Nissan exposes its Dualis personality

NISSAN has taken the wraps off three models – the Dualis, Micra and revised 350Z.

The first of the new nameplates, Dualis, which was launched in Europe recently as the Qashqai, is designed to shake up the small hatchback market as well as the compact off-roader segment.

Due to go on sale in Australia late this year, the Dualis is offered in Europe with a 85kW/160Nm 1.6-litre and 104kW/200Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine, as well as 79kW/240Nm 1.5-litre and 112kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel powerplants mated to either six-speed manual or six-speed CVT automatics.

The 2.0-litre engines are mated to Nissan’s All-Mode 4WD system. Nissan claims the Dualis sits between a hatch and compact SUV, being typically 100mm longer than a hatch but 150mm shorter than a compact SUV. It has a wheelbase of 2630mm and is 1610mm tall, 1780mm wide and 4310mm long.

Also on show is the much-talked-about 1.4-litre Micra hatch, which joins the Nissan line-up late this year.

The updated 350Z rounds off the newest Nissan offerings, with a more powerful 230kW 3.5-litre V6 and updated exterior and interior. The 350Z goes on sale next month.

Read more:

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New engine headlines modest changes to 350Z

Nissan tipped to make major Micra commitment