Dualis take two, add two

Nissan's popular high-riding Dualis hatch range has been updated with the addition of a new-to-Oz seven-seat version, a significant restyle and added equipment across the lineup.

The base-model ST Dualis, starting at $24,990 for the six-speed manual, now comes standard with Bluetooth handsfree connectivity, steering wheel audio controls and a full-size spare wheel. The outgoing model's steel wheels have also been upgraded to 16-inch alloys.

The top-spec Ti models add high-end features like leather trim, front heated seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start and a neat panoramic glass roof with power-operated sunshade. The Ti Dualis also comes with front foglights, auto headlight, auto windscreen wipers and good-looking 18-inch alloys.

The optional equipment list is short, including (besides the premium for metallic paint) only reverse parking sensors to round out the Dualis's healthy bid. The ST models can be ordered with foglights.

Nissan Australia has "rationalised" the Dualis range for the series II lineup. Only the all-wheel drive models are available in the Ti-spec, and the new to the Australian market seven-seaters are equipped with the CVT -- no manual transmission option will be available as the company's research suggests the vehicle's potential market prefers an auto.

The six-ratio CVT is smooth and quiet, and has a manual function using the central gear lever for up and downshifts.

Dualis II carries over the 2.0-litre engine used by the previous version. Nissan claims a slight gain in fuel efficiency (0.1L/100km, for 8.2 in CVT-equipped models) via better aerodynamics brought by the restyle. Drag coefficient has been reduced from 0.34 to 0.33.

The seven-seater is physically longer and taller than the hatch. Both the wheelbase and rear overhang have been stretched. The rear tailgate opening is also wider than the five-seater to allow better access and the loading height is lower. Knee and headroom are more generous in the seven-seater, and the middle row -- with 20:40:20 split fold -- can slide to create extra passenger space for rear occupants.

The Dualis +2 starts at just under $30K -- just.

According to Nissan, the Dualis restyle is the most significant mid-life overhaul of a model's appearance the company has made thus far and apart from working to great effect on a previously bland-looking crossover, the makeover is evidence the Dualis is at the top of marketers' minds.

That's because the Dualis has been a top-earner for Nissan. It makes up 10 per cent of sales of locally and so far has found around 500,000 buyers in Europe.

"The DUALIS has played a key role in reinforcing Nissan's position as an innovator in the European market, and the recent introduction of the two-wheel drive version in Australia has provided a spur to sales," said Dan Thompson, CEO of Nissan Australia."

Thompson told the Carsales Network his company actually ran out of run-out Dualis models in March.

Nissan expects even greater sales success with the addition of the Dualis +2. Like the five-seat hatch version, the company believes the seven-seater will attract new buyers to Nissan. According to Nissan's figures, over 80 per cent of local Dualis buyers are new to the brand.

Seven-seat conquests may include Ford Territory shoppers, according to company product planners, and similar family wagon options like Kia Ronda and Subaru Tribeca. Thompson would like the Dualis +2 to "create headaches for the medium wagon and compact SUV segments"

Nissan Australia says the $25K start-up figure for the Dualis is an attempt to keep the drive-away price at around $27K. Pricing below does not include dealer and statutory costs.

Visit the Carsales Network again for our drive review of the new Dualis hatch.

Dualis +2
ST 2WD - $29,990
Ti 2WD - $34,690
Ti AWD - $36,890

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