2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
It would have been nice if the new generation of the Nissan Murano had got the long-awaited diesel engine for the market launch in autumn. But visually sharpened, the Murano mimes the petrol lone warrior for another year.
By Stefan Grundhoff
Many people shook their heads years ago when Nissan brought its US crossover called Murano without a diesel alternative to the European market. But although almost everything in this class revolves around high-torque diesels, the emphatically dynamically styled SUV did well throughout. When the European market launch in 2005 was still nebulous philosophizing about a Murano diesel, it is now certain that one will come - unfortunately very late. Thanks to the brand subsidiary Infiniti, a three-liter V6 diesel with around 230 hp will hit the market at the end of 2009.
New development
Even if it doesn't look like it, the Generation II Murano is a completely newly developed car. There weren't any big leaps in design, but the Nissan Murano, which will be launched on the German market in autumn, is based on the new D-Group platform introduced last year, which offers the Altima, Maxima and Russian Teana, among others, the mid-range sedans. While the five-seater, which has been extremely successful in the USA since 2003, has already attached great importance to its neat exterior, the Murano II's appearance is only slightly modified; but a bit more powerful and grown-up than the little dainty little brother Rogue, which is only offered in the USA.
After the face lift, the front headlights of the Murano converge to a point under the chrome-plated radiator grille and the rear has also been given more dynamism thanks to new lighting units. The characteristic contoured fenders and the side window line tapering towards the roof spoiler have remained. In the interior, we like the new and significantly more valuable dashboard, which stands out pleasantly from the loveless charm of the SUV 350. The 2.83-meter-long wheelbase ensures that the second row can also be put up wonderfully.
Comfortable seats
The seats are comfortable, but adjustment options and leg rests could still be better at the front. After all, there are now heated seats for both rows of seats. The trunk not only retained the unchanged annoying high loading sill, but also the small capacity of around 450 liters. If you fold down the rear seat at the push of a button, you can use up to 900 liters. Not much for an SUV, but if you want to be beautiful, you have to suffer.
In contrast to the stronger Infiniti models of the 37th generation with 3.7 liters displacement and over 300 hp, the 4.79 meter long Murano must continue to have the 3.5 liter volume engine from the house in order to maintain the distance Nissan get along. After all, there was a power boost to 198 kW / 265 PS. The maximum torque, which is transmitted to the two axles via the continuously variable CVT automatic transmission, also increased to 336 Nm. The Murano manages 0 to 100 km / h in under nine seconds; the maximum speed is blocked at 200 km / h. The anything but restrained thirst of the Nissan Murano is unlikely to have changed. The prospect of twelve liters can only be achieved with a cautious driving style.
Focus on all-wheel drive
While the Murano is available in the USA as either a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive version, the German market is likely to be reserved for the all-wheel drive. But here, too, the rear-wheel drive is little more than a mediocre support on slippery surfaces. Normally, a good 90 percent of the engine power is transferred to the front wheels. The power flow to the rear axle when the wheels are spinning takes too long in the power call. Until the variable power distribution takes effect, the 1.8-tonne Japanese drives itself in the limit area as an understeering front-wheel drive. Given the decidedly comfortable US set-up, the driver is hardly tempted to hurry the Murano II around corners.
The market launch for the US version of the Nissan Murano was in January of this year. Generation two will start in autumn - with numerous adaptations to the chassis - then also in Europe. The meager basic equipment Murano S will not exist in this country. Because until the diesel arrives, the Murano only has a chance against the diesel competition with full equipment and a competitive price. The base price in the predecessor was a good 47,000 euros including complete security equipment. Anyone who wants the befitting electric leather seats, xenon lights and DVD navigation costs an impressive 56,000 euros. It remains to be seen how the new Murano will be priced in Germany.
