Nissan Dualis Reviews

The 'dual' in Nissan Dualis signifies its dual-purpose nature, a vehicle that's a crossover between a family hatchback and a compact 4WD.

If you can come to terms with the quirky CVT, this may be the car to move your people. New When car companies quizzed SUV fans about the importance of four-wheel drive the response was: not important at all. Potential buyers wanted a high-riding wagon with the space to carry kids and their kit. Nissan had an each-way

Dualis is dead, well, not really, it will be around until the new generation arrives soon when it will be called Qashqai (pronounced Cash Kai).

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the big questions including the one that really needs answering  -- would you buy one? What is it? Nissan's baby SUV with a diesel engine. It comes in two wheel drive form with a manual transmission only. How much? Priced from $30,290 it

More and more people are downsizing vehicles and that means even SUVs are getting smaller and more urban focused. The original tiddler, the Suzuki Jimny, is now ridiculously outdated and silly costly at $20,490, but the newly arrived Holden Trax and a run of others are providing good driving at prices close to the small cars that are providing their basics. They're all about the city and suburbs, which means front-wheel drive mostly instead of the all-wheel drive needed for Outback work.The current sales leader is the Hyundai ix35, based on deliveries of 11,021 cars in Australia through July, but things are changing on both size and refinement. We're also looking at a class where the Trax slides in below Holden's family-focused Captiva couple, the 5 and 7, and is more likely to be shopped against a Subaru XV or a Mitsubishi ASX or a Nissan Dualis. Even the ix35 is bigger and more adult than most compact shoppers want, and fits more easily into the bigger family class with its Kia Sportage clone, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.But back to the Trax, which looks good and has a funky name that will resonate with 20-something shoppers, as well as the Holden badge that works for security and that ‘Aussie’ tick. It's priced from $23,490 and makes the grade with everything from five-star safety to a reversing camera across the line, a 1.8-litre engine and an infotainment system with a seven-inch touch screen and imbedded Pandora, Tune-In Radio and the potential at extra cost for a navigation app called BringGo.If you're wondering about the basics of the Trax, they are shared with the Barina hatch, but the SUV twist means its similar in size to a Nissan Dualis and there has been plenty of local testing and development work to ensure it drives like a Holden.It's the Dualis that usually gets the Carsguide tick for people who want a small SUV that's really just a high-riding hatchback, although the Subaru XV looks best and would do much better if it had a worthwhile boot and a CVT transmission that did a better job with its 2-litre engine. As for the ASX, it's not as refined as its rivals and let's leave it at that.We also like the new Ford Kuga, particularly as a drive, although it's also rated in the bigger class where the Mazda CX-5 sets the pace on class and sales, with 11,731 deliveries to the end of July. There is plenty of upside in the Trax and Holden is predicting big things as it finally gets the baby SUV it has needed in recent years. Now we, and they, are just waiting for the full-sized family hauler that will eventually roll in above the Captiva.Holden Trax Price: from $23,490Output: 1.8-litre four, 103kW/175Nm; 5-spd manual/6-speed auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 7.0-7.6/100kmA funky new SUV contender that's going to do well in Australia, especially as it's a fun drive and reflects the improving quality of Holden's cars from Korea.Nissan Dualis Price: from $24,990Output: 2-litre four, 102kW/198Nm; 6-speed manual, CVT auto, front/all-wheel driveThirst: 8.1-8.4L/100kmA smart family choice and practical, with a Dualis+ for people who need more cabin space. Not as trendy as some, but solid, sensible and a nice ride.Subaru XVPrice: from $28,490Output: 2-litre four, 110kW/196Nm; 6-spd manual, CVT auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 7.3L/100kmA good looker with an impressive badge, but getting well up in price. Hurt worst by a tiny boot and a fiddly CVT auto that dulls the performanceMitsubishi ASXPrice: from $24,990Output: 2-litre four, 110kW/197Nm; 5/6 speed manual, CVT auto, front/all-wheel driveThirst: 5.8-7.9L/100kmTime has left the ASX well behind, despite chunky looks that appeal to some and an available diesel engine. It's just too rough and ready, especially as a city runabout.

