Big and small for Nissan

Nissan’s Micra is back. After a few years away, Nissan has reintroduced its entry level hatch with a distinctive look and a starting price of $14,990.

A standard 72kW 1.4-litre engine matched with a four-speed automatic, other features include air-con, keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, MP3 compatible CD, and the safety double of dual airbags and ABS.

A $1700 option pack adds dual side and curtain airbags, six-CD stacker and 15-inch alloys. The dramatic styling and bold colours; pink is on the Sydney Motor Show stand, which marks the Micra as a stand-out in both spec and price.

A little larger is Nissan’s Dualis, a compact five-door crossover that’s smaller than X-Trail, Murano and Patrol.

Dimensionally, DUALIS sits between small car hatchbacks and SUVs, it runs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 102kW with a six-speed manual or CVT with six-speed manual mode. Its all-wheel drive system has three modes selected via a switch, from two-wheel drive to 50:50 4WD. Prices start from $28,990 for ST up to $35,990 for the Ti with CVT.

Finally, Nissan’s new, larger X-Trail made its debut and the base ST model’s price remains at $31,990. Standard spec includes ESP, side airbags, air-con, 16-inFch wheels and Nissan’s intelligent 4x4-i system.

The ST-L and Ti models get 17-inch alloys, climate control, six-CD stacker with MP3 compatibility, while a sunroof, heated seats and rear parking sensors are reserved for Ti. The ST-L is $35,990 while the Ti starts at $38,990. CVT is available on both models for an extra $2000.

See these cars at the Australian International Motor Show