The Nissan Murano has been given a leap in quality and an European touch. The Murano was the first crossover SUV that came to the market, and after that there have been many brands that have adopted similar designs in their respective models. But this still stands as the benchmark for crossover standards.
Adapted to the times
Now, the Japanese had decided to improve and adapt to the times with a more sophisticated style exterior, complete equipment and enhanced driving dynamics.
The design that this second generation Murano shares from the original is the reason for the peculiar shape and cut up, also the third row side glasses have been preserved in the new version.
The most striking changes are found in the front and the rear area, where we see that the headlights and rear lights are of a completely different design that reminds us a bit of the rear lights of the Nissan Qashqai.
The profile also has different details from the previous Murano and, we see that the windows have been rounded off and the wheel arches increase in size for a more strong and powerful appearance.
A more comprehensive interior
Inside the cabin we find a much more luxurious look and care has been taken to increase its value in its category. This is seen as soon as you enter the Murano. You will find the cabin with two-tone soft and comfortable leather seats and aluminum inserts in the dashboard.
We also find in this new Murano, a completely new instruments console, with lighted dials that are very striking and finally, the interior lighting is very elegant.
The basis for the new Murano is using the latest version of the Nissan 'D' platform, which is 50 percent stiffer than in the previous models and gives the vehicle the same balanced handling behavior combined with better driving performance.
As for under the hood of the 2009 Murano, you have Nissan's reputed 3.5 litre 4-cylinder diesel and 6-cylinder petrol engines. The petrol engine develops 256 hp, which has greatly helped to improve the performance returning a combined fuel consumption of 9 litres/100 km. The emission levels have been measured to be to Euro2 standards.
Innovative elements
The improvements that can be found in the new Nissan Murano are innovative making life even more comfortable on board the vehicle.
It includes, for example, a power-operated tailgate and a fold-down rear seats that can increase cargo capacity in a single motion. In fact, the folded seats can return to the original position through remote control.
The vehicle also has a sliding, double glass roof that provides two types of openings for allowing the entry of natural light into the cabin.
However, probably the most intelligent of the new features of the Nissan Murano are the back-view and side-view monitors which provide great assistance to the driver in parking the vehicle in tight spaces or while traveling on narrow roads with oncoming traffic. The side-view monitor reduces the left or right (as the case may be) front blind spot when parking. The image of any obstacle that may be there in the blind spot area is transmitted to the central display monitor.
Scratch resistant paint
Another of the improvements we found in this new model is the paint which is now more resistant to scratches helping keep the car as good as new for much longer periods.
At the Geneva Auto show, they demonstrated how this paint is really different from what we see on vehicles. A girl was shown rubbing a brush with metal spikes on a Murano. Then hot water was thrown over the area and it surprisingly the paint was intact and without any scratches.
This new Nissan Murano is now available through all Nissan dealers in Australia and the prices are AU$45,990 for the ST version and AU$55,890 for the Premium Ti version.
What do you think of the 2009 Nissan Murano?
Exterior
Interior
Performance