The Dualis was a compact SUV aimed at the small car buyer wanting a higher seating position and a bit more luggage space than a conventional small sedan or hatch.NEWIt struggled when first launched in 2007, but the Series II update in 2010 realigned it closer to its target market with price shifts that brought it tantalising close to the hard-charging segment leaders.The main models were front-wheel drive wagons that gave small car buyers the choice of a wagon with the main benefits of an SUV, ie, the high driving position and the cabin space for luggage.Had you wanted you could have stepped up to a more highly equipped models, and for those who had a bigger tribe you could have a seven-seater.All came with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that pumped out 102 kW and 198 Nm when working at its peak. It ran on regular unleaded and had plenty of zip when required.The transmission options were a slick six-speed manual and a CVT auto that could be shifted manually thanks to predetermined gear settings that made it seem like a manual.Final drive was predominantly front-wheel drive in the 4x2 models, but for those who wanted the safety and feel of all-wheel drive could have it in the 4x4 models, which were equipped with an on-demand all-wheel system that fed drive to the front wheels when needed.All models were well equipped; even the base ST got alloy wheels, cruise, air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors and a tele-tilt column. For more the Ti gave you leather, six-stack CD sound, auto headlamps and wipers, Bluetooth connectivity.NOWOwners are generally content with their choice of the Dualis, but there are a few complaints that are worth noting for reference when checking a car before purchase.Some owners complain about the performance from the 2.0-litre engine, reporting that it struggles when loaded, and with 102 kW that's not surprising. If you are likely to be regularly driving with a load of kids or cargo load; pack your car when test-driving so you can get a feel for the performance and make up your own mind.Others are wary about the CVT transmission, and rightly so. While they have been around for decades, they have never been as widely used as they are today, and that means we're seeing more problems with them than ever before as carmakers sort out the glitches that arise.It's absolutely crucial to test-drive the car and put it through its paces under as many driving conditions as you can imagine, from parking speed to high speed, fast acceleration, low acceleration, overtaking etc. so you can get a good feel for the way the CVT operates.Some drivers have been concerned about the way the CVT drives. The idea of the CVT is to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range, and sometimes that feels like it revs quite a bit when it seems like it should be selecting a higher gear. It's just something you have to get used to.Brake wear is often raised as an issue and Dualis owners report that they get about 50,000 km out of a set of disc rotors and some feel that's not enough. The British build quality isn't as good as the Japanese is, and there are also reports of quality issues with a high wear rate on interior trim and plastic interior bits and pieces falling off.The trade gives the Dualis a guarded tick of approval, saying that it's reliable and durable, but it's let down a little by build quality and the relatively high cost of parts out of England compared to Japan.SMITHY SAYSDecent all-rounder for the family that wants more than a small car can deliver.Nissan Dualis 2010-2011Price new: $24,990 to $36,890Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 102 kW/198 NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, CVT; FWD, AWDEconomy: 8.6 L/100 km (CVT), 8.3 L/100 km (man)Body: 4-door wagonVariants: ST, Ti, +2 ST, +2 TiSafety: 5-star ANCAP 

