The Nissan Dualis will debut a diesel engine and score new features when 2013 update models arrive in May.
The Renault-sourced 96kW/320Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine will be available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and in a single front-wheel-drive Dualis TS trim.
Priced from $29,990 before on-road costs, the Nissan Dualis TS diesel adds fog lights, rear privacy glass and exterior chrome highlights over the $25,990 Dualis ST petrol manual on which it’s based.
Stop-start technology helps the Dualis TS diesel use a claimed 4.5 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, making it one of the most frugal SUV models on the market.
Nissan Australia says it has no current plans to introduce an automatic version of the Dualis diesel, but has flagged its interest in a self-shifting oiler with Nissan headquarters in Japan. The 1.6-litre diesel is not currently available with an auto transmission in the Dualis anywhere in the world.
A 2.0-litre diesel is available overseas with a six-speed auto, although Nissan Australia corporate communications manager Peter Fadeyev said the local division was not looking to add a second diesel engine to the range.
The entry-level Dualis ST – now $1000 more than before – benefits from satellite navigation and a reversing camera, making both features standard across the updated 2013 range. The ST also benefits from new 17-inch alloy wheels.
The mid-spec Dualis Ti has been discontinued; the Dualis Ti-L continues as the flagship model in the compact crossover range.
