The new Nissan Dualis is out and there have definitely been some changes made. In fact there’s even been something of a change in the name for it’s now the Nissan Dualis +2 in recognition of the two rear seats that are now a fixture across the range.
Some of the other changes in the new Nissan Dualis include a new length and height … sliding middle row … under floor storage … CVT automatic transmission as standard … and front while drive or all-mode four-wheel drive options.
The new Nissan Dualis was designed in London and they’re built in the UK. I think it’s been many years since a vehicle in this price range was imported into Australia from the UK.
So how much bang for your buck do you get for your buck in the new Nissan Dualis?
The engine and transmission
The engine is the same lightweight all-alloy MR20 2.0-litre engine from the previous model and there’s no diesel option.
To keep fuel consumption down (in a vehicle that’s heavier than the previous model) to a level where the petrol engine is competitive the 2.0-litre engine is now coupled to a fuel-saving continuously variable transmission … a stepless automatic transmission that keeps the vehicle in the right ‘gear’ regardless of what the vehicle is doing.
With the CVT transmission the Dualis will return a combined cycle of 8.5L/100km.
For those who want something a little sportier for their driving pleasure the CVT transmission also includes 6 pre-set ratios that can be accessed by “nudging the lever forward or back”.
Seats
To give greater access to the third row of seats the middle seat now slides through a range of 240mm … the cushion now splits 6040 and the seat bock splits 4020/40.
Even Nissan admits that the rear seat is really designed for children but they do say that it may suit short adults too. The rear seat splits on a 5050 basis and to fold it away all you have to do is pull on a single trap … there’s no need to fiddle with the head restraints first.
When the rear seat is folded away there’s 550 litres of luggage space when when the second row is folded away there’s a 1520 litres of space.
Comfort and Safety
A full safety package that includes six airbags, front-seat active headrests and seatbelt pretensioners are standard on the Dualis +2 and the range features power windows, air conditioning, drive computer, Bluetooth mounted on the steering wheel along with audio and cruise control. The audio system includes a four-speaker CD system and MP3 connectivity.
The Ti version includes a panoramic glass roof, leather trim seats and steering wheel, 18 inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, six-disc CD player and dual zone auto air conditioning.
Models
The new Nissan Dualis +2 comes in three versions … the base model ST 2WD priced from $29,990 … the Ti 2WD priced from $34,690 … and the Ti AWD priced from $36,890