Pack manual $30,990
Dualis ST Option Pack CVT $32,990
Dualis Ti manual $33,990
Dualis Ti CVT $35,990

Watch out for our launch review of the new Dualis in coming days.

 » Get the best price on a new Nissan Dualis

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