| Replacement Model | LA Auto Show 2007 | Nissan Murano |
An all-new Nissan Murano debuted in
LA this week, featuring both exterior and interior tweaks aiming to improve on the crossover SUV's formula, first released here in Europe
in 2005.
To look at, although contemporary and pleasing enough, the original Murano was nothing spectacular. But despite this, rather than overhaul the looks Nissan has chosen to refine them with more concept-like design cues. The front grille for instance, features eight mesh-exposing slices, whilst the whole nose is neatly rounded. The rear closely resembles that of the popular Qashqai, including the tail lamps.
Underneath the revised body, Nissan has lightened chassis components, increased the Murano's body stiffness and fitted dual-flow shock absorbers with hopes of appealing not just on looks, but on driving credentials too.
Up front, a detuned 3.5-litre, V6 petrol originally found in
the 350Z, will be offered in the new Murano. With 265bhp and 248lb.ft of torque the motor is ever so slightly more powerful than the engine of old, with Nissan saying the unit is also more refined; as is the Xtronic CVT gearbox, now in its second generation. Rumours suggest a 3.0-litre turbodiesel could become available after the car's initial release in Europe during late 2008. Using less power but more torque - 200bhp and 320lb.ft respectively, with the added incentive of better fuel economy, the oil burner will be more powerful than the current 3.0-litre diesel used in the Nissan Patrol.
Kyle Molyneux - 17 Nov 2007