Nissan Dualis safety rating questioned
Nissan’s decision to drop airbags from Australian cars may cost it the top safety ratings, reports STEVE COLQUHOUN.
A five-star European crash result for Nissan's compact crossover, the Dualis, may not apply to cars sold in Australia from December, an expert has warned.
Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) council chairman Ross McArthur cautioned that Nissan's decision to drop airbags from the base-model Dualis could damage its safety record.
The Dualis - sold in Asia and Europe as the Qashqai - got its five stars based on a model fitted with six airbags: front driver and passenger bags, plus side body and head bags.
The base model in the Australian range will be the Dualis ST, fitted with two front airbags. Four extra side airbags can be specified as part of a $2000 option.
"If the car comes to Australia . . . it may be that it wouldn't get five stars," Mr McArthur said.