MIMS: Qashqai is Dualis and Micra on its way

Nissan played true to form at MIMS, confirming the news we broke last month (see here) that it would add the Micra light car to its local line-up. The long-awaited announcement was joined by news that Qashqai would also come Down Under, though with an all-new nameplate.

The compact Qashqai SUV-cum-hatch-cum-crossover goes on sale in Europe next month. It will arrive here under the name Dualis towards the end of the year.

Powered by a "lively" 2.0-litre petrol four, the five-door gets Nissan's electronically-controlled ALL-MODE all-wheel drive system coupled to a either a six-speed manual or CVT auto. The CVT features manual mode with six preset ratios.

No pricing has been announced but expect it to slide in under the likes of Honda's CRV. In size the Dualis is between a typical small car hatchback and compact SUVs, Nissan says.

The Micra is Nissan's first light car entrant in the local market for more than 10 years. Powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine, it too will arrive towards the end of 2007.

Says Nissan: "The Micra has an assertive character with its principle 'arch' design cue and dominant shoulder line which is echoed in the Micra's rounded roofline. The car's highly individual 'face' also incorporates thoughtful and practical features such as the ellipsoid head lamps which integrate wing-top sights to ease parking and the placing of the car in traffic."

Nissan says the car will feature a comprehensive safety package includes dual SRS airbags and seatbelt pretensioners for the front occupants.

No pricing has been announced, however, Nissan's aggressively repositioning of the Tiida, not to mention the dynamics of the local light car market, will mean the Micra will need to be keenly priced if it is to succeed.

The 2007 350Z and revised Patrol were also unveiled at MIMS with both sporting changes that were largely under the skin.

The Z gets a significantly revised V6 engine (Nissan claims 80 per cent of the parts are new) now with 230kW and 358Nm or torque -- increases of 9kW and 5Nm respectively. There have also been minor body mods and three new exterior colours will be offered.

Pricing on the 2007 model year 350Z Coupe and Coupe Track models now starts at $62,990 and $67,990 (manual models), while the Roadster is now available for $73,990. On models with an optional automatic transmission the price increases by $2000.

Nissan's iconic Patrol offroader comes in for some tweaks for 2007 -- and these too were announced at MIMS. While the TB48 4.8-litre petrol engine remains unchanged, the ZD30 3.0-litre turbodiesel gets common-rail fuel-injection and other changes to comply with Euro IV emissions control requirements.

The result is a noticeable improvement in engine refinement and responsiveness, says Nissan. It also allows the fitment of cruise control across the range.

While the maximum power and torque figures remain unchanged (3.0-litre diesel models equipped with a manual transmission at 118kw and 380Nm respectively), the maximum power is now available from 3200rpm -- 400rpm lower than before.

Pricing of all 2007 model year 3.0-litre diesel Patrols increases by $250.

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