Nissan Dualis Ti Review

After test driving the Mitsubishi ASX, I moved onto the Nissan stable.  The Dualis has the option of the +2 model with extra seating, however for our purposes this is too big.  The Ti model is the top of the range with all of the comparable specifications of the ASX, without the Sat Nav dash interface.  Interesting to note, that even though you will not find Sat Nav as an option in any of the Nissan brochures, I spoke to the sales manager and you can ask to have a unit installed (From memory it was $1600 or $1800?).  The model that they use for the install is the same as you will find in the Nissan x-trail.

Nissan Dualis

The Dualis Ti also offers the panoramic glass roof top with electronic shutter as standard.  As noted in the ASX review post, this is extra for the Mitsubishi vehicle.  Comparing the boot space of the Dualis and the ASX you will certainly notice you get more space in the Dualis for the groceries, golf clubs or kids sporting equipment.  The leg room in the Dualis is very similar to the ASX in the back seat, maybe slightly larger.  The dash layout is modern and well laid out, does however lack a push button engine start if that is a function you are looking for.

Up front I had one major problem with the Dualis and in came down to driver comfort.  For some reason (maybe it is just the position I have my legs when I drive) my right knee rests against the door and Nissan have placed the door handle right in that spot.  After driving with my knee rested against the handle it was clear that this would be an issue for long drives and even just every day driving.  Moving the seat position did not assist at all.

Dualis dash layout

On to the test drive and once you compare the noise alone inside the vehicle between the Mitsubishi ASX petrol and the Nissan Dualis, you will notice the Dualis is quieter.  I am not sure if this comes down to the engine itself or the noise suppression material used in the vehicle.  The steering in the Dualis is also heavier, which I guess comes down to personal preference for what you prefer.

Overall I was impressed with the Nissan Dualis Ti and would rate it higher than the Mitsubishi ASX.  If only I could get over my leg position and the uncomfortable driving experience this resulted in.

Conclusion: Comfortable drive (except for my knee issue), minimal cabin noise, reasonable space throughout vehicle.    

Mitsubishi ASX Aspire Review

Ok, I will admit the first compact SUV that caught my eye was the Mitsubishi ASX Aspire.  Based on its looks (inside and out) I was sure this was going to be the vehicle for us.  Reading through the glossy brochure ticked all the boxes and I was looking forward to the test drive.

Mitsubishi ASX

The features that Mitsubishi provides in the Aspire model certainly grabs your attention if you are looking for a full colour 7" Satellite Navigation screen built into the dash, which is not found in the majority of other contenders in this market (one point here, if you want updates to the maps it looks like you will be up for $200 for an upgrade CD when you want to update).  The reverse camera also takes advantage of the large screen to assist with parking.

On inspection of the vehicle from the drivers seat you really feel like you are sitting in a cockpit with the instruments wrapped around you.  The room for the passengers in the back is on the small size.  I am rather tall at 187cm, so I do have the seat back reducing the leg room for passengers.  I would rate it rather cramped in the back seat and I think you would be hard pressed to get 3 large adults in the back for long trips.  The full leather seating is comfortable and visibility was good except when looking over your shoulder when merging, you do lose a little there.

Mitsubishi ASX Aspire with Sat Nav

Apart from the fantastic features provided in the ASX Aspire, it is interesting to note that if you want the panoramic roof for the Aspire model this is an extra $800.  Some other SUVs in this class and cost point do have this as a standard.

Mitsubishi ASX Aspire with optional panoramic roof

Cargo room in the back is on the small size when the seats are in place, when you lay the seats flat this increases the storage area and would be suitable for most families.  In the Aspire model you also get a 10" sub woofer as standard with the Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio system with 9 speakers.  One other thing to note is that you do not get a full sized spare in the ASX, you can upgrade but this will cost you extra and will also raise the height of the cargo area.

ASX Aspire cargo area with 10" sub woofer

After looking at all of the features on paper and in person, it came time to test drive the Aspire petrol CVT 4 cylinder 2.0L.    Unfortunately this is where I was disappointed.  Steering was on the light side and the engine noise within the cabin was not as quiet as I would have hoped.  Given that the diesel would produce even more engine noise, this was a negative for me.  This was a shame as the 2.0L unleaded did have a very good fuel consumption rating of 8.1L/100km combined.  As far as power goes, I would rate the engine as adequate and it was certainly quick to accelerate.  The ride itself from a suspension perspective was good, no real issues here.

From a cost perspective the Mitsubishi ASX Aspire is at the top of our budget, however speaking to the dealership revealed that $38,000 was not out of the question for this unleaded model drive away.  So even though the vehicle meets most of our needs, the driving experience fell short of what we had hoped and we will not be purchasing.

Conclusion: Nice looking vehicle, well equipped.  Limited space in back seats and cargo area. Noisy ride.

What type of SUV am I looking for?

So time has come to trade in our current Holden Capitva Maxx and look for a replacement.  Now the list of what we are looking for would full into the following:

1. Cost, we are looking to keep the budget at under $40,000
2. Coming from an SUV like the Captiva, we want to remain in the SUV models, however there is one thing to keep in mind, my wife is starting to learn to drive.  Therefore I do not want to get her behind the wheel of a V6, hence why I am comfortable with what manufacturers are offering in the compact SUV market (e.g. 4 cylinder/diesel)
3. I am open to any manufacturer.  This segment of the market seems to be flooded with options, so happy to see what is on offer. The vehicle however must offer maximum safety and we are in search of any vehicle that will offer better fuel economy than the Captiva (rated Fuel Combined l/100km @ 11.6)
4. Comfort of the ride is important, right down to noise within the cabin and the technology on offer.

So with the list set above, I have spent the last few weeks reviewing compact SUV vehicles.  Everyone out there I am sure has their own wish list for what they want, so I know not everyone will agree with what I write here.  What I am hoping to achieve though, is to give everyone more information to make their own decisions if they are reviewing these type of vehicles.

Welcome

This website is dedicated to the Hyundai ix35 SUV vehicle.  In search of a new compact SUV, I have decided to post my experience in different vehicles I have researched, compared and driven in finalising my purchase choice.

I hope this website also provides an insight into the ix35 and a repository for information and images for others who may also be in search for a new vehicle or wish to add their own experiences.