Nissan Dualis and Dualis +2 2010 Review

Overall rating: 3.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 4.0/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.5/5.0
X-factor: 3.5/5.0

About our ratings

OVERVIEW
-- Brave new face
When Nissan released the Dualis late in 2007 it was an opportunity to show the company had the creativity to extend on its 'crossover' vehicle range, which is by headed by Murano (and will eventually include the odd-looking new Juke). Even though its market was carefully researched, the high-riding Dualis hatchback was a toe-in-water attempt to attract new buyers.

Happily for Nissan, the Dualis (Qashqai in Europe) was immediately popular and continues to sell well, with 500,000 sales around the Continent and accounting for 10 per cent of the brand's sales in Australia.

Nissan's VP of Design and Development in Europe Jerry Hardcastle recently told the Carsales Network his company was pleasantly surprised with the popularity of the Qashqai. He reasoned part of its success was the 'Europeaness' applied to a Japanese vehicle, including fit and finish, and ride quality.

"We estimated around 140,000 [sales per annum] and Mr Ghosn [Renault-Nissan Alliance CEO] informed us that we did over 200,000 [global] sales in 2009. It's fair to say we spent some time looking at ourselves asking: 'how did we do that?' There's lots of theories... the one I subscribe to is our efforts to make it European. It's important to have Japanese DNA but there are things that customers around the world prefer that are different," Hardcastle explained.

Those different elements include suspension tune and removing body roll. According to Hardcastle "the Japanese don't corner as hard as us" so don't require as much as European and Australian buyers from the chassis set up. The first version was a decent drive and from our initial drive impression the new Dualis is equally good.

Nissan intends attracting more fortune with this latest lineup, which benefits from the addition of a seven-seater, better equipment list and an exterior restyle.

According to Nissan, the restyle is the most significant mid-series overhaul of a model's appearance the company has made thus far. We like it.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
-- Room for more
The big news of the new range is the addition of a seven-seater version, the Dualis +2, which will strengthen Nissan's competitiveness -- even against the likes of the larger Ford Territory, Hyundai Santa Fe and Holden Captiva seven-seaters. The Dualis +2 starts at just under $30K ($29,990) for the front-wheel drive ST model.

There are only two grades of each Dualis variant. The base-model five-seater ST Dualis, starts at $24,990 for the six-speed manual and 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. CVT transmission adds $2500 to the pricetag of all five-seat variants.

The top-spec Ti models add high-end features including 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 only Ti available with manual transmission is the $31,890 five-seater. All other Ti variants get the CVT transmission standard.

The only model grade available with all-wheel drive is the Ti -- in both five and seven seat versions as noted above. See below for full pricing/model breakdown

Apart from a range of genuine accessories like roof racks, clever boot storage bags and scuff plates, the optional equipment list is short, including (besides the premium for metallic paint -- see below) only reverse parking sensors to round out the Dualis's healthy bid. The ST models can be ordered with foglights.

Of the eight colours offered across the Dualis and Dualis +2 range, five are optional metallics. Choosing one of these will add $495 to your bill.

Dualis II
2WD ST Manual - $24,990
2WD ST CVT - $27,490
2WD TI Manual - $29,690
2WD TI CVT - $32,190
AWD TI Manual - $31,890
AWD TI CVT - $34,390

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

MECHANICAL
-- Tried and tested
The new Dualis essentially 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.

Unlike Europe, there is no diesel option for Dualis Down Under... at this stage.

As noted above, the Dualis II is available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Nissan Australia admits the inclusion of the front-wheel drive model for the first series Dualis has greatly increased sales. The split is now over two-thirds in favour of the front-driver.

The four-wheel-drive system is the same used by the X-TRAIL: the on-demand ALL MODE system with 2WD, auto (transferring up to 50 per cent drive to the rear when required) and 'lock' (for 50:50 torque split) modes.

The rest of the mechanicals are unchanged from the Series I Dualis. Check out our local launch review of the original Dualis for more details.

