Designers AND Accountants Really Sharpen Their Pencils On All-New Models
It was a smart move because at first glance the exterior design of the all-new lineup looks unchanged from its predecessor.
Fact is the all-new model is actually just that – all new – and with its entry price reduced by $6,000 to just $45,990, the sumptuously equipped Murano has clearly taken the early front running in the race to be the Australian automotive industry’s ‘Best Buy’ for this year.
Nissan has simplified the Murano range as part of the new model introduction – now there’s just two - the entry level ST priced at $45,990 and the range-topping Ti priced at $55,890.
And while some critics think the new model looks similar to its predecessor, Nissan points out that every external panel is new, the front-end is striking and new and the rear end with its horizontal taillights is a radical change from the first Murano (launched locally in August 2005) with its vertical taillight clusters. The upswept triangular rear side window is repeated from the first Murano but Nissan says this is a signature feature of all their crossovers (such as the Dualis).
The 3.5-litre V6 engine has been freshened and power is up 19kW to 191kW and torque has been boosted by 18Nm to 336Nm. Fuel consumption has been reduced by 9.1 per cent to average 10.9l/100kms.
Drive remains to all four wheels via Nissan’s latest Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) which has been re-engineered to be quicker and more intuitive.
Underneath Nissan has delivered significant suspension changes – and even tidied-up the under-car aerodynamics as part of its NVH improvements (wind noise under all cars is a big part of cabin noise).
The new Murano sits on Nissan’s global D-platform which is torsionally stiffer by 50 per cent compared to its predecessor. Combine this with a new multi-link rear end design, improved geometry and anti-roll bars and the result is a much more dynamic performance on twisty roads and significantly reduced torque steer.
Car Showroom sampled the new Murano at its national media preview. The drive route was very familiar – through the Royal National Park and Sydney’s beautiful Sutherland Shire with an off-road experience on the sand dunes and glorious beach at Boat Harbour, near Kurnell.
The new Murano is certainly more competent on the highway than its predecessor. Unfortunately the once great roads in the Royal National Park are a bit of a patchwork quilt these days and the Murano did not easily lose its poise when straddling the bumps and hollows at a reasonable clip.
At Boat Harbour with the glorious, crystal clear, turquoise Pacific Ocean lapping on the white sand, the Murano was in its element, joining the beach visitors which included other similar vehicles (a couple of older Muranos, two Hummers plus numerous Subarus and Toyota Prados). Sure it’s not FNQ in the wet season but nevertheless the Murano easily handled the soft sand – showing it’s just the thing for weekend outings to beaches (like Boat Harbour).
Not that we would be rushing to load dirty, smelly fishing gear into the new Murano – because the upgraded interiors in the new model range are superb (even entry level ST now gets leather seats).
We particularly liked the standard reversing camera in the Ti which includes directional lines on-screen to make navigation just about foolproof. And the Ti also boasts power operation for the rear hatch and rear seat backs – to make loading a breeze.
Ti models also get standard satellite navigation and an impressive 11-speaker BOSE sound system.
