Test drive Nissan Murano 2003 - 2007 SUV

Review of the new generation Nissan Murano. What the doctor prescribed

Nissan Murano 2009 model year proves that Nissan previously calculated the upcoming popularity of crossovers.
The situation when the popularity of the car and its level of sales only increase over time, is very unusual, but this is exactly what happened to Nissan Murano. After all, the car was launched on the US market as a 2004 model, its sales have only been growing since then, and in 2006 they reached 81,000 cars.
Don't you think that such a stir around crossovers is a certain trend?
Evolution, not a revolution
Now that Nissan Murano has the right fans, Nissan should be very careful with modifications and upgrades of completely new Murano, things that created this model of such success should not become the subject of compromise. In our opinion, these things are: an unconventional solution to the exterior, a lot of amenities for passengers in the rear seat and a pleasant dynamics of control.
A cursory glance at the reviews of the owners of Murano in the current configuration confirms our assumptions. But they would also like to see better materials in the decoration of the salon, a more responsive transmission, an additional AUX connector in the stereo system (in addition to other electronic devices that provide comfort) and more luggage space.
The 2009 Nissan Murano is made on the same platform as the 2008 Nissan Altima, and that's good. The VQ series of engines (V-shaped six-cylinder) installed on the second generation of Nissan Murano, with a volume of 3.5 liters, which can also be found on Nissan Altima, now produces 265 hp. Instead of the previous 240, while fuel consumption, equal to 18 miles/gallon (13 liters per 100 km) in the city and 23 miles/gallon (10 l per 100 km) on the highway, remained the same, which is important, taking into account the new standards issued by the agency. on environmental protection EPA.
As before, Murano set the endless transmission of CVT, which in the 2004 modification did not show itself in the best way, but in the future proved its superiority, especially after gas prices took off to heaven. The new Nissan Murano received the latest generation Xtronic variator with a complex gearbox control system (ASC), borrowed from Nissan Altima. This system dictates where, when and how many switches you need to do, moreover, it allowed to increase the speed of switching by 30%. As a result, the transmission became so responsive that in Nissan they considered it unnecessary to offer a manual gear mode for this variator in this, we completely agree with them.
No more Cheshire cat
Having borrowed a whole platform and a working transmission from the counterparts, Nissan Murano faced the main difficulty: to completely change his bright, seductive exterior to a new one and remain recognizable at the same time.
Its original, with a dominant lattice, the muzzle received a new dischein, in which the radiator grille is combined with multi -elemental front headlights with optional xenon hid lamps. We like this solution not only because now the car has become less like a grin of the Cheshire cat, but also because now it can be confused with Acura MDX if you go too far, or with hyundai Veracruz if you come very close.
Compared with other models of the concern, the new Nissan Murano in the top set LE can be taken for Infiniti. The simplest SE set with a sports slope disappeared from the line, while the S and SL options remained.
Improved interior
 
All materials used in the solution of the interior have extremely pleasant colors and textures, and in general the design has become richer and attractive than before. But Nissan decided not to stop there. Since this model was released almost five years ago, Murano was somewhat lagging behind in modern technical devices, and the company decided to produce technical re -equipment of the salon.
The main options now include: 11 Bose columns, XM satellite radio, IPOD interface (standard for the LE set, one of the best), Bluetooth, DVD system for passengers with a 9-inch cleaning screen and, of course, Nissan navigation system with A 20 GB hard drive with a real motion function plus 9.3 GB of memory for recording your favorite music.
Also, Nissan Murano LE is equipped with such top options as: intellectual castle, rear view camera, heating the front and rear seats, two hatches, xenon and pneumatic reserves of the rear door.
The standard equipment of all Nissan Murano modifications now includes the engine starting from the button, the telescopic adjustment of the steering column (manual on S and SL, equipped with electronic memory on LE), an audio system with a Ceiner for 6 disks and AM/FM radio receiver, 6 columns (it used to be 4) And an additional connector for MP3/WMA carriers, as well as the cleaning adjustable rear seats (recluded at 40 or 60 degrees) with electric drive (in the SL and LE configuration).
Complete the set of gorgeous, perfectly executed front and rear seats. Having abandoned the trend to make three rows of seats, the creators of the Nissan Murano managed to maintain a lot of first -class amenities for passengers in the rear seat. In the most expensive configuration, even passengers on the back sofa can enjoy the heating seats. The high level of equipment in combination with the pleasant atmosphere of the car helped Murano rise from the status of a stylistic curiosity to a competitive market participant in the classroom of parasite crossovers.
But this is all that were able to provide good external data and fashionable electronics.
Good running qualities
 
On the test track, the powerful Nissan Murano accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, and the braking distance at full stop at the same speed due to productive disc brakes for all 4 wheels is only 37 meters. Such indicators allow this car to get to the top models in their class.
As for maneuverability, 1,870 kg of Murano goes around the chips with lateral acceleration of equal to 0.79G (partly the result is affected by the system of exchange stability of the car, which cannot be completely turned off). The passage of slalom includes a security system, and it does not allow the machine to develop a speed of more than 95 km/h.
A modified suspension with light aluminum and a new steering system also makes Murano active and surprisingly responsive. Undoubtedly, the combination of such changes in the suspension and the new preventive (non -reactive) system of all -wheel drive (first presented on Nissan Rogue) contributes to the amazing controllability of Murano and the complete feeling of predictability. And, contrary to the expectations of many, the new 20-inch (to equip LE) Disks with Toyo Proxes A20 235/50TR20 tires do not have a negative impact on the ride in general.
The only aspect that was not able to improve in Murano was a place for baggage. The free space in the car became slightly smaller, so the designers decided to add amenities. A fashionable leaning box for organizing the luggage compartment space, first presented in Nissan Rogue, the rear seats are removed in one movement, freeing up the luggage place. To the usual position of the seats, they are returned using a motor, turned on either from the dashboard, or next to the rear seat adjustment lever.
Irresistible crossover
 
Prices for a new model have not yet been announced, but it is expected that the cost of the basic configuration in the United States with the Nissan Murano front front -wheel drive will start at $ 28,000, and for fully packaged LE, $ 40,000 will not exceed $ 40,000.
Such an attractive combination of models and prices for them, plus significant improvements made in all configurations, should provide the second generation of Nissan Murano successful sales for at least 4 years.
It seemed that Nissan risked, deciding to try himself in an unknown segment, when Nissan Murano was launched on the market in 2004. But now we all understand that it was a jump into the future.
Technical characteristics of the Nissan Murano 2009 model year
Full length: 4 788 mm.
Full width: 1 882 mm.
Complete height: 1 730 mm.
Wheel base: 2 824 mm.
Machine weight: 1,877 kg.
Drive: complete.
Engine: a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder with a V-shaped cylinder location, DOHC gas distribution mechanism with 24 valves, developed power of 265 hp. (198 kW) at 6,000 rpm, maximum torque 34.3 kg/m (336 Nm) at 4,000 rpm.
 
 
 

Source: Edmunds.com