YOUNG urban couples and matured-aged empty nesters have a new model to choose from in the booming sub-compact SUV segment.  Mitsubishi has entered the market with the ASX, a funky crossover between a small hatch and a compact SUV.Mitsubishi Motor Australia Chris Maxted says it is the sub-compact SUV segment (Nissan Dualis, VW Tiguan and Hyundai ix35) that is the driving force behind a 33 per cent hike in compact SUV sales so far this year. "This sub-compact SUV blurs the lines between light passenger cars and SUVs," he says.  "This is an emerging market that's not yet established and mature."He says ASX stands for Active Smart Crossover, not Australian Stock Exchange, and that the choice of name came down to RVR, which is used in Japan, or ASX which is used in the rest of the world."We liked both names but went for ASX," he says.  Call it what you like, it is a sexy little urbanite that doesn't mind getting its fingernails dirty occasionally and has attractive features with competitive price tags.Engines and gearboxesIt arrives with a choice of MMA's first passenger car diesel engine, a 1.8-litre turbodiesel with fuel economy less than six litres per 100km, or the proven two-litre petrol from the Lancer.The petrol engine consumers 7.7 litres of fuel per 100km in manual and 7.9L/100km in CVT, while the manual diesel gets 5.8L/10km, which compares with the Colt's 5.6.  Maxted says the diesel engine is Euro 5 compliant with emissions of 145g/km."We won't be at that level in Australia until maybe 2013 yet this already meets those standards," he says.  The all-alloy diesel engine has the same 110kW of peak power as the petrol engine, but has more than 100Nm of extra torque.Maxted says a diesel auto - not CVT - is being engineered and will arrive in about 18 months. Styling and fit-outStyling is very similar to the Concept cX which debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The ASX has the Mitsubishi face with that big "wow" mouth and Volvo-like arrow-shaped bonnet and a much more shapely rear end than on the Outlander.Maxted says they used a lot of noise suppression material in the construction to make the cabin quieter.  Inside, the vehicle is more car-like than SUV with plenty of soft touch plastics on the dashboard, armrests and doorsills."It gives a passenger-car feel," says Maxted.  "This market is coming out of passenger cars and used to that sort of feel."Thankfully, all models have telescopic steering, making it the only car in the Mitsubishi range with that facility.  The rear seats have a 60/40 split and fold down flat, while the cargo area has tie-down hooks and a space saver spare under the flat carpeted floor.Maxted says a full-size spare is available at about $200 but it lifts the cargo floor level.  "Our research shows these customers want space, but the option is there for a full-size spare; same as what we do with Lancer," he says.PricingWhile the ASX is not as cheap as the Nissan Dualis entry model ($24,990) it is cheaper than Hyundai ix35 ($26,990), but comes in three models, while the Nissan, Hyundai and VW have two models each.There are seven colours options, mainly from the Lancer palette, but with Titanium and the hero colour Kingfisher Blue.  MMA is limited in supply to about 350 a month because of demand from Europe.However, Maxted says they expect to sell about 500 a month next year when they get better supply.DrivingIt certainly looks young and funky. Inside, it's almost sexy with that dimpled rubbery soft-touch trim. The name almost spells SEX.Driving dynamics don't quite live up to that sexy image, but they aren't far off.  It is a lively handler that doesn't have the usual pitch and roll associated with top-heavy SUVs.There is only light understeer in two-wheel drive and even less in four-wheel-drive mode.  Spring rates are progressive with a plush initial stroke that absorbs sharp country road jolts.It doesn't bounce around and carry on after a big hit, but can be unsettled over a serious of complex road irregularities.  In AWD mode, it punts along quite nicely down a shady dirt lane, but the stability and traction controls are too heavy handed. You will have to switch them off, especially for hill ascents or you will be scrambling for momentum.The petrol engine is a proven unit from the Lancer, but it needs to be stirred with a manual gearbox. The CVT is too slow to kick down a step when needed.  First and second gears are a bit short in the diesel and the box is a bit graunchy.The diesel engine is a lusty beast with strong torque from 2500rpm, but it's raucous and clattery at idle and under acceleration. Not as bad as some Mitsubishi diesels and it does smooth out and quieten down on the highway.Steering is a little numb in the centre, but gains feel as you wind in turn. There is light torque steer in the 2WD, and even lighter in the 4WD or Aspire. For an urban vehicle, the turning circle is too wide.The car has a solid feel with no squeaks, rattles or bangs, even on crusty forest trails. However, cabin noise is louder than expected with plenty of buffeting on the windscreen, tyre howl and that clattery diesel engine.One final niggle is the reverse gear which is a bit of a reach for people with short arms and awkward to engage as you have to pull up a shaft sleeve.  It's ok for double-jointed gorillas, but difficult for young women who will form a large percentage of target buyers.

