2008 Nissan Dualis Specifications
October 12, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
Nissan has released details of the company’s latest model, the five-door crossover Dualis. The car which Nissan says will sit between small hatchbacks and SUVs, is destined for showrooms in December.
First impressions might tell you the Dualis is pitched against the likes of Suzuki’s ever-popular SX4 Hatch, but it’s not, there is about a $10,000 price difference. However the Nissan is powered by a similar engine, a small 2.0-litre petrol producing 102kW (5200rpm) and 198Nm of torque (4500rpm), which is less power than the SX4 (but more torque).
The crossover is available in either a six speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with six-speed M-Mode. The CVT option should put the Dualis well ahead of its competition.
“DUALIS is the first true compact crossover, it combines the flexibility of a compact hatch with the functionality of an SUV. The DUALIS offers great driving dynamics for around town and has the versatility of a command driving position and ALL MODE 4×4 system for outdoor pursuits,” Nissan’s marketing general manager, Ross Booth said.
It has a wheelbase of 2630 mm, it is 1623 mm tall, 1783 mm wide and 4315 mm long. That makes it roughly 100mm longer than your average hatchback yet 150 mm shorter than a typical SUV.
The Dualis uses Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4×4 system which uses advanced electronics to distribute power accordingly, similar to the Suzuki SX4 Hatch, the Dualis comes with three modes:
- 2WD – permanently set in front-wheel drive,
- 4WD – permanent four-wheel drive mode with drive split 50:50 front to rear.
- ‘select-and-forget’ Auto – A mixture of 2WD and 4WD depending on traction, the Nissan’s computers can work out which wheels need more/less power.
In Auto mode, the car’s sensors linking the engine’s ECU with the four-wheel drive and ABS controller constantly monitor wheel slippage and automatically send signals to the electromagnetic centre clutch mounted just ahead of the rear axle to apportion torque correctly.
The Nissan comes with VDC (ESP) (standard on Ti models and optional on ST). Additionally you get disc brakes all round with ABS as well as Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
There are two variants at launch. The entry-level ST and the range topping Ti.
Nissan Dualis ST
Priced from $28,990 for the manual, the ST comes standard with dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, power windows and mirrors, in-dash single CD player, remote central locking, cruise control and air conditioning. CVT and VDC are both offered as a separate $2,000 option.
Buyers opting out for the VDC option (it’s well worth it) also receive dual side and curtain airbags and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Nissan Dualis Ti grade
Priced at $33,990 for the six-speed manual, the Ti grade includes all the features of the ST as well as heated power front leather seats, six-stack in-dash CD player with bluetooth compatibility, VDC and dual side and curtain airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, auto headlamps and rain sensing wipers. An extra $2,000 will get you the CVT transmission.
Print it: 
Nice, much better then squared up plain X-Trail as has more character and class.
This will most likely be the one i was *going* to replace our X Trail S2 with.
The thing that is alarming is the price, its only $2k less than the X Trail.I will wait till Nissan starting doing deals with them and slash the price as they have with the Tiida
Cheers
F-0
Just read your report.
Your correct, its a Suzuki SX4 comp., its WAY overpriced, the TI should be $25k DRIVEAWAY.
Like Marano, Navara, Patrol, X Trail, Tiida, they WILL cut the price soon enough to reach some sales target.
Frankly they should be up front with it and cut the price now
Cheers
F-0
Highest Euro NCAP result ever…
Agreed it’s very expensive, or should come with the CVT for that price.
These things are like hybrid bicycles, a compromise onroad and useless off it. I suppose they are allright for negotiating the speed humps at the mall.
its designed for all the soccer mums of the world so all they’ll look at is the safety rating and the fact it looks safe and they’ll be happy.
When i first saw the pictures i thought it was the Munaro but its not. Does look like one though, but shrunk.
The Suzuki SX4 would be a better choice to buy, they look better, more performance, cheaper and have a racing heritage as long as the great wall of china ..
We already have this in the UK. Here its called a Qashqai. Dualis sounds like a domestic toaster (Dualit)
Its Ok but not that big or usable as the x-trail.
I would say the Toyota RAV4 is better but more money. The Suzuki SX4 is utter balls
It doesn’t really do it for me, but it DOES however have my wife all hot and bothered.. and somehow i think thats probably the point
We always get the low spec versions at a higher price. What a rip-off. They get a nice 2.5 litre engine and probably other nice stuff as well for the base model. I think 2.0 litre is a bit under powered for such a heavy car.
The base model in the US gets a 2.5 litre engine and CVT. It costs US$19,250 which is equivalent to AUD$21,500. They are selling a 2 litre version here for $29,000 and CVT costs an extra $2000. Shafted!
i have just purchased one in Australia, and I am happy with it so far. There have been the usual factory issues under warranty but, I use it for business, and it is returning amazing fuel economy, and excellent power:weight. It can move when it is pushed, and has plenty of room for a new family. I am proud of my purchase.
I have had this car for the last 6 months in japan and it is a better car than others in its price range. good price good looks and good performance what more do you want
I got mine in November last year (2008) & haven’t had a single problem with it. In fact, I love it & am talking my sister into getting one.
It’s easy to do the comparisons to other brands/models on paper, but at the end of the day it comes down to how well it handles for you & how comfortable you are in the car.
If you really intend to go off the beaten track & do some hardcore 4 wheel driving, you wouldn’t be looking at this car. But for my use – city driving with a bit of offroad dirt tracks on the weekends – it’s PERFECT!