Model Update

All new for 2011, the Nissan Dualis is really a grown up hatch that exceeds safety expectations. Boasting a five- star safety award you’ve got yourself a head start, well and truly.

Clean, sharp styling ensures that you feel like you are driving a contemporary motor vehicle, and nice touches of chrome about the exterior give the Nissan Dualis a touch of up-market class.

You’ve got to consider that the new Nissan Dualis Hatch is quite a steal, really. All of the Dualis models come in at under 30K (with one or two exceptions) and feature strong dynamics, a punchy 2.0-litre engine and a very roomy interior.

The Nissan X-Trail and Pathfinder SUVs are some of the most popular vehicles in Australia’s SUV market sector. In the light of this, it may strike some as odd that Nissan would release another SUV type vehicle into the same Australian market. But there’s a method in the apparent madness of introducing the Nissan Dualis to Australian shores. The Nissan Dualis is aimed at those who like the upright stance, size and stability of a lighter SUV but don’t need a full-on off-roader. This makes the Nissan Dualis the quintessential soft-roader family car/hatch. And let’s face it – many families enjoy the load-carrying potential of SUVs but don’t want or need the “adventure vehicle” capacity of other all-wheel drives. Something to take the kids and the dog to the beach along with the luggage, or to carry half the soccer team to the match is all they are after. In the words of Nissan, the Dualis combines “the safety of an SUV with the agility of a passenger car.”

And a family SUV is what the Nissan Dualis is designed to be. The size and safety of the Nissan Dualis are the stand-out features. In the Euro NCAP tests, the Nissan Dualis got the highest ever crash test score for adult protection. And, the Nissan Dualis has an impressive range of safety features. Active safety features include the eighth-generation ESP system (and the all-wheel drive for extra grip and traction), traction control, ABS with brake assist, and the multi-link rear suspension. Passive safety features include six airbags (front, side and curtain) as standard with a cut-off switch if a child seat is in the front, a rigid and protective bodyshell and active head restraints.

The Nissan Dualis has a roomy cabin that is ergonomically designed for driver and passenger comfort, while the basic entry model: the Dualis 2WD Hatch ST has manual air conditioning and a glovebox cooler (perfect for storing chocolate). I couldn’t fault the four-speaker sound system in the ST model. It was as clear as a new autumnal morning. Upmarket Ti models of both the 2WD and AWD versions offer plenty of bang for your buck, with dual-zone climate control, leather seats and a premium sound system. The luxury versions of the Nissan Dualis, has some impressive “bells and whistles” including heated leather seats, a remote-controlled 6-disc, six-speaker audio system and a mood lamp (at least in the European versions). All models have a height adjustable driver’s seats and speed-sensitive power steering.

On the road, you’ll find the Nissan Dualis has a well designed chassis that masters the undulations typically present in city streets. The taut suspension makes the Nissan Dualis’ steering responsive and accurate.

Overseas, the Nissan Dualis is badged the Nissan Qashqai (pronounced “kosh-kye” and a speller’s nightmare). Three engine models are available overseas, but the one available on Aussie shores is the peppy 2.0-litre petrol. This power plant puts out 102 kW at 6000 rpm and can deliver 198 Nm of torque in the mid range. Lively performance is best felt in the six-speed manual, though linked to the CVT, the motor is strong and athletic. The manual version of the Nissan Dualis can get from 0–100 km/h in a rather leisurely 10.5 seconds, which is in keeping with the design brief: an urban family car.

I prefer the AWD traction and grip of the Nissan Dualis AWD Ti model, however the improved economy and assured grip of the 2WD model makes a lot of sense. It all comes down to preference, I guess.

Having a family blueprint, you’ll appreciate how the kids will enjoy being seen in this cool car. Their mates’ parents will admire the sharp, angular styling that gives the chunky soft-roader an impressive presence on the road. An Audi TT designer might also be impressed with the low and curvy roofline. Freshened up since its introduction, the current Dualis models now have trapezoid headlights which match the similarly shaped rear passenger windows, making the Nissan Dualis stand well out from the more mundane and at times predictable styling of its competitors.

Enjoy new Nissan Dualis, fresh off the showroom floor.

The current model series includes the:

• Dualis 2WD Hatch ST
• Dualis 2WD Hatch Ti
• Dualis AWD Ti

For any more information on the Nissan Dualis, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Nissan dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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