SMALL hatchbacks and compact SUVs are both in the gun-sight of the new Nissan Dualis. Sitting just beneath the capable X-Trail all-wheel-drive wagon, the Dualis is a small city-slicker crossover wagon. It shares the same platform as the X-Trail and has a similar on-demand AWD system, but is not designed to go far off-road. The Dualis aims to lure customers who appreciate the high seating position and adventurous look of an SUV, but don’t want the roly-poly SUV ride that comes with it. Nissan engineers used a sporty suspension tune in order to give the Dualis a similar feel to a small hatch. The only engine available is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 102kW, but Nissan is hoping to secure a diesel down the track. Customers can choose from either a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission. Prices start at $28,990 for the base model ST.