- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.6DT, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
96kW, 320Nm
- Fuel
Diesel 4.5L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2013 Nissan Dualis TS Diesel Snapshot Review
2013 NISSAN DUALIS REVIEW
Vehicle Style: Small SUV
Engine/trans: 96kW/320Nm 1.6 turbodiesel 4cyl / 6sp manual
Price: $29,990 (plus on-roads)
Fuel Economy claimed: 4.5 l/100km | tested: 5.4 l/100km
OVERVIEW
It’s taken a while, but Nissan has finally added a diesel-powered variant to the Dualis range. Until now, the Dualis had been a petrol-only offering.
And it’s about time too. While we’ve long regarded the Dualis as one of the more appealing buys in the small SUV category, it has been hamstrung by a lack of powertrain choices and a lack of ‘oomph’ under the bonnet.
Performance from the standard 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine is best described as “adequate”. Put a full load of passengers and cargo aboard, and acceleration and general driveability suffers.
Now, happily, a torque-laden diesel under the bonnet of the Dualis TS rectifies this.
NOTE: This is a 'snapshot' review of the Dualis. For more detailed reviews, see our Nissan Dualis page.
THE INTERIOR
The Dualis is getting on - its replacement isn’t far away - and the interior is starting to look dated. There are also some shortcomings in its layout and style.
Our main complaint lies with the positioning of the nav unit in the centre console. It’s too low, and needs to be moved closer to the driver’s eye-line.
The absence of rear face-level air outlets is also a shortcoming for what purports to be a family vehicle.
And, while it looked ok when it arrived as a fresh new model some years back, the interior now seems a little bland.
Styling fashions change quickly at this end of the market, but, that said, materials and plastics appear of a high quality and build-quality also appears good.
On the plus side, it’s loaded with equipment. Sat nav, reversing camera, cruise control, Bluetooth integration and 17-inch alloys are all standard, making it exceptional value for a smart sub-$30k SUV.
The front seats are spacious and comfortable, but there’s a shortfall of under-thigh support in the back. For a couple of adults and two young kids though, it’s perfect.