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Murano does the business but without a diesel engine
publication date: Oct 24, 2008
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author/source: David Miles
 | | Nissan has now introduced the latest version of their ‘business crossover' the five-door Murano.
This original vehicle was launched in the USA five years ago and was introduced to the UK in 2004 when SUV/4x4 and MPVs were more buoyant than they are now.
Nissan class the Murano 4x4 as a ‘sports crossover' aimed at the business or corporate sector of users typically using a contract hire or lease option to acquire the vehicle.
Although it now has a more fuel efficient 3.5-litre, twin-cam V6 petrol engine with better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions the big drawback for many high mileage business customers is no diesel engine option.
However Nissan say a diesel unit should become available in 18 months. The petrol engine is mated with the latest Xtronic CVT auto transmission as standard.
Prices are £32,795 or £33,295 with the rear seat roof mounted DVD system.
The Murano uses Nissan's new D segment platform which is 45pc stiffer than the outgoing version.
All body panels are of new design, it has a revised suspension, the interior has uprated ‘business class' specification and the engine has 22PS more power, now 256PS, with 334Nm of torque - up by 16Nm whilst CO2 emissions are reduced by 11pc to 261g/km. Fuel economy is improved by 12pc to 25.9mpg for the combined cycle. Top speed is 130mph and 0-62mph takes 8.0 seconds.
Squarely aimed at the business and corporate users the 4x4 Murano, priced from £32,795, has only one engine option, a revised 3.5-litre, V6 petrol unit with 256PS of power and 334Nm of torque. The fuel consumption is improved, the CO2 levels lowered and the engine is mated with the latest CVT seamless automatic transmission as standard. A much needed diesel engine option will be with us in about 18 months time
| | Don't miss tomorrow's first impressions of the Nissan Qashqai - only in Wheels Within Wales | A new D-segment floorpan is 45pc stiffer than the outgoing model, the suspension is revised and the luxury specification is higher and includes a colour rear view and nearside kerb parking camera.
This is a minority selling vehicle attracting only around 700 UK customers in a full year. You either like the trendy and sporty looks or you do not. In keeping with its important ‘business users' status the specification is high and the practicality of seating and a rear tailgate for load space access is efficient. The ride is on the soft side allowing the vehicle to ‘waft' along rather than providing an engaging drive. The body roll is significant on country roads but improves on motorways.The CVT automatic transmission dulls performance and engine response and I suspect harms fuel economy. Officially the average fuel consumption is 25.9mpg. In practise over a variety of roads my test car returned just 19.4mpg and with a 261g/km CO2 rating it means road tax of £400 until the end of March 2009 and £440 from next April. | In the meantime the new executive class Murano 4x4 is not forecast to become a major seller for Nissan but it allows the manufacturer to compete for niche business user sales against the likes of the new Audi Q5, Lexus RX350, Volvo XC60, Volkswagen Touareg and even the BMW X6.
Nissan Motor (GB) Limited said at the press introduction to the new model that between now and the end of March next year they expect to sell 450 units and 700 in a full year whilst European sales for a full year would be in the region of 7,500 units. |  | | | | MILESTONES | Nissan Murano 3.5 V6. Price: £32,795. | | Engine/transmission. 3.5-litre, twin cam, petrol 256PS, 334Nm, CVT auto transmission, permanent 4x4. Performance: 130mph, 0-62mph 8.0 seconds, 25.9mpg (19.4mpg actual), CO2 261g/km, VED £400, BIK tax 35pc. | | For: Meets a limited number of executive business user's needs, high quality specification, trendy looks. | Against: High running costs, sloppy handling.
| ©DAVID MILES | | |
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