2024 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:13
As a six-cylinder, the Nissan Murano is a real pleasure for the occupants. If only the neighbors didn't always look so grim.
By Frank Mertens
"And what does he use?" The neighbor's question came out of the blue. Couldn't he have asked first how he drives? Then I could have started positively, that the Nissan Murano drives really well: its V6 engine with its 256 hp acts powerfully but smoothly and implements the commands of the accelerator via the continuously variable CVT automatic transmission without delay.
Between fun and a guilty conscience
But the neighbor didn't want to know - he asked quite profanely what this car was doing. Well, in city traffic it was around 13.5 liters, but if you drive very carefully. That is 1.4 liters less than specified by the manufacturer. But even without this addition, the horror of my counterpart was great enough. "A car can't be that much fun to justify such consumption," was the disdainful reaction. He didn't ask any further questions - and left me standing with a curt "See you soon". Well, I couldn't have disagreed with him if I'd had the opportunity. Because this crossover model from Nissan is not made for the needs of our regions. It might fit on a never-ending dead straight highway in the USAbut not in the big city.
It is too bulky for that: a length of 4.84 meters, a width of 1.89 meters and a height of 1.72 meters are already an announcement. So if you are on the move in the Murano, you are enthroned over the other road users. This is not bad for the feeling of objectively and subjectively perceived security. Incidentally, one reason why many people like to travel in an SUV.
Reproachful looks at the traffic light
But anyone who drives in such a car and then occasionally has thoughts about the consequences of private transport for the climate is plagued by a bad conscience. After all, the Murano blows a whopping 261 grams of CO2 per kilometer into the environment. These are values that are simply not up to date.
The other road users seem to suspect that. Because somehow you think you are exposed to reproachful glances at traffic lights. «Look here, there is one of those SUV drivers again. Drive a car that nobody needs and pollutes the environment », you think you can read your mind. A touch of paranoia spreads.
Enjoyment with a premium character
But if you suppress this, concentrate only on pure driving and never lose a look at the consumption display of the on-board computer, you can enjoy the journey in the Murano. Its interior has almost a premium character, the materials not only look good, they also feel good. In the front you can loll about just as comfortably in the leather seats as in the rear, where there is space for three passengers.
And as befits a car of this class, it offers such niceties as an automatically opening and closing tailgate. Or cameras on the right exterior mirror and in the tailgate that make parking much easier. You can dismiss it as useless junk or just appreciate it as a nice feature.
Good alternative one class lower
Yes, the Murano offers a lot that you could like, but also a lot that you can't appreciate - especially its enormous consumption. If you can't do without the advantages of an SUV, you can also find something one class lower at Nissan. Because there is the Qashqai, not a bad alternative - and it also comes from Nissan.
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