Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the new revised Dualis, which goes on sale August 27th at Nissan dealers in Japan.
Since its debut in May 2007, the European-designed Dualis has been highly valued by customers for its unique exterior styling, which projects a sense of its agile, nimble and dynamic driving feel. The European version of Dualis, known as Qashqai, has been one of Nissan’s best-selling models there for three consecutive years – with total sales exceeding 600,000 units since its release.
The Japan-market Dualis now receives a number of refinements focused on the exterior, interior and improved fuel economy. On the exterior, the redesigned front grille gives a bolder look, which emphasizes its width, while an improved luxury feel is provided by the use of new chrome outside door handles. Exterior colors are all renewed, including the addition of Brilliant White Pearl – which has been requested by customers.
In the interior, large-diameter meters have been adopted for better visibility and an improved luxury feel, and a vehicle information display system is newly provided to display moment fuel consumption, upcoming maintenance schedules and various other information.
The fuel efficiency of Dualis 2WD models has been improved through modifications to the engine controls and the XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). All grades now meet the tax break measures provided in Japan’s “tax system to promote the diffusion of environmentally friendly vehicles” implemented in April 2009, thereby qualifying for 50% reductions in the automobile acquisition tax and the automobile weight tax in 2WD models and 75% in a 4WD model*1. In addition, actual fuel-efficiency is improved by adopting various functions in which the vehicle supports the driver’s eco-drive.
Dualis’ vehicle grade system is also partly renewed.
1. Refined Exterior
The enhancements to the Dualis exterior are apparent right up front, where the bold new front grille design emphasizes the vehicle’s width, with V-shaped plating in the center. Other refinements include new chrome outside door handles and six all-new exterior colors including a new color, Brilliant White Pearl three-coat pearl paint.
New 18-inch tires and aluminum-alloy wheels with improved premium and sporty feeling are also added (optional on 20G/20G FOUR combined with VDC).
2. Enhanced Interior
The Dualis interior receives a number of enhancements as well, starting with the adoption of large-diameter meters for improved visibility. Plated rings add to the meters’ luxury feel. A class-leading 3.6-inch vehicle information display, placed in the center of the instrument panel, features a trip computer function which shows fuel-efficiency and the current driving range, a maintenance function which tells the driver when to change engine oil or tires, and a warning information function. A small glove box, perfect for storing a mobile phone or portable music player, is located in the center cluster. ISOFIX child safety seat anchors are equipped in both sides of rear seats as standard equipment.
3. Eco-drive Support Function
The new Dualis adds a number of Eco-drive support functions, which coordinate engine and CVT operations to help improve fuel economy. Smooth Acceleration Assist corrects driver’s acceleration operation and assists smooth and fuel-efficient start-up.
Adoption of Smart-rev Control helps maintain constant engine revolutions to help avoid uneven speed changes, contributing to enhanced actual fuel-efficiency. In addition, the Navigation-linked Speed Control system optimizes engine braking to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption by providing route-information via the on-board navigation system – including information on the upcoming curves and the distance to the next tollgate (available on vehicles equipped with the CARWINGS Navigation system.
