Review: Nissan J10 Dualis+2 (2010-13)

Review: Nissan J10.II Dualis+2 (2010-12)

Overview

Released in July 2010, the Nissan J10 Series II (J10.II) Dualis+2 was a seven-seat SUV. Manufactured in Sunderland, England, the Dualis+2 was available in front- and all-wheel drive. All models, however, were powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a continuously variable transmission with six-preset ratios (Nissan’s ‘X-Tronic’). The Dualis+2 was also available in two variants: ST (front-wheel drive only) and Ti.

Based on Nissan’s C platform and sold in Europe as the Qashqai+2, the Dualis+2 had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. Compared to the closely related J10 Dualis , the Dualis+2 was 226 mm longer (at 4541 mm), the same width (1783 mm), 23 mm taller (1646 mm) and had a 135 mm longer wheelbase (2765 mm). The Dualis+2 also had longer rear doors for easier access to the third row of seats and bigger brakes.

AWD systemsystem

The AWD models were fitted with Nissan’s ‘All Mode 4×4’ system, which enabled the driver to select from ‘2WD’, ‘Auto’ and ‘Lock’ modes. In ‘2WD’, the Dualis was strictly front-wheel drive; in ‘Auto’, the Dualis was primarily front-wheel drive vehicle, but could re-direct torque to the rear axle in the event of slippage; and, ‘Lock’ involved a permanent 50:50 front:rear torque split. The AWD models were also equipped with a limited slip rear differential.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Dualis +2 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for all three rows), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with load limiters and pretensioners.

Features

Standard features for the Dualis +2 ST included 16-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, cooled glovebox, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a multi-function steering wheel with rake and reach adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlet, roof rails, rear cargo blind and immobiliser. Inside, the middle row of seats could slide forward and featured a 40/20/40 split-fold; the third row of seats was only suitable for small children, but could also be folded flat into the floor.

Compared to the ST, the Dualis +2 Ti was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, heated front seats, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, panoramic sunroof with blind, rain-sensing wipers, automatic head lights, proximity key, rear privacy glass and trip computer.

Related links

• Brochure: Nissan J10.II Dualis+2 (July 2011)

Review: Nissan J10.III Dualis+2 (2012-13)

Overview

Released in May 2012, the J10 Series III (J10.III) Dualis+2 introduced a revised range as the all-wheel drive Ti was discontinued and a new range-topping Ti-L variant was introduced (see table below).

Features

Compared to its J10.II predecessor, standard features for the J10.III Dualis were extended to include auxiliary audio inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod) and Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and trip computer. The cooled glovebox, however, was omitted.

For the Dualis+2 Ti, the six speaker sound system with its six-disc CD player was replaced by a four speaker unit which had a single-disc player.

Compared to the Ti variant, the newly-introduced Dualis +2 Ti-L was further equipped with a satellite navigation system and Nissan’s ‘Around View Monitor’ parking assist system which utilised four separate cameras to project a bird’s eye view of the vehicle onto the central display.

May 2013: Dualis+2 update

In May 2013, standard features were extended to include 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation and a reversing camera.

Brochure

• Brochure: Nissan J10.III Dualis and Dualis+2 (June 2013)

Related links

• Specifications: Nissan J10.III Dualis and Dualis+2 (May 2013)
• Nissan News: Nissan Strengthens Dualis Line-Up With Diesel Variant (April 2013)
• Wikipedia.org: Nissan Qashqai/Dualis (first generation)