Test drive Nissan Murano 2003 - 2007 SUV
Second coming
Nissan Murano 3.5 V6Price: Not defined
Category: crossovers
The eastern attitude is incomprehensible, and we do not understand why Nissan developers saw in modern technology and a unique style of masterpieces created by Italian glass -shoes, in common with their new model of the car. But one way or another, and they dubbed it precisely Murano. However, this car can be called new with some stretch. This is true only for the Russian market, in which the official sales of Nissan Murano will begin only at the end of the year. In fact, this car made its debut back in 2003 and achieved great success in the North American market. Yes, and we have a Nissan Murano is not a rare guest on the roads, as well as its more expensive Infiniti Fx one -platform. And here the question arises. Perhaps our market has already been saturated with this model? And the beginning of the official supplies of Murano two years after the appearance does not promise Nissan good sales? The answer, as always, will only tell you time.
However, one thing can be judged now. Between the Nissan Murano for America and the same model, but there is a fairly big difference for Europe. To adapt to the requirements of the European market, many changes were made to the design of the car. To be precise, about 300! This is a modified mechanical part, and better interior decoration materials, and increased safety indicators. And this is certainly a plus.
However, one thing can be judged now. Between the Nissan Murano for America and the same model, but there is a fairly big difference for Europe. To adapt to the requirements of the European market, many changes were made to the design of the car. To be precise, about 300! This is a modified mechanical part, and better interior decoration materials, and increased safety indicators. And this is certainly a plus.
I choose Nissan Murano for: Extraordinary and style
This car is favorably different from numerous competitors with an unusual and attractive appearance and a stylish interior. And the variator installed as a transmission, coupled with the engine, provides Nissan Murano excellent dynamic qualities.
Nevertheless, externally Nissan Murano for Europe is practically no different from its North American counterpart. The changes in the design affected only the spoiler of the front bumper and the design of the rear door, in which the place was converted under the installation of a long and narrow registration number of the European model. Although radically changing something in the design of such a bright and extraordinary car, probably, was not worth it. If you want, you don’t want to, but the look spontaneously pulls it out of the flow of cars passing by. Whatever you say, a memorable appearance.
Among the many representatives of the so quickly growing segment of the Nissan Murano crossover segment, it is definitely distinguished. Take, for example, the same Lexus RX300 or Volvo XC90. Their design is more trivial, they resemble real SUVs reduced in size. In the appearance of Nissan Murano there is not the slightest hint of a tendency to off -road exploits. On the contrary, the car body is more like a Nissan Micra baby, which is strongly distributed in size. Large rolling feed, widely placed 18-inch wheels, a high shoulder body area. Not a car, but a stocky broad -shouldered strong man. But stylish narrow, slightly lifted headlights and rear lights give the exterior of swiftness and resemble a sports 350z sports recently appeared on our market. And of course, a narrow chrome radiator grille. A predatory, reminiscent of a screw meat grinder, she makes it clear: before you is not such a calm family good. Nevertheless, a herd of 234 horses is hidden under the hood. By the way, only one version of the Nissan Murano will be delivered to the European market: with a V-shaped six-cylinder gasoline engine, a working volume of 3.5 liters and an all-wheel drive transmission. There is a version in the American market in monotive design. However, under ordinary conditions of movement and European Nissan Murano, it is a front -wheel drive car. And only if the wheel slipping is detected, electronics enters into business and closes the coupling in the main gear of the rear axle, and the torque is distributed between the car axes up to the ratio of 50:50. True, on off -road or on a slippery road, you can forcibly turn on a permanent all -wheel drive. It is enough just to press the Lock button located on the front panel.
A pair with the engine of the X-Tronic CVT with electronic controls working with the engine, in fact, provides such qualities of Nissan Murano as excellent dynamics and good smoothness. Incidentally, it was the Nissan Murano that became the first crossover, on which they began to install a bloodless variator. Previously, the variator could only be found on cars class below. Nevertheless, to transmit torque to 350 nm (this is how much the Murano variator is capable of digesting) the task is not easy. There should be a very effective cooling system from overheating of the gearbox. The variator installed on Nissan Murano is originating from the transmission of the Nissan Primera model. Primera's endless variator was adapted taking into account the increased loads, and as a result, the transmitted torch of the moment increased by more than 100 nm.