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You can pick the month circumstances changed for Nissan's Dualis urban crossover. Last September Nissan Australia slashed prices and introduced a two-wheel drive version to help bolster sales. The competent crossover had languished since its 2007 launch and was not striking a cord with buyers who continued to bypass it. But since Nissan's spring offensive, sales have been on the up. The company is now regularly recording more than 400 sales a month with the prospect of more now the sharply priced Series II version has arrived.Nissan Australia managing director, Dan Thompson, is confident that with good supply from Europe, Dualis sales can hit 500 a month and possibly go higher. "Our aspiration is to be over 500 a month," he says. "But we have supply constraints and in reality getting supply out of Europe is a challenge because the car is so successful there." He says the arrival of a two-wheel drive Dualis was helping sales. "People enjoy the high-up driving position, space and amenity compared to a normal hatch," he says.Who is it for?Thompson and his team have continued to refine the Dualis range but even he admits getting it on buyers' radar remains a challenge because of the market dominance of the X-Trail and Pathfinder. He says the marketing message for Dualis will be better broadcasted and targeted at compact crossover buyers. "We will fix that," he says.Thompson says the Dualis is aimed at two segments, the upper end of the small car segment and the compact off-roader segment. He sees people cross-shopping between cars are diverse as a Mazda3 and Hyundai ix35. "The sub-$30,000 pricepoint will bring in many different buyers," he says. "We expect to mix things up in the hatch and crossover segments."PricingThis time around, the ST all-wheel drive has been dropped from the Series II makeover. The front drive Dualis starts at $24,990 for the ST six-speed manual, or $26,990 driveaway. The front drive luxury Ti manual is $29,690.All-paw traction it is now only available in the luxury Ti, which starts at $31,890 for the six-speed manual. Minor aerodynamic improves have delivered a small gain in fuel economy from the carryover 102/198Nm 2.0-litre four cylinder. Likewise, the six-speed manual and CVT automatic continue.Styling and equipmentVisually the mid-life update brings a new grille and tail-lights, revised interior and more equipment. The entry ST gains new 16-inch alloys, steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth added to the already extensive standard equipment list. The luxury Ti gets the bulk of extra gear, from panoramic sunroof, keyless start, 18-inch alloys and dual-zone climate control.On the wayA Seven-seater Dualis will join the range in July. Like its five-seater sibling, the Dualis+2 will be available in either front or all wheel drive in ST and Ti models and shares its 2.0-litre four cylinder engine.The seven-seater is 211mm longer and has a 135mm longer wheelbase, which translates into more rear seat room. The third row seats fold flat and are suitable for children. Luggage space has also increased to 550 litres with the seats up and 1520 litres with the third and second row seats folded flat.At $29,990, the seven-seater is $2500 more than the ST five-seater. The front-drive Ti is $34,690 while an all-wheel drive Ti Dualis +2 is $36,890.DrivingThe Dualis has never reached the dizzying heights of its European brother, the Qashqai – which has notched up more than 500,000 sales in Europe.The Dualis struggled initially when it was launched here in 2007 but it's finally gaining traction after a rethink and repositioning by Nissan Australia. It's the right size, it is well built and well packaged, and Nissan has finally given it a pricepoint to seriously challenge the compact crossover segment.This time around, with the two-wheel drive gaining momentum, the Dualis is moving out of showrooms in increasing numbers.We drove the top-end Ti AWD model, which won't break the bank even if you spring for the extra luxury. The six-speed manual Ti AWD is $31,480, right at the starter end of some notable rivals like the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. You need to move up a grade or two with its rivals before you get the gear you see on the Ti.The Ti gets all the fruit, incl. heated leather seats, climate control, panoramic glass roof, keyless start, smart 18-inch alloys and lots of other gear. The ride and handling is what you expect of a well-sorted Euro-compact off-roader. The steering has the right amount of feel and the suspension copes easily with our roads.The initial firmness gives way to a well-composed ride at highway speeds. Like the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Dualis has a precise, almost hatch-like ride and does not wallow about. The acoustic windscreen and extra sound deadening between the engine and interior has made a noticeable difference in lowering cabin noise. The easier-to-read trip computer and instruments are also welcome.The biggest letdown, if you could call it that, is the 2.0-litre engine. With 102kW to push around a pretty hefty, but safe, body that weighs around 1482kg in the Ti, you need to use the most of the six-speed manual to keep it on the boil. The 2.0-litre is fine around town but ask for some eager overtaking and you'll have to push it high into the rev range to get some action.The Dualis is the right price, right specifications and now all it needs is the right engine. Nissan Australia should fast track the Renault-sourced 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre European turbo-diesel engines, which are still about 12 months away.Nissan Dualis Series IIPrice: From $24,990 ST 2WD, $29,690 Ti 2WDOn sale: NowEngine: 2.0-litre four cylinderOutput: 102kW at 5200 revs, 198Nm at 4400 revsTransmission: Six-speed manual or CVT automaticEconomy: 8.1 litres/100km (8.2 CVT)Emissions: 192 g/km (195g/km CVT)

