Nissan Murano: First Look
By Motoring Channel Staff - 7/7/2005
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Nissan Murano
Nissan
Crosses Over
No matter which way you look at it, Nissan's
new Murano is visually confronting. The company
asserts the car adheres to the new Nissan design
philosophy, but both the Maxima and Pulsar, two
of its higher selling passenger cars in Australia,
have little in common from a visual standpoint.
Even the new Micra, which isn't sold in Australia,
bears little resemblance to the Murano (save for
the rear). So why would you buy it?
First and foremost, the CVT transmission. This
will help the Murano achieve high levels of fuel
efficiency when combined with the 3.5-litre V6,
and it won't be slow either, as the CVT can respond
much quicker to increased throttle inputs than
a traditional automatic transmission.
Another reason is the SUV's price. Starting at
just under $52k, the semi-luxury crossover 4x4
is pretty good value, and lastly there's Nissan's
reputation for building bulletproof drive-trains.
- Feann Torr, Editor
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The steering wheel and instrument cluster is
borrowed from the 350Z (American interior)
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Nissan will shortly release a cool crossover sport utility
vehicle – the Murano – a vehicle with the functional
aspects of a 4x4 and the styling and ride of a sports car.
The Murano - which will go on sale in mid-August in Australia
- was created at Nissan’s Design Studio in California,
with a brief to create a new ‘crossover’ sports
utility vehicle that has a highly sculpted shape combining
a typical four wheel drive stance with stylish lines.
Murano is named after the island Murano near Venice, home
of internationally renowned Murano glass.
Powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 engine as the 350Z, but
de-tuned to provide 172kW @ 6000rpm and 318Nm of torque @
3600rppm, the Murano also offers the first application of
Nissan’s 6-speed Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
in Australia.
The X-tronic CVT application with the powerful 172kW 6-cylinder
engine provides smooth and responsive acceleration while virtually
eliminating shift shock and providing better fuel economy
than a conventional automatic transmission.
Drive is fed through an All-Wheel Drive set-up based on Nissan’s
ALL MODE 4x4 system, combined with VDC to offer reassuring
levels of traction and stability in all environments.
Nissan’s new FF-L platform (front-engine, front-drive,
large) features an exceptionally long wheelbase for maximum
interior space and the large 18-inch alloys are pushed out
to the corners giving Murano a ‘planted’ look which
is accentuated by the short overhangs front and rear.
Although clearly unlike any other model in the Nissan range,
Murano does include much of Nissan’s recent design language.
The trapezoidal head and tail lamps echo those found on the
350Z and another distinctive styling cue is the shape of the
rearmost side window, which is triangular and has a sharply
upswept lower edge.
Fully independent multi-link suspension and speed-sensitive
power rack-and-pinion steering gives Murano car-like dynamic
performance and levels of comfort, while the addition of four-wheel
drive gives added grip in poor weather and when driving on
loose or greasy surfaces.
A lightweight tailgate made from advanced composite plastics
with steel reinforcement makes it easy to open and close.
Inside the Murano represents a fusion of dynamic function,
high quality materials and genuine luxury.
The spacious interior provides ample room for five passengers
and their luggage. The reclining rear seats feature a 60/40
split and have a particularly easy-to-use folding mechanism:
pulling a single lever in the luggage area folds the rear
seats flat.
Interior storage is both innovative and generous. The double
deck lockable centre floor console is deep enough to house
a laptop computer and is supplemented by flip-out door pockets
and a storage area for coins, mobile phone, sunglasses, cups
and bottles.
Underfloor storage in the boot also ensures valuables can
be hidden from prying eyes.
Available in two specification levels, the Murano offers
a high level of standard trim from the base ST to the luxurious
Ti. Equipment levels on the ST include 18-inch alloys, Bose
audio system with in-dash 6-disc CD autochanger, climate control,
power adjustable drivers seat, leather steering wheel and
gear shift, cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls,
dual front SRS airbags, side and curtain airbags and xenon
headlamps.
On top of this the Ti adds an electric tilt/slide sunroof,
roof rails, heated leather seats, metallic paint and reverse
parking sensors. Pricing on the sensational Murano line-up
starts at just $51,990 for the ST, while the luxurious Ti
is priced from $56,990.
According to Nissan’s managing director and chief executive
officer, Shinya Hannya, the Murano brings a fresh new approach
to the SUV segment in Australia.
"The Murano packages the best elements of our sports
cars with the added functionality of a four-wheel drive to
create a very unique and desirable SUV," said Mr Hannya.
"We are confident the Murano will stand out from the
crowd for its styling and performance and not least its pricing."
Pricing:
Nissan Murano ST V6 $51,990
Nissan Murano Ti V6 $56,990
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