Nissan Murano 2009 US Road Test Report

Performance

Under the bonnet you have a 3.5-litre V6, this is still the only power plant available with the Murano at present, however a diesel is planned. The petrol engine, which we had, had a power output of 265bhp and the car has plenty of shove when there is the need for overtaking – 336Nm at 4,400rpm.The power is fed to the four wheel drive car through the revised CVT gearbox. In normal driving conditions the drive is biased to the front but if you lose traction the drive will automatically send 50 per cent of the power to the rear to give you better traction. The V6 engine makes a glorious noise while the CVT gearbox was easy to use although does rev higher than more conventional ‘boxes'.

Ride & Handling

The car we had was in American specification, which meant that the car was softer than what the European Murano will be like. Nissan has confirmed that the suspension will be stiffened by 10 per cent before it arrives in the UK. This will mean that the handling will be much improved as there was quite a bit of body roll on test.

Build Quality & Reliability

Every panel is brand new according to Nissan and the fit and finish is first class. From the outside you can see the changes to the 2009 Murano, Nissan has given the front a new chrome grille and the maker has also added a bigger badge, while the headlights add to the 4x4’s eye-catching appeal. Moving round to the rear and you’ll see that the Murano has kept much of the design that has set it apart from many other 4x4’s on the market. The taillights have been upgraded as the Japanese maker has added LED units. The cabin has been given a new look and the quality is there for all to see, as the plastics feel classier than what was on the previous generation.

Safety & Security

Due to our test car being in US specification details of the UK spec are being confirmed when the car is unveiled at the British Motorshow. But we believe that the car will have a lot of safety and security equipment just like the previous generation. Our car had a concealed storage under luggage floor area and UV-reducing rear-side privacy glass, these should feature on the UK car. The Nissan Murano should also have ALL MODE® 4x4, Front seatbelt pretensioners with load-limiters, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program Plus, Active Brake LSD and TCS, Dual-stage front airbags, Side and full-length curtain airbags, Active front seat head restraints and ISOFIX child seat anchoring points.

Space & Practicality

On the space and practicality front the Murano looks good. The 4x4 has reclining rear seats with a centre, 60:40 split. The rear seat also folds flat to enhance the load space. The seats have been upgraded too, as they now offer lateral support and much more comfort.

Ownership & Value

The Nissan Murano retains its stylish looks of the first generation and when it comes to the UK should have a car-like performance as the handling will be improved and it should also have a good level of equipment. The one downside is that there will only be the one engine in the line-up from launch and it will be a thirsty 3.5-litre V6 petrol, the Murano is crying out for a diesel option if the maker wants the car to reach a wider market. The car should start from around the £30,000 mark and is on sale in the UK in October. It is estimated that the CO2 output will be around the 300g/km region.