PACKAGING
-- Plus size for +2
Apart from working to great effect on a previously bland-looking crossover, the external makeover is evidence the Dualis is at the top of Nissan marketers' minds. As it should be -- Nissan claims over 80 per cent of Dualis buyers are new to the brand.

The latest version also benefits from a tidied interior including redesigned, "cleaner" dash layout. At Ti spec especially it puts to shame some much more expensive offerings.

The Ti's leather seats feature smart contrasting double stitching and have heating control for front passengers. In both models the rear side pews are slightly scalloped giving the Dualis a more luxurious cabin feel, compared to the flat versions sometimes offered in more robust SUVs like X-TRAIL.

The Ti is made even more special with the standard-fit panoramic glass sunroof. Many SUV models have dark interiors and combined with the wagon accommodation the effect can be 'cave-like' for rear passengers. The roof is a single piece, without mid-structure and it of course lets in a good dose of light. Importantly (in our climate) there's a solid electric sliding sunshade. Euro equivalents often have a screen that still lets in too much sun in summer.

Dualis +2 is physically longer and taller than the hatch. The Dualis +2 wheelbase has been extended by 135mm (to 2765mm) and rear overhang is longer by 211mm making overall length 4541mm. This is about 90mm shorter than the Dualis +2 kissing-cousin the X-TRAIL. Height has increased by 40mm over the five-seater Dualis, to 1645mm.

The added size means 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. It's a neat set-up.

The +2's rear tailgate opening is also wider than the five-seater to allow better access and the loading height is lower. Nissan doesn't offer electric open and shut, however.

Nissan anticipates the seven-seater will be around 100kg heavier than the hatch.

SAFETY
-- Steady as she goes
The Dualis comes with Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control (stability control), traction control system, and anti-lock brake system incorporating brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution. The all-wheel drive models come standard with 'Active Brake' limited slip diff.

Front, side and full length curtain airbags come standard and we're pleased to see all three places in the middle row have headrests. Even the third row in the seven-seater incorporates two headrests for rearmost passengers.

The Dualis Series I was awarded five stars by EuroNCAP and ANCAP has granted the same rating to the new model.

COMPETITORS
-- A net spread wide
The five-seater has appealed to a range of buyers -- as its crossover tag suggests. In its latest version it's a smarter looking car which should help attract hatch buyers looking for a high-riding position and/or to upsize in terms of space and comfort.

The higher seating position makes getting in and out a snap -- better than most hatches. This might add extra appeal for seniors and family buyers.

Nissan Australia chief Dan Thompson would like the Dualis +2 to "create headaches for the medium wagon and compact SUV segments."

Seven-seat conquests may include Ford Territory shoppers, according to company product planners, and similar family wagon options like Kia Ronda, Outlander. Nissan also singles out Subaru Tribeca but Exiga is a more likely competitor.

ON THE ROAD
-- Marque de Sade
Like the outgoing model the new Dualis is a quiet, smooth operator. Nissan says it has added extra sound insulation around the windscreen, solving the wind noise issue we identified in our first drive experience.

The petrol engine is quiet but is somewhat lacking in the torque stakes. A solid step on the pedal will spark its and the CVT's response but it's no rocketship. Not that it has to be... Most owners will be well-pleased for its all 'round comfort and aren't likely to be shocked at the petrol pump.

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

Steering can be described as quick. As Hardcastle mentioned, Nissan engineers worked to remove body roll. But due to the Dualis' high centre of gravity it cannot be completely dulled and some roll can be detected in corners. Generally though the Dualis is a very good steerer and agile enough for some zippy takes into traffic or a carpark.

As a daily driver the Dualis will be favoured for its super comfortable seating, well-appointed and styled interior and indulgences like heated seats for those opting for the Ti and its leather. But even at ST level, the cloth trim is attractive.

A radical restyle is what the Dualis needed. The hatch was well resolved in its first form but Nissan was too conservative with its appearance. The interior is an even nicer place to be and we particularly like the new wheel designs and bolder exterior treatment.

It's better late than never but also a shame Nissan didn't put its best face forward the first time around.

Watch Carsales TV's video review of the Nissan Dualis Series II

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