2015 Nissan Qashqai SUV | Q for a familiar Nissan

Say adieu to the Dualis and all-wheel drive and hello to the original name.

Just when you might have been getting used to the Dualis badge, Nissan has the updated model coming to Australia and reverting to the original nameplate — Qashqai.

On sale from next month, the Qashqai (pronounced “Cash-kigh”) replaces the Dualis — essentially the same car that was given a different name for a handful of markets including Australia.

Gone is the all-wheel drive option, dropped due to marginal sales. Nissan reckons it covers the AWD options in the new X-Trail range.

Qashqai is one of Nissan’s most successful models, with more than two million sold globally since the previous generation debuted in 2007.

It shares the underpinnings of its larger sibling, the new Common Module Family Renault-Nissan platform.

The Qashqai ST and Ti get a 2.0-litre petrol engine (106kW/200Nm) teamed with six-speed manual or constantly variable transmission.

The turbo diesel TS and TL models carry over the 1.6-litre (96kW/320Nm) from the Dualis but the sole transmission will be the CVT. The outgoing diesel was manual only.

Braked towing capacity is unchanged, 1200kg for petrol CVT models up to 1400kg for petrol manuals and diesel.

Across the range, standard gear includes LED daytime running lights, hill start assist, adjustable steering modes, an electric park brake and the NissanConnect smartphone link to run integrated apps including Facebook, Pandora and Google. 

The entry-level ST manual, priced from $25,850 ($28,490 for the CVT), has 17-inch alloy wheels, five-inch display, rear roof spoiler, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter, electric park brake, front, side and curtain airbags and a space-saver spare.

The TS starts from $33,200 and adds stop-start fuel saver, power folding mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, tinted rear windows, keyless start, dual-zone climate control and an upgrade to the cloth trim and the cargo area.

Stepping up to the Ti takes the asking price from $32,490 ($34,990 for CVT) but it gets 19-inch alloy wheels, seven-inch display with satnav, automatic LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, leather trim and heated front seats.

The Qashqai was primarily styled by the brand’s European designers in London and engineered in Britain and Spain. It is built in Britain (as is the Australia-bound Juke SUV), and has been a sales success despite the tongue-twister name.