And in fact, thanks to the variator, the Nissan Murano boasts excellent dynamic qualities in a wide frequency range. And with a sharp overtaking and when moving to the mountain, the driver will not feel pauses associated with transitions to lower gears inherent in conventional automatic transmission. The gear ratio is constantly changing by changing the distance between the half -leggings of the variator, adapting to the conditions of movement. As a result, at the slightest press on the gas pedal in any frequency range, a significant supply of torque is felt. In addition, CVT variator on Nissan Murano is also equipped with a sports regime. You can choose one of the six fixed gears manually, moving the selector forward and forth.
DRIVER'S SEAT
The ergonomics of the driver's place is not impeccable. The driver’s and passenger seat does not have severe side support, and the steering column of departure adjustment. This is partly compensated by a large range of driver's seat electroregulations and an adjustable pedal node. It looks good and comfortable in the hands of the steering wheel of the steering wheel. But the instrument shield would like to turn a little higher.
Central console
All the main governing bodies are in sight and quite reached. A large color display is located on top, on which all the basic settings of the functions of the car are displayed. Like Nissan Primera, the car is equipped with a rear view camera that helps with parking. However, the calibration is better and, accordingly, the accuracy of the indications is higher.
Finishing
The salon is trimmed stylishly and very high quality. All details are adjusted carefully and do not make unnecessary sounds when driving. It is especially worth praising the high -quality leather upholstery of the seats.
Not bad Nissan Murano and in terms of controllability. Large wheelbase and track provide the car with good exchange rate stability and surprisingly insignificant rolls in corners. And let not on the steering wheel feel that sensitivity and informativeness, as, say, on the BMW X5, it is quite simple to drive a car. Although when passing steep turns, the car slips the front wheels out, you will still not be allowed to frolic. The ESP+ electronic system comes into effect instantly and immediately corrects the error, slowing down the axle wheels or redistributing the torque between them. I liked the suspension, moderately tough and energy -intensive. By the way, it was for the European version of the Nissan Murano that the suspension was converted taking into account the sports nature of the ride. In particular, the car was equipped with shock absorbers of a new design with a function of suppressing oscillations that relieves shaking on small road irregularities.
The interior of Nissan Murano has also undergone many changes. In accordance with European security standards, sharp edges and protruding parts disappeared from the cabin. In general, the interior design looks quite modern. The materials of the finish and the selected color scheme are good. The only thing that confuses the eye is the instrument shield and the central console. With the general integrity of the image of the salon, they seem something alien, like parts from another set of designer. I want to turn the device shield a little up a little, because those who like a high landing will not be very convenient to read.
The steering column, unfortunately, is regulated only in height. True, the adjustment range is really large. Yes, and the electric drive of the front seats (the driver's driven has as many as the whole adjustments) will arrange a rider of any complexion and growth. In addition, it is on the European version of the Nissan Murano that the driver’s service is adjustable pedal node. The seats themselves, sheathed with high -quality skin, resemble comfortable wide home chairs, but do not provide tangible lateral support.
However, all these minor miscalculations in ergonomics cannot take the main advantage of his individuality and originality in design, as well as more than good sled qualities from the Nissan Murano. And let this car not a beginner in our market, for sure the number of its admirers in the near future will not decrease, but only increase. Especially now, when this car will be delivered to our market officially, with all the ensuing consequences, such as dealer guarantee and maintenance. True, while the price at which the Nissan Murano will be offered in our market with official dealers remains a mystery. The car for the test was provided by Nissan Motor Rus,
tel.: (495) 961-2131
Engine power, L.S. 234
Acceleration time 0100 km/h, from 8.9
Max. Speed, km/h 200
Cf. fuel consumption, l/100 km n/d
Fuel tank capacity, l 82
Equipped mass, kg n/d
For comparison:
Lexus RX300 ****
Volvo xc90 ****
For stylish appearance, rich equipment, good sledge qualities.
Against insufficient lateral support of the front seats.
Summary is a bright car that is distinguished from a number of competitors. It has a chance to take one of the leading positions in the segment, provided that the price is adequate.
Nissan Murano 3.5 V6 ****
* - Auto rating
Source: Whatcar?
