Nissan Dualis / Nissan Qashqai

The sporty Nissan Dualis made its debut in Australia in 2006. While the Dualis also goes by the name of Qashqai, the Australian market chose to stick with the Dualis front until 2014. Nissan had every intention of keeping this crossover SUV readily available for rough-terrain adventures. As it is equipped with a great suspension and moderate ground clearance, it promised a smooth ride on both urban and rural terrains. 

Both generations provided reliable performance and flexibility while dominating their market. However, in the 1^st generation of the Dualis, there were numerous safety recalls and complaints from drivers about steering issues, mechanical components, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The 1st Generation (2006-2013) Dualis

The 1^st generation of Nissan’s Dualis was a great platform to continue their move to dominate the crossover SUV market. The Dualis was built on Nissan’s C (Renault) platform, which was first implemented into the Nissan Lafesta. Nissan's Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura and Design Excellence Manager Darryl Scriven led the design process. The 1^st generation offered two versions of platform petrol and three versions of diesel-powered engines.

• 1.6L HR16DE I4 (petrol) a straight-4 engine producing 77-88kW (104-117hp), with 158 Nm (117lb/ft) of torque at 4000rpm 
• 2.0L MR20DE I4 (petrol) an under square straight-4 fully aluminium engine producing 103kW (138hp), with 193 Nm (117lb/ft) of torque at 4800rpm 

Both petrol options were available with Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT transmission. 

• 1.5L K9K I4 (diesel) an inline-4 engine producing 79kW (106hp), capable of producing 260Nm (192lb/ft) of torque 
• 1.6L R9M I4 (diesel) a straight-4 engine producing 96kW (128hp), and a hefty amount of torque at 320Nm (236 lb/ft) at 4000rpm 
• 2.0L M9R I4 (diesel) A straight-4 fully aluminium engine producing 110kW (148hp), with 340Nm (251 lb/ft) of torque at 4000rpm 

All three diesel options were available in CVT automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions. 

The newer improvements to the petrol DE platform engines in 2011 helped, viz.:

• Stabilize the neutral idle control in sync with the CVT transmissions
• Add an alternator regenerative control module
• Machine the camshaft to be even smoother with a coating of fluorine applied to the chain guide
• Modify the conversion angle modified of the C-VTC producing delayed valve closure timing on the intake
• Set a lower idling speed

Trim Levels

Six trim options were available during the 1^st generation: Visia, Acenta, Acenta Premium, N-Tec, N-Tec+, and Tekna.

The base trim included basics such as cruise control, electric and heated door mirrors, manual air conditioning and manual headlight and wipers. The Acenta trim provides a leather-finished steering wheel and “gear know” (with the manual gearbox), dual climate control, and automatic headlights and wipers. The N-Tec boasted their one-of-a-kind Smart Vision software which offered traffic sign recognition, an anti-dazzle rearview mirror, lane departure monitors, and parking sensors. The N-Tec+ also came with factory satellite navigation and a DAB radio. The highest trim level available was the Tekna which added on heated front seats. 

Safety Ratings

The ANCAP awarded the Dualis an average of 31.83 out of 37 points for a 4-star rating. The ANCAP reported a frontal offset of 15.83 out of 16 points; a side-impact score of 16 out of 16 points; 0 out of 3 seatbelt reminders and dual frontal airbags only. 

The 2^nd Generation (2014-Present) Qashqai

The Qashqai was introduced in London November 7, 2013, and premiered at the Brussels International Motor Show in January 2014. While the 1^st generation Dualis was still available in Australia at the debut of the Qashqai nameplate, they continued to be sold alongside one another. The release of the 2^nd generation Qashqai offered four petrol and two diesel-powered engines.

• 1.2L HR12DDT [turbo] (petrol) a straight-4 engine producing 85kW (114hp), with 190Nm (140lb/ft) of torque 
• 1.6L MR16DDT [turbo] (petrol) a straight-4 fully aluminum engine producing 120kW (161hp), with 240Nm (177lb/ft) of torque
• 2.0L MR20DE (petrol) a straight-4 fully aluminum engine producing 110kW (148hp), with 200Nm (148lb/ft) of torque
• 2.0L MR20DD (petrol) a straight-4 fully aluminum engine producing 108kW (145hp), with 201Nm (148lb/ft) of torque 
• 1.5L K9K I4 (diesel) an inline-4 engine producing 81kW (108hp), capable of producing 260Nm (192lb/ft) of torque 
• 1.6L R9M I4 (diesel) a straight-4 engine producing 96kW (128hp), and a hefty amount of torque at 320Nm (236 lb/ft) at 4000rpm 

Both petrol and diesel options offered 6-speed manual and 6-speed CVT automatic transmissions. 

Trim Levels

The trim levels available for the 2^nd generation were labeled as the S, the SV, the SL, and the Tekna Plus. 

The base trim (S) offered your typical steel wheels, daytime running lights, tyre pressure alerts, LED turn signal indicators, six-way driver seat config, heated mirrors, and a stylish 12.5cm (5”) double-din display. The SV will offer a power moonroof, remote start, LED headlamps, and bigger 43.2cm (17”) alloy wheels, heated steering wheel, leather shift knob, cruise control, and a cargo organizer system. The 3^rd premium package (SL) offered a 17.8cm (7”) double-din display, a 360° parking camera, leather seats, moving object detection, and even larger 48.3cm (19”) alloy wheels with painted pockets. 

The top-of-the-line Tekna Plus package, with a new leather seating design, will offer enhanced lumbar support, eye-catching 48.3cm (19") diamond-cut alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, glossy silver roof rails, and mirror caps. Inside the Tekna package, you'll also find an enhanced sound system and a special NissanConnect Evo touchscreen navigation and entertainment system.

Safety Ratings

The ANCAP awarded the Qashqai an outstanding 36.56 out of 37 points for a 5-star rating. The ANCAP reported standard front, side and head airbags, a frontal offset of 15.56 out of 16 points, and a  side-impact score of 16 out of 16 points. 

If you’re in the market for accessories or replacement parts for your Nissan Qashqai or looking to buy or sell auto parts, connect with thousands of buyers and sellers across Australia using Carpart.com.au! 

Author: Ashleigh McAllister