2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
The Nissan Murano is entering its second phase of life. With the crossover model on the new platform, the paintwork can repair itself.
By Thomas Flehmer
No, Nissan's completely renewed Murano will not be a hit either. In the first three years since its market launch in Germany in 2005, 3920 units of the crossover model were sold. Even the new Murano will hardly find any more customers, the goals of 1,000 vehicles per year are similar to the previous process. But the Japanese have adorned the crossover flagship, which is now on the new D platform, with a few subtleties.
Tough six-cylinder
The front section was designed to be more pointed - and thus resembles the jetfighter front of a Mitsubishi Lancer or Alfa Romeo. As a result, the headlights stand out more clearly and ensure a more dynamic appearance without losing the well-known round appearance that characterizes the upper part of the car. Bonds and similarities to the Qashqai are intentional. The taillights and the rear end have a certain similarity to Nissan's successful hit. The rising sideline and the wheel arches, which are drawn more towards the center of the vehicle, underline the sporty character of the Murano.
This sporty claim could be fulfilled by the six-cylinder that was also used in the 350 Z. But the output, which has been increased to 256 hp, is not quite apparent. So the Murano makes life difficult for itself when sprinting and only comes up with difficulty. The eight seconds specified by Nissan for the sprint up to the 100 km / h mark feel much longer.
Diesel from 2010
The diesel engine will help here. However, the friends of the diesel engine still have to be patient. According to Nissan, this engine variant is only planned for 2010.
That is how long the torque of 340 Nm has to work hard on the intermediate sprints to keep the 1.9 tons in motion. The automatic transmission, which has only five gears and is therefore outdated, has difficulties finding the right time to upshift.
Chic interior ambience
But when the Murano is rolling, the occupants can lean back comfortably. The interior ambience invites you to linger, Nissan rightly speaks of a premium feeling. The orange shimmering underlay of the instruments takes some getting used to, but they are still easy to read. The interior looks very valuable, the center console with the sometimes very slow navigation system looks bulky, but not overloaded. An iPod connection is missing, but the device can be connected to the optionally available DVD system on the back of the center console with a chinch adapter.
The unorthodox way of connecting the devices doesn't bother the people in the back seats. 2.83 meters of wheelbase ensure that there is legroom in the rear too. The seats themselves are well contoured and give a lot of support. The trunk is well equipped with 402 liters.
Paint repairs itself
New in the Murano is the camera integrated in the right exterior mirror, which shows the right path when parking forwards. The new paint, which can repair itself, is also new. Small scratches or stone chips disappear due to thermal influences such as the sun. However, rough scratches from off-road driving continue to damage the paintwork.
But whether a Murano will ever try the improved all wheel drive off-road is highly doubtful. The Japanese crossover flagship looks too delicate and rather built for the asphalt, mainly because of its curves in the upper part of the body. Here the Murano is in its element. The driving behavior is very appealing except for the temperament already mentioned. Contact with the road is available via the chassis and direct steering. The six-cylinder should swallow 10.9 liters of premium gasoline, blowing an unusual CO2 value of 261 grams per kilometer into the air.
Niche existence inevitable
Perhaps the large CO2 emissions are also one of the reasons why the success of the Murano, which costs at least 46,740 euros, takes place mainly in North America. In Germany, the crossover will continue to lead its niche existence - despite the self-repairing paintwork and all the premium feelings.
