Nissan Murano 2009

Nissan's New SUV Looks More Modern and Feels a Lot Sturdier

In terms of styling, substance and overall standards, the latest car looks and feels superior. First off, the car looks more contemporary, even though the general profile remains unchanged. Its front section is a big improvement, with headlamps and radiator grille bridging the bonnet and bumper to form flowing lines.

The chrome-painted grille is less plasticky and features a Nissan emblem. From afar, the ensemble resembles a breastplate.

In the rear, Nissan has done away with vertical tail lamps to opt for a more traditional arrangment. The rear windscreen is deeper now, improving visibility.

On the whole, the SUV-ness of the car is toned down and it appears more like a crossover now.

The cabin is where the car's substance gets a big lift. The cockpit is seriously upmarket, with a smart centre console and a beautifully lit instrumental panel. The crusty locally fitted navigation set in the previous car has been thrown out.

At the wheel, the car feels decidedly sturdier. The pedals are now well angled and well sprung and the steering wheel is suitably meaty. It is ideally weighted for high-speed jaunts but requires far too much work when low-speed manoeuvres are called for.

The car is slightly bigger and heavier than its predecessor. Thanks to its increased engine output and altered gear ratios, it is able to shave off 0.3 seconds off its century sprint to clock 8.4 seconds.

In real life, the car feels somewhat livelier, with generous dollops of torque going seamlessly to its wheels.

This occurs, unfortunately, at some expense of fuel economy, which has deteriorated by 10 to 15 percent. Even with its adaptive CVT gearbox, the new Murano drinks like a regular 4 X 4. That is probably its only issue though. The car is high on refinement, comfort and driveability.

On the go, it has the composure of a big sedan, with wind and road noise kept well at bay even when approaching three-digit velocity. This is impressive as this quality is not a strong suit of SUVs.

In fact, if not for a slight CVT whine which starts to intrude from 4,000 rpm, the car is as muted as upscale SUVs such as the BMW X5, Lexus RX and Audi Q7.

Its ride is superbly controlled too. Nissan has reworked its suspension system and it has worked. The car is seldom unsettled by speed humps and body roll is minimal.

The car also handles deftly. Its fatter tyres offer better grip and the electronic yaw control in its new four-wheel-drive system will shift torque from the front wheel to the rear to ensure the car corners neutrally.

If you can get past the Murano's fuel thirst, the new Murano is quite a value proposition. It has a slew of luxury amenities. These include steering-mounted cruise control, split climate control, automatic headlamps (xenon) and wipers, keyless access and ignition, and a motorised tailgate that will stop its closing sequence if it detects anything in the way.

The best feature by far is the driver's memory seat, which moves back (and lifts the steering column) to make egress more effortless.

Combine all these with the Murano's excellent road manners and commendable refinement and you will get a car that is quite tempting.

Engine
3,498cc 24 valve V6

Transmission
Continuously variable with six-speed manual mode

Power
260bhp at 6,000rpm

Torque
336Nm at 4,400rpm

Top Speed
200kmh

0-100kmh
8.4 seconds

Fuel Consumption
17.2 litres/100 km (city)

Interior Pictures of Nissan Murano 2009 Model