2009 Nissan Murano

Nissan’s Murano offers BMW X5 luxury for X3 money. It’s the 4×4 that Nissan reckons can take on BMW, Lexus and Volvo in the same way that the 350Z attacked the Audi TT. Murano’s been on sale in the US for a few years, but the version that’s over here is a better car - more than 300 modifications (mainly for comfort, handling and safety) have been made to the car to suit our tastes. And if you can look past the badge - which still has some way to go before it can mix it with Audi and BMW - there’s an awful lot going for it. It looks great - almost like a high-rise 350Z, topped with a hint of Micra, gives a comfortable drive and has a near non-existent options list - as everything’s standard.

An all-new 2009 Nissan Murano goes on sale in January. It replaces the very successful first-generation crossover SUV noted for its performance and handling, roomy, luxurious cabin, and sleek styling.

The second-generation Murano marries a proven driver’s chassis and engine to more dramatic bodywork and a new cabin. It will be offered in three trim levels, two with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

For the latest iteration Nissan has indulged in more of the styling characteristics that made the first Murano distinctive, with greater arch in the fenders, a ribbed hood that curls into windshield pillars, six-sided hatch window and more sheetmetal-to-glass in proportion. A wing-like grille framed by multiple lamp elements shows the new face, while silencer-barrel exhausts with eyebrows and LED taillights with some French curve highlight the rear.

Adding style to the functional interior brings what Nissan labels mobile suite with upgrades to electronic systems and gadgets while Nissan cues such as the fingertip touch controls on the outer edges of the instrument cluster and ultra-simple rear seat fold remain. Much like the recent upgrade to the Altima, on which the Murano is loosely based, the logic and function are still there, the cabin just looks better and uses nicer materials now.

A 3.5-liter V6 rated at 265 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission power all models, the latter aiding fuel economy while still using all the enjoyment the engine provides. Underneath, a stiffer structure, Z-car inspired steering, stout brakes, larger wheels and tires, aluminum-intensive suspension components and revised calibration suggest the excellent road manners will continue, and if the Murano receives the same attention Nissan’s 2008 trucks did, it will be noticeably quieter and more refined. A full suite of safety equipment, both hardware and software, is standard.

Cloth seats, aluminum trim, pushbutton start and a telescoping wheel are now standard. Upgrades include leather upholstery and wood trim, navigation, 9.3 GB Music Box HDD and XM radio with real-time traffic data, double-glass panel roof, rear camera, rear entertainment with overhead 9-inch screen, heated and power-return rear seats, and a power liftgate.

Like certain other mid-size utility vehicles designed with drivers in mind the Murano does not squeeze in a third-row seat, favoring space for five and luggage over seat counts their Pathfinder, Quest and Armada already address.

Nissan Murano is strictly for petrolheads as there is no diesel option; and neither will there be for the lifetime of the car. But the 230bhp 3.5 V6 that they have used (it’s the same unit as the one in the 350Z, although there have been some modifications to suit the larger body) is an excellent unit, if a little pricey to run. It sounds good and has plenty of low-down pulling power. It gets to 60mph in 8.8s (quicker than a Porsche Cayenne 3.2 V6) and on to a top speed of 124mph. Just one gearbox option, a smooth CVT automatic.

Nissan has put much effort into making the European Murano handle as well as its competitors (it’s previously been on sale in North America, where ride and handling requirements are different). It corners well, with precise, well-weighted steering. The ride is supple and soaks up lumps and bumps well over most surfaces - only the roughest unmade roads are uncomfortable. Off-road capability is limited, but it’s up to the job of crossing muddy fields and wading through a layer of snow.

Two can be comfortably seated in the back; head and legroom are excellent, the seats are comfortable enough for longer trips and the seatbacks recline. Three can fit in the back for shorter trips, but shoulder room is a squeeze. Wind and road noise are well suppressed, making Murano’s cabin impressively serene. The only intrusion is engine roar under heavy acceleration. Front passenger has a wide and supportive seat with plenty of adjustment and excellent head and legroom. Climate control is standard.

No Euro NCAP crash test rating yet (although a four-star rating is expected), but many of the 300 changes in turning this from US-spec to European-spec has been to make the body safer and uprate the safety kit. Among the safety features are active head restraintss, curtain airbags and emergency braking assistance.

It fared well in the US and the European-spec should be no different. Expect usual Nissan standards of build quality and reliability.

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