Test drive Nissan Murano 2003 - 2007 SUV

Alien

Today, in the automotive industry, everything is thoroughly confused - the initial national affiliation of the brand does not mean where the car is manufactured or even developed. For the sake of notorious political correctness we will consider Nissan Murano an American of Japanese origin.
This model is made in the USA (Smyrna, Tennessee) only for the American market, but the demand for modern, well -equipped all -terrain vehicles are very great everywhere. That is why cars from the other side of the Atlantic find their customers in Russia. In the end, for this, personal imports are used - a way to bring to order the car that you like.

Who does it look like?
The fact that the appearance of Nissan-Murano is unusual is understandable at first glance. A wide car spread on the ground, impressive, widely placed wheels, a toothy decorative grille of the radiator - in its style of a minimum of compromises. He either likes it or not, but it is unlikely that he will be indifferent. A short survey of colleagues and acquaintances revealed equally polar opinions about analogues in the appearance of appearance. Some recalled Isuzu-Vekhikross, others new Honda Cr-V, others-Lexus RX300 and even a conceptual cadillac-vison.
The salon inspired thoughts with Nissan X-Trail, albeit remote. But the most original was the analogy with the new animated character of Disney, an alien Sticha. Perhaps this set is enough to recognize the appearance of Nissan-Murano, at least, extraordinary.

TECHNICAL QUESTION
What is hidden under unusual body forms? We assure you - even more bold technical solutions. The transversely located V -shaped six today is no longer surprising, but the variator instead of the usual hydromechanical transmission with a motor of 3.5 liters is a new record. The all-wheel drive system is also curious, in many ways similar to the one on Nissan X-trail. The rear wheels drive is connected automatically using the coupling when the front is slipping, but there is no intericosa differential. On the one hand, the scheme is very simple and effective, and on the other hand, the mode of forced blocking of the coupling (acting at speeds up to 30 km/h) allows you to realize most of the capabilities of all -wheel drive in difficult conditions.
However, Nissan Murano was not created for off -road and does not hide his highway. The road clearance of 178 mm is the best evidence that the image for this car is more important than technical indicators. Another eloquent certificate is a low -located oil radiator of transmission, covered with dirt only with a thin shield. Murano is a typical city all -around and the maximum of the adventures permitted to him - by the snow -covered courtyard or sand of the beach. However, there are enough speculations and biases - it's time behind the wheel.

Can everything be CVT?
The variator instead of a traditional machine, and even paired with a motor of almost 250 horses? Somehow I can’t believe it: after all, the author still dealt with the variators on cars, under the hoods of which are half the strength ... but half an hour was enough for doubts to dispel.
Just a few examples. Turning the selector from position N to position D, you habitually expect a slight jerk, but it is not. As there is no change in the tone of the engine or the nature of vibrations. As if nothing had happened. Murano’s pedal is pressed by a smooth acceleration, the numerical value of which is easy to underestimate. And, finally, the most important thing: the variator of Nissan successfully imitates the hydromechanical transmission, imitating the acceleration steps. There is no irritating rumble of a motor working at constant speeds, and switching is always timely and do without the slightest jerk. Although in one discipline the variator nevertheless loses: he does not manage an energetic touch from his place too much. Otherwise, the ideal is unattainable for step transmission. Really, with such automation, fashionable pseudo -armed modes are simply not needed. Although the ability to influence the variator is provided. You can choose instead of D S - here from the word secondary (second or auxiliary transmission), not Sport. In this case, there will be increased speeds for quick overtaking and effective engine braking. For steep slopes, there is a mode L, simulating a lower gear.

