First introduced in South Africa in 2004, the Murano met a warm welcome and was included as a contender for the 2005 SA Car of The Year. In 2009 it received a number of small updates, including a mild facelift and here we are in 2012 with the latest rendition of Nissan’s flagship SUV.

The basics are all the same. The Murano is still characterised by athletic looking lines set atop a substantial mass of SUV, but for 2012, Nissan has given the Murano a makeover for contemporary premium appeal. Although still the same shape overall, the grille has been ‘cleaned up’ with the elimination of two vertical chrome pillars on either side of the prominent Nissan badge, while the bumper molding below it has also been redesigned with a deeper and wider air vent for the radiator, as well as smooth recesses for the fog lights. Other minor changes to the Murano’s styling include a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels in titanium-finish and a pair of modern looking LED taillights.

As with the exterior, the Murano’s interior has been left largely untouched, save for a few updates to the trim and a new sunroof. The Murano has always offered a generous amount of passenger space and comfort, while being loaded with luxuries. Standout features include the 11-speaker Bose sound system with 6-disc CD changer; keyless entry and drive; rear and left-hand-side cameras for parking assistance; an electronically operated tailgate; electronically operated rear seats that raise and lower in a 60:40 split configuration.

The cabin materials and their fitment is of high quality, with the heated leather seats have been given a new design pattern and, as before, they remain positively plush. The centre console now features updated and colour-coded finishes, helping to achieve a more luxurious ambiance, together with revised dials for the driver’s instrumentation that feature white backlighting. A new, electrically operated, double-panel, sunroof is now standard equipment. The sunroof can be opened fully, has a tilt function and features sunshades that can be electronically drawn across the UV-protective glass. The addition of natural light into the cabin is a welcome one, however, the sunroof was best enjoyed either closed or in its tilt setting, because despite having an integrated wind deflector, it still created a fair amount of wind noise when opened fully.

Enhancing the Murano’s luxury appeal in no small measure is its supple suspension and silky smooth drivetrain. Independent suspension all round, with a multi-link design at the rear, as well as special insulation around the shock absorber mounting points, ensures an interior free of vibration. In addition, effective sound-absorbing materials are present throughout the body and even the thickness of the carpeting is designed to reduce outside noises.

Powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 as found in the 350Z sports coupé, the Murano has 191 kW and 336 Nm at its disposal. The fact that Nissan haven’t given the Murano a full bag of beans with the 350Z’s 230 kW and 358 Nm is a little disappointing, but as it stands, the Murano will sprint from 0 – 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h. Nissan claim an average fuel consumption of 10.9 L/100km for the 2.3-tonne SUV, but surprisingly I managed even better at 10.6 L/100km, which is pretty good considering I reveled in the V6′s soundtrack on occasion too. The tried and trusted V6 is silky smooth in its operation. It’s quiet and unobtrusive when it needs to be, but sings a rare and sweet sounding naturally aspirated V6 tune when you plant your right foot.

The V6 is combined with a CVT transmission, a system that’s prone to loathsome comments in almost any vehicle equipped with one, but you know what, the Murano maybe the first exception. With 6 preset ratios, the CVT can be operated in manual-like, sequential mode, which can be useful when overtaking and needing to set the engine closer to it’s peak torque output at 4 400 r/min. The rest of the time, the Murano is happy to be left to its own devices, offering uninterrupted acceleration without the engine reaching for the rev limit with every prod of the throttle, as is so often the case. When you do decide to make haste and the engine does muster up every last ounce of power in an effort to please, it does exactly that, ‘please’. The momentum may take a while to build as the CVT gradually gets on terms with the power being sent to all four wheels, but you’re left with a wonderful V6 soundtrack ringing in your ears that makes it so obvious why Nissan declare the Murano to have the soul of a sports car; even if it is a detuned one.

While it may sound like a sports car when you wind it up, it doesn’t like to corner like one. The suspension that does so well at providing a luxurious ride, makes little effort to rise to the occasion if you decide to dive into your favourite corner. While the independent suspension does a good job of absorbing mid-turn bumps and keeping the Murano on your chosen line, it’s simply too soft and allows too much body roll to translate into fun. Sure, you can make swift progress with plenty of tyre noise and the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) working up a sweat, but you’ll be working hard to stay in your seat too. Driving the Murano at seven tenths instead of ten, with the V6 singing away, a fresh breeze filtering through the sunroof and a steady beat from Bose sound system, is the best way to enjoy this luxurious Nissan.

What we like…

• Interior space, comfort, equipment and new sunroof.
• Smooth and uninterrupted acceleration from the X-Tronic CVT gearbox.
• Why would you buy an Infiniti FX37? Do you really want or need to clip every apex in your SUV?!

What we would like…

• A single alert when using the power-assisted tailgate – the continuous beeping is a bit much.
• Park-distance control in front, as the front bumper extends surreptitiously beyond the bonnet.

ML, Q7 and X5 – ubiquitous German SUVs as common as boerewors at a braai. So who’s bringing something special to the party? There’s always one isn’t there?! In this case it’s Nissan with their new Murano SUV. First introduced in South Africa in 2004, the Murano met a warm welcome and was included as a contender for the 2005 SA Car of The Year. Times have changed however and now almost every manufacturer offers an SUV, whether compact, mid-sized or just plain gigantic.

