Even if it resembles the outgoing model closely, this is the new Murano.
The designers have wisely made differences in all the right places, like a Hollywood celebrity who has undergone some nip-and-tuck.
It is still the same celebrity, no doubt, but the success lies in the subtle transformations that can make a world of difference.
There was no sign of Botox on the new Murano, though.
The simple curves that gave the old car a bulbous form have been replaced with a more purposefully sculpted contour, coupled with a play of convex and concave surfaces.
The changes are accentuated by the metallic shades that reflect light in a kaleidoscopic display.
So the new Murano is definitely more beauty than beast, where looks are concerned.
The Murano’s interior reflects its premium crossover SUV pitch.
The door trim, with its stitched armrests, aluminium trim and soft padding are just the tip of this luxury iceberg.
Soft, black leather seats with their deliberate creases cushion the body for a comfortable and relaxing ride – perfect for long-distance driving – and add to the premium feel.
The aluminium and chrome trims of the centre console, dials and instrument clusters lend a sporty edge to all this indulgence.
Instrumentation and on-board equipment are pretty impressive.
Top it all off with a twin glass sunroof option that extends generously over both front and rear compartments.
It may be as big as a rhinoceros – and weighs as much as one – however, the Murano is anything but clumsy when it comes to handling.
There is less body roll than you would expect from a vehicle in its category and size.
The All Mode 4×4-I, all-wheel drive system that features a yaw controller, which adjusts the front-rear torque split during cornering to maintain the intended driving line and minimise roll, is obviously working well here.
The improved suspension enhances stability and reduces the amount of vibration that get transmitted to the interior, while optimising stability without compromising on ride comfort.
When it comes to power and speed, though, the Murano reveals its beast-like side.
The creature definitely packs the horses under its bulging bonnet.
It’s half a second quicker than its predecessor to 100km/h and achieves a top speed of 200km/h.
The VQ35DE V6 engine makes acceleration not only satisfactorily fast but fairly effortless as well, so it doesn’t need to be flogged to get ahead.
Starting or stopping the engine is high-tech, too.
The Murano’s equipment level reflects its premium crossover SUV pitch.
It comes with an intelligent key system, which is basically a keyless ignition system.
This feature is fast becoming a norm these days, though.
Still, the key could do with a little more weight to overcome its toy-like quality and add to its expensive feel.
Powered tailgate and other mod-cons work like magic in the Murano.
The electrically adjusted driver’s seat has a handy memory function, just the thing to have for couples that share driving duties.
More significantly, Nissan has thankfully done away with the locally fitted navigation system that really dents the old Murano’s appeal.
So, what remains is the LCD screen, which is a really good item.
The 7-inch VGA display functions can be used very easily (and not a glaring beacon like the previous one).
Murano’s 260bhp 3.5-litre V6 is smooth and strong.
Topped off with a factory-fitted reverse camera, the screen also displays helpful markers to assist drivers into the desired lot, which is especially useful for such a big car.
There are still more premium goodies.
The rear seats have an automatic folding function, as does the tailgate.
Whether they are an expression of Japanese chauvinism towards the fairer sex or not, the fact remains they are a great convenience.
The power tailgate comes with a built-in safety function that will stop its operation when it encounters an obstruction.
Having tested it myself, let’s just say if your arm or neck happen to be the said obstruction, do not expect to walk away without at least a bruise.
But, at the end of the day, the Murano is a sensible choice for sensible people who are least likely to be standing in the way of a closing tailgate.
So, no worries there.
2008 Nissan Murano 3.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE V6, 24-valves
CAPACITY 3498 cc
BORE X STROKE 95.5mm x 81.4mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.3:1
MAX POWER 260hp at 6000 rpm
MAX TORQUE 336Nm at 4400rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 138.3hp per tonne
GEARBOX CVT with 6-speed manual override
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 8.4 seconds
TOP SPEED 200km/h
CONSUMPTION 8.1km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
FRONT Independent struts, coil springs
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs
TYRES
TYPE Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport
SIZE 235/65 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4835mm
WIDTH 1885mm
HEIGHT 1730mm
WHEELBASE 2825mm
KERB WEIGHT 1880kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $135,500
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
+ BETTER THAN OLD MODEL, LOOKS GOOD, PLENTY OF EQUIPMENT
– BIG AROUND TOWN, BULBOUS NOSE, POWER TAILGATE CAN HURT
