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Nissan has given us advance information on a major makeover to be performed on its Dualis in the first few months of 2010. This is more than simply a basic facelift, because every visible body component forward of the windscreen is new.
The Dualis' revised bonnet shape not only gives it a bolder look, but, working with other changes, also helps improve the aerodynamics. A reduction in the coefficient of drag from 0.34 to 0.33 may not sound like much, but every little bit helps when it comes to reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Inside, the visual changes are minor, chiefly a revision to the instruments and the LCD display screen for the trip computer. But, there are other changes to the Dualis that are only visible at night – and even one that's not visible at all.
Intrigued? Well, the in-cabin ambient lighting has been given a softer look and has been extended to illuminate the front footwells. Nissan assures us this will give occupants a warmer feeling upon entering the car at night. This is something we have seen in the latest generation of some upmarket European saloons, and it does work. So there's every chance Nissan is on the right track. We will road test one of the new Dualis models as soon as they arrive in Australia and report our feelings then.
The invisible change to the interior of the Nissan Dualis is the use of a new ‘acoustic’ windscreen that helps damps sounds and vibrations outside the vehicle.
The new windscreen is part of a package of items to improve refinement. There's also a new type of insulation in the firewall and revised rubber seals between the windscreen and the front doors.
Previous reviews we have carried out on the still-current Nissan Dualis shows its ride comfort is pretty well sorted out, though the suspension is firm in the European manner to give good handling. Dualis is almost car-like in the way it reacts and feels, though you do sense it has higher centre of gravity than a passenger car. The front seats have a nice blend of support and comfort.
Dualis features good interior space in all seats and a reasonably large, practically-shaped rear load area. The rear seats have a 60/40 split and the luggage area is good for a vehicle of this type.
The makeover just described will apply to both the Dualis AWD and the front-wheel drive version, the Dualis Hatch.
Australian imports of the new Nissan Dualis are tentatively set to begin in May 2010.
Interestingly, the frontal changes are shared with another Dualis model that's not currently sold in Australia – a long-wheelbase seven-seat version called Dualis+2. Nissan Australia says the success of the Dualis in five-seat format means it's now seriously considering the extended variant. The French are very much in love with this style of vehicle and Nissan's close relationship with Renault will come into play here.
Also under consideration for the new model is the option of a turbo-diesel engine.
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