Salon with claims
Unusual body stylistics continues in the cabin. Even banal steering wheel switches are strikingly different from the usual ones - fortunately, this does not affect the functionality. The finish is made carefully and with great taste. They did without a tree and chrome that filled the soreness: black skin, soft black plastic and matte stainless steel on the console and steering knitting needles. Only a separate instrument shield contrasts in color with a total finish - it is silver, but plastic. It looks, however, not too expensive, but you can’t refuse originality.
The set of devices is standard: a speedometer with a double scale (in miles and km/h), tachometer, fuel level indicator, coolant temperature and many control lamps for all occasions. You can put on the fact that at some positions of the steering part part of the indicators is overlapped by the hub. However, these are not all devices. The display in the middle of the torpedo takes on many functions, demonstrating the climate parameters, the on -board computer indicators, the audio system settings and even the tire pressure. To get used to this diversity is surprisingly easy.
The standard BOSE audio system with a built -in six -disc chainger and radio is praise. The sound quality subjectively seemed very high: it is appropriate to interpret not about the reproduction of a particular frequency range, but about such audiophile concepts as localization or dynamism of reproduction.
Looking around the car, it is worth evaluating the size of the salon - two above average height easily sit down one after another. The back seat is spacious and three, although in design it is clearly intended for two.
It's time to stay in the driver's place in more detail. Naturally, all adjustments to the front seats are electric, and the driver’s still is equipped with memory. By the way, one of the buttons almost at a dead end. When pressing it, something buzzed, but nothing happened to the seat. It turned out that the adjustment of the pedal node works. The principle is quite simple: below and bend, above. The effect is very well noticeable. Firstly, depending on the usual landing (high or low), you can choose the optimal position of the pedals, and secondly, the problem for drivers with different sizes of the foot is finally solved-and Cinderella in shoes of the 35th size, and the grenadier in army boots The 47th will be convenient. With the steering wheel, not everything is so simple - the column is regulated only in the angle of inclination, but not in length. However, the need for this is partially leveled by the mobility of the pedal node.

Roads that choose us
By definition, the city all -around, by definition, spends most of the time on the streets and avenues, in yards and alleys. Let's start with the latter. With maneuverability, Nissan -Murano is in order, but with visibility, especially back, it doesn’t matter. In any case, the potential owner should pay extra for parking sensors, which is not in the standard configuration of SE. In America, the parking lots are spacious, and sometimes we park wherever you have to.
The dynamic qualities of Murano with excess are enough to lead in any stream - the question of how it correlates with the speed limit ... although there are no doubts in the brakes - powerful ventilated discs in a circle and well -dosed slowdown. The main thing is that some rotosa does not enter the stern.
Other advantages are visible on the suburban highway: low noise, a pleasant characteristic of steering. It does not force to strain at high speed and allows you to accurately prescribe speedy turns. The suspension copes with its duties, but the emphasis is clearly placed on controllability, and not on comfort. Large wheels confidently swallow minor irregularities, but serious potholes or consequences of pitched repair make you dump speed - suspension protests become loud, and the smoothness of the course suffers significantly. But Nissan Murano is a big hunter to steep turns.
At first, it is difficult to get used to the idea that a large and rather high car can rotate as a good sports car: quickly, almost without rolls or swings, with an impressive lateral acceleration, without squeaking tires and demolition. And for those who scare the sharp maneuvers of the car, there is VSC (stabilization system). Perhaps I would venture to say that in this discipline, only BMW X5 can compete with him - the rest are not yet in that league ...


Style, but ...
We more than once caught surprised glances from Gelendevagen, Lend-Cruser and Pajero. Even smug holders of BMW X5 looked at us with curiosity. What to say, standing out of this cohort is not so simple and even even cheap. This is probably why the demand for tuning and individual configurations is growing. Nissan -murano is not needed - or not yet needed. There are fears that, having gained popularity, it will lose exclusivity. And she is worth a lot. Much more expensive than bixenon headlights, 18-inch wheels and a luxurious audio system ...

Brief data
Nissan Murano
It has been produced in the United States since 2003.
Automatically connected four -wheel drive. Electronic control variator.
Modification with the drive only on the front wheels.
Six -cylinder gasoline engine 3.5 liters, power - 180 kW/245 liters. With.
The price in this configuration is $ 57,000.
Techno style in all splendor.
Big display and little joystick.
The V6 engine with the variator is located transversely.
The instrument shield does not fall out of the general style of the Murano salon.
Spacious transformed trunk with additional pockets.
The place inside the 18-inch spare was occupied by an audio system subwoofer.

EQUIPMENT
Abs
Anti -boom system
Stabilization system
Side airbags
Air conditioner
Climate control
Adjustable steering column
Fog lights
Audiosystem
Full -size spare wheel
 
  
SUMMARY
+ Good acceleration dynamics, excellent handling, moderate fuel consumption, stylish appearance, rich equipment, spacious interior, excellent work of the variator.
- low smoothness on large irregularities, limited visibility of back, modest off -road abilities, lack of European configuration.
 

 
Anatoly Fomin
 

Source: The magazine "Driving"