It put the soft-roader under the microscope, trimming prices and aggressively repositioning the starting-price ST and luxury Ti.  Most importantly, it introduced a front-wheel drive model of the Dualis and pitched it as a grown-up hatch.Has it worked?  Well, so far this year Nissan Australia has sold 1472 Dualises, against the running total last year — all-wheel drive only, remember — of 2396. That's a slump of 38 per centThat's not an encouraging figure, even taking into account the impact of the economic crisis.  The Dualis remains a hard sell for Nissan and Carsguide does not really understand why, given the fact that it is a huge seller in Europe.It is a competent and roomy performer and the lower-cost front-drive model priced from $24,990 means it should be selling a lot better.  We suspect it's all in the name. Some buyers, swamped with the better- known compact off-roaders like the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, probably still think the Dualis is some type of kitchen appliance. Even the respected X-Trail SUV, for a few thousand more, overshadows the smaller Nissan.When Nissan Australia launched the all-wheel drive Dualis last year prices started at $28,990. Today the all-wheel drive ST is $2000 cheaper and the sharply priced front driver is in Corolla territory.You now can get an entry six-speed manual front-drive ST for $24,990 with the CVT auto adding $2500.  The all-wheel drive ST will set you back $26,990 while the luxury Ti front driver starts at $27,990.  The savings are even better on the AWD Ti with prices trimmed by $4000 for the manual and $3500 for the CVT.At $29,990 for the AWD manual, the Ti now undercuts its luxury competition.  For this money you get a comprehensively equipped crossover hatch with a 2.0-litre engine, five-star crash rating and loads of space.Nissan Australia's chief executive officer, Dan Thompson, says adding a front-wheel drive into the mix will lure hatchback buyers who want space and practicality but who do not need an all-wheel drive.  He is right but Nissan's approach is not new.Hyundai, Kia, Renault and Mazda all now have front-wheel drive versions of their crossovers.  You can get a Tucson, Sportage, Koleos and CX-7 without the heavy and expensive all-wheel-drive package.So the compact SUV segment is a cut-throat segment where buyers take no prisoners and Nissan is discovering this with the Dualis.  Despite the price cut, equipment levels remain unchanged, as does the engine lineup.The wagon's all-aluminium four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine generates 102kW and 198Nm with acceptable rather than exceptional performance. With 188mm of ground clearance you're also less likely to crunch the bumper on high kerbs or gutters when parking.  For families, there is plenty of space in the back.The load area swallows 410 litres of luggage and with the 60/40 rear seats folded flat space grows to 1513-litres.  As the bread and butter version, the ST comes with cloth seats. The Ti gains leather upholstery and steering wheel, heated seats and six- stacker in-dash CD stereo.The Ti also gets steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, foglights, trip computer, front passenger under seat storage drawer, rear armrest and sliding front console armrest. When I first drove the updated Dualis I was impressed. The price was good, the package seemed right, and the car drove well on a brief sprint around the beachside suburbs in Sydney.  But ...Now I have driven it on home ground, as a Ti with CVT transmission, and I'm far less impressed. The Dualis wobbles around corners, the performance is dowdy, and I wonder how Nissan expects it to compete with a Toyota RAV4 or a Honda CR-V or the class leading Subaru Forester.For a start, it still maintains that it is a hatchback. And a car.  It's not, it's an SUV wagon and that means it has to compete with the other SUV wagons. And they are a tough crew with a lot of history and a lot of strengths.Looking deeper into the Dualis, the cabin is very roomy and - as tested at a bit over $30,000 - it has all the stuff you need. Leather trim, a punchy sound system, a reasonable-sized back end and space for three teenagers in the back.  It is easy to park, visibility is excellent and the weighting of the power steering, power of the aircon and function of the minor controls is all good. Just as you would expect in a Nissan.But it is very dozy when you pull away from a stop sign and, with the constantly-variable automatic transmission, the 2-litre engine never gets to show its best. It needs to be revved to get going but the gearbox works against you, even for highway overtaking.  I remember the manual being much better on the preview drive and it would be my gearbox choice.As for the front-drive package, no-one who drives the Dualis is going to miss the all-paw grip. It's never remotely challenged in corners and few owners will take it to the beach.So, overall, the Dualis is a solid contender but not a standout. There is enough good stuff about it to win people to the car, so perhaps the relative failure is down to the styling and name. I'm a bit confused by this car. It's supposed to be a small car but lots of the time the Dualis feels quite big.  When you stand beside the Dualis it doesn't seem that big, but when you get inside it's really roomy. There is plenty of space for five, or a couple of youngsters in the back with all their toys.The leather seats are nicely designed, and comfortable. But you can feel the cheapness as soon as you open the boot, just looking at the finish and smelling the cabin.When you start driving, particularly in a tight corner, it feels really big and that's not something I like in a small car.  When go around a corner you feel like you're driving a tank. But it has a really good turning circle because it is only a little car.  And I felt like I was driving it with the handbrake on the whole time. Maybe the turbo wasn't cutting in - but it doesn't have one - so it could be the slightly-strange CVT transmission thing.  I hate that the locking for the doors is in the centre console and what's with the seat heaters in Australia? Wouldn't it be better to have an automatic boot release or a latch to let the seats fold down from the boot instead?For me, it is actually quite a good car for the starting price. And versatile too. But I don't think it's as good as some of its opposition, including the Subaru Outback.THE BOTTOM LINE: Not a bad car, but not a threat to the class champions.