Interior
Although not quite gigantic inside, the leather trimmed interior of the Murano boasts more than enough head and legroom for just about all shapes and sizes of people. Rear legroom is impressive and rear passengers benefit from adjustable back rests, which, incidentally can fold down in a 60/40 split and be returned to the upright position at the touch of a button, thanks to electric motors hidden beneath the seats. Cargo space is 402-litres, expandable to 838-litres with rear seats folded down. The driver and front passenger seats are very comfortable and feature conveniences such as electrically adjustable lumbar support, position and heating. In fact, electronics are an important part of the Murano’s luxury appeal. The driver instrument cluster is clear and aesthetically pleasing, with chrome dial surrounds and a warm ambient glow adding to the upmarket appeal of the Murano.

Standard equipment includes, an 11-speaker Bose sound system with 6-disc CD changer; Bluetooth connectivity; Voice command system for the sound system and telephone; Keyless entry and drive; Rear and left-hand-side cameras for parking assistance; Electronically operated tailgate; and multi-function steering wheel for functions such as cruise control, voice command, sound and telephone. And it’s not just the gadgets that make the Murano a luxurious SUV. The car offers an impressively quiet ride. Even at highway speeds or over coarse tarmac, the wind or tyre noise is never intrusive, in fact, it’s conspicuous in its absence.

Part of the secret of the Murano’s success in this area has been the addition of a newly developed suspension, which enhances vehicle stability while also providing a more comfortable ride than the previous generation. Front and rear mounting points have also been specially strengthened to reduce the amount of vibration transmitted to the interior and further improve body stability. In addition special sound-absorbing materials have been added throughout the body, effectively reducing or blocking outside noises, while new floor carpeting reduces wind noise significantly. The Murano boasts a well insulated and polished cabin.

Exterior
The Nissan Murano’s styling challenges the conventional. The strong Murano DNA has been continued in this new generation, despite not a single body panel having been carried-over from the first Murano. The steeply raked design from the front bumper to the end of the A-pillar sets the Murano apart from most other SUV’s roaming the urban jungle. The High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-Xenon front headlights, which work very well at night, integrate with the front grille to give the Murano a futuristic and unique face. Towards the rear, the up-swept rear window contrasts with the opposing angle of the rear C-pillar profile and tail-light edges. A set of 18-inch alloy wheels are standard and fill the defined wheel arches. The Murano’s styling will inevitably appeal to some, while alienating others, however, we have not yet driven an SUV that received as many looks or comments during our time with the car.

The Drive
The first generation Murano was heralded by Nissan as having “the heart of a sports car, in the stylish and sophisticated form of a premium SUV”. And while we can’t argue with this statement, it is clear that the Murano’s nature is more sophisticated and premium than sports car. Part of the reason why we say this, is because the high seating position gives the feeling of sitting on the car, rather than in the car. When travelling at speed, the sensation of sitting high up with the car below you, results in you backing off the throttle when approaching some corners. After entering the turn, bodyroll is not as pronounced as one might expect, thanks to the newly developed suspension we mention earlier with its four-wheel built-in rebound springs. With permanent four-wheel drive, the Murano offers positive levels of grip and with Nissan’s ‘Intelligent All-Mode 4×4′ drivetrain, torque can be distributed on demand to where it’s needed. Under normal driving conditions much of the torque is sent to the front wheels, with up to 50 percent being channelled to the rear wheels when needed. The driver can lock the drive to all wheels in particularly challenging conditions by flicking a switch on the central console, with a torque split ratio at 50/50 front to rear.

The new Murano also features a new speed-sensitive power steering system that tightens as speed increases, however, the steering itself provides no feel to speak of and is somewhat over assisted. However, the new Murano is an enjoyable SUV to drive. The light steering makes it easy to drive in town and the luxurious and insulated interior is a relaxing and comfortable place to be. But perhaps the biggest single contributor to these characteristics is the X-Tronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Performance
The latest incarnation of Nissan’s X-Tronic transmission operates with 20% less internal friction than earlier examples and, coupled with the updated gearbox software, is responsible for harnessing peak torque from the engine during hard acceleration, rather than peak power. This means torque is delivered in a linear fashion making acceleration brisk and uninterrupted. At the heart of the new 2 380 kg Murano, lies a more advanced version of the proven 3,5-litre V6 petrol engine. Developing 191 kW and peak torque of 336 Nm at 4 400 rpm, the Murano sprints from 0-100 km/h in 8 seconds (0.9 seconds quicker than before) and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h. Thanks also to the new transmission, the updated V6 offers improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Nissan claim an EU combined-cycle figure of 10.9 l/100km (1.1 l/100km less than before) with CO2 emissions at 261 g/km. The Murano cruises effortlessly and will comfortably cover long distances without complaint. Although equipped with a four-wheel-drive drivetrain, the Murano, like most SUV’s, is limited to how far off the beaten track it can venture. However, most owners will be more than satisfied with the Murano’s abilities on the school run, game drives, launching their boat at the dam or simply exploring some of our country’s dirt roads.

What we like…

• Interior refinement, space and comfort levels.
• Smooth and uninterrupted acceleration from the X-Tronic CVT gearbox.
• Comprehensive equipment levels as standard.

What we would like…

• A single alert when using the power-assisted tailgate – the continuous beeping is a bit much.
• A stereo jack and/or USB port for an external MP3 player.
• Park-distance control in front, as the front bumper extends surreptitiously beyond the bonnet.