Nissan unveils seven-seat Dualis

Nissan only launched its Dualis compact SUV here at the end of last year, but the carmaker has already provided the first details of a new variation -- dubbed Qashqai+2 -- which brings the added versatility of seven-seat capacity. (Note: Although we know the baby crossover as the Dualis, it's badged 'Qashqai' in international markets).

The shoehorning in of the third-row seats was facilitated by a 211mm stretch in overall length, and the Qashqai+2 also stands 38mm taller than the five-seat model.

To ensure there's ample headroom for third-row dwellers, Nissan says it has lengthened and re-profiled the roof, with the result that headroom in the front- and middle-row seats has increased by 16mm and 10mm respectively, while knee room in the middle row has improved by 23 mm.

As well as moving through a total of 100mm, the middle bench seat gains a three-way folding operation on a 40/20/40 split for added modularity (the five-seat version splits 60/40). The backrest also reclines and has nine adjustment positions over a range from 10 degrees to 25 degrees of inclination

The centre '20' portion doubles as a seat or a large multi-function armrest. When used as an armrest, the seat back incorporates two cup-holders and a lidded storage box with an integrated power outlet.

With the third-row seats folded flat, there's 500 litres of potential luggage capacity, an increase of 90 litres over the 'shorty' Qashqai. In addition, a new tailgate and revised interior panels mean the loading height has been reduced by 13mm and the opening width is 224mm wider.

The front and rear doors have also been restyled: According to Nissan, the window frames of the front door are squarer in line with the re-profiled roofline, while the rear pair are completely new.

A large panoramic glass roof is standard, and it's claimed to be 140mm longer than the equivalent sunroof offered on the five-seat model.

As per its smaller sibling, the Qashqai+2 will be built in Nissan's Sunderland plant in the UK, and it's slated for a global reveal at the London motor show in July. Engine choices will include the 102kW/198Nm 2.0-litre unit offered in the existing five-seat model.

Nissan Australia will not import the seven-seat Dualis, according to Jeff Fisher, Manager, Corporate Communications.

"No plans at this stage. It's not under consideration at this time," he said when questioned concerning the stretched model.

"I think [the seven-seat Dualis is] going to go very well over there. Dualis has set the market on fire in the European theatre and there's no reason to suggest that the seven-seater won't just add to that, incrementally," he said, but it's a non-starter for the Australian market.

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