Nissan’s Dualis crossover hatch is so popular, the manufacturing plant in Sunderland, UK is working three shifts around the clock to keep pace with demand.
Now Nissan has launched the facelifted Series II Dualis lineup with improved looks, extra features and sharp prices – starting at $24,990
What You Get
Dualis is a British success story – designed by Nissan Design Europe in Paddington, London and manufactured at Nissan’s award-winning plant in Sunderland, Northeast England. The Dualis has been a record-breaker for Nissan, it’s most successful car in Europe, accounting for one in every three vehicles the company sells.
Locally, launch of the Series II Dualis sees some changes to the model lineup with the all-wheel-drive entry level ST being deleted. Dualis now comes in ST (front-wheel-drive only) and up-spec TI in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive (AWD).
Power remains Nissan’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine driving though a six-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic.
Attractive styling, smart packaging and sharp prices have been the keys to success for Dualis, particularly with family buyers, and these attributes have been further enhanced with the Series II changes.
Nissan reckons the Dualis is a ‘segment-straddler’ – simultaneously appealing to buyers of up-spec hatchbacks like the Mazda3, Toyota Corolla Conquest, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf as well as crossovers like the Honda CRV and Hyundai ix35.
The Engine
No changes to the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine although improved exterior aerodynamics have seen a slight improvement in fuel consumption – down to 8.1l/100kms for the manual and 8.2l/100kms for the CVT auto.
Maximum power is 102kW at 5200 rpm and peak torque of 198Nm arrives at 4400 rpm.
It’s a Euro IV-compliant engine with emissions as low as 192g/km.
Curiously, there are no diesel-powered models in the local lineup even though Nissan sells the Dualis in Europe with a choice of 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre diesel engines. Nissan Australia’s CEO, Dan Thompson, says they’re all over the issue and while consumer requests for diesel Dualis remain low, if demand increases, a diesel version could be introduced as early as next year.
The Interior
The five-seat Dualis has been acknowledged for its high levels of convenience and safety features and this has been enhanced in the Series II lineup. We were also very impressed by the build quality.
Immediately noticeable is the revised dashboard with improved graphics and enhanced drive computer display between the two main dials (tachometer and speedometer). The new display is a white LCD display with information for average fuel consumption, distance traveled, elapsed time, range and cruise control settings – the latter an excellent execution with an exact digital display of the set speed.
The steering wheel (leather-wrapped on TI models) is tilt and telescopic adjustable and pleasingly features button adjustment for the cruise control.
ST models have a 4-speaker single CD audio system while TI gains two extra speakers for its six-CD system. Bluetooth hands-free telephone with steering wheel buttons is now standard across the range.
There are extra storage spaces for odds-n-ends and up-market low-level lighting around the footwells.
Extra insulation around the front bulkhead and a new acoustic windscreen deliver improved NVH to the Dualis’ well laid out interior.
TI models also gain leather seats and a panoramic glass sunroof.
Both front and rear seats are nicely supportive with reasonable legroom aft even when lanky drivers assume a comfortable position.
Exterior & Styling
Nissan stylists have given the Series II Dualis a much more purposeful look with an all-new bonnet, front bumper, guards, grille and headlights. The bonnet features a noticeably more raked front edge to closely hug the new headlights for a flatter, more aerodynamic treatment.
The radiator grill gains a sportier honeycomb design and some extra chrome delivers a more sophisticated visual.
At the rear are new clear lens reversing and indicator lights and a brighter lower red section for the brake and park lights. A slight reprofiling of the tailgate spoiler is part of the enhanced aerodynamics.
ST models ride on new 16-inch alloy wheels while Ti gains some nicely styled 18-inch alloys.
On The Road
Our drive route started in the Melbourne CBD, traversed the Eastlink freeway and tackled the twists and curves around Kinglake – a nice cross-section of roads and surfaces. As you would expect from a European vehicle, Dualis delivers very sharp driving dynamics – enhanced with the Series II changes by some retuning of the suspension for improved ride comfort.
Nissan’s 2.0-litre petrol engine has always been a willing performer and - with either the six-speed manual transmission or the CVT - delivers zippy acceleration and responsiveness. Refinement levels are impressive with the engine noise nicely suppressed even when working hard.
Nissan says the Dualis is tuned to provide the dynamics, ride and handling of a hatchback with the toughness of an SUV. While segment leaders - like the Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf - might have some issues with that, there’s no doubt the Dualis is a nice compromise – a car that mums can feel comfortable with during the week and dads will enjoy on weekends.
While the AWD does provide an impressive, balanced dynamic, the front-wheel-drive versions are very competent.
Challenges
Like all crossovers, the Dualis does have some compromises – most noticeably luggage space when full loaded with five people. But the reality is, for most families, full-on SUVs are too extreme in the other direction – providing surplus cargo capacity that is rarely needed - and in fact the Dualis will comfortably handle their needs albeit in a smaller, fuel-efficient and more maneuverable package.
Verdict
Now even better value-for-money, the nicely styled (outside and inside) Dualis remains a standout hatchback/crossover, which must be considered by new car buyers in either segment. Nice driving dynamics and superb quality make this one of Nissan’s best ever products – no wonder it’s so popular with Aussie families.
The Competition
Realistically a hatchback, Dualis’ AWD availability does bring crossovers into play. Like the Subaru Impreza, the Dualis can be considered as competition for the likes of Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai ix35.
On the other hand, it does stack-up as excellent value when compared with cars like the Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf.
But if space is a consideration, just wait until the seven-seat Dualis+2 arrives in July.
Likes:
Value; nicely styled; drives well; excellent quality
Dislikes:
Tight on space when full of people; baffling lack of diesel engine
