I loved the Nissan Murano when it first came out some five or six years ago. Funnily enough, it was raining cats and dogs then, and I remember meandering around the Karkloof area in the Midlands, slipping and sliding my way through mud and clay en-route to an overnight stay somewhere. At one stage a small river had made the road impassable for normal sedans, but the Murano just powered its way through, although the resulting sludge and clay that adhered to the tyres made for some interesting fishtailing on the other side...
Hard to fault
The new Nissan Murano is even more striking than the last, and in fact I'd have a hard job deciding between the Qashqai and this, if I were given a choice. I’m a total sucker for any Nissan SUV/4x4/bakkie, I'm afraid. And always have been. The Murano has a gorgeous profile - like a sleek arrow - and a performance that's hard to fault.
All-round improvements
Nissan has gone all out to enhance and improve all facets of its customers' appreciation of the original model, and has succeeded admirably. It's quieter, less thirsty, smoother, and generally, better than ever. I was driving the 3.5-litre V6 petrol-powered model, which has the Intelligent All-Mode 4X4 drive train. Nissan say this technology delivers unbelievable traction in all conditions, and in fact during a few days of soaking rain here in Durban, it proved this point admirably.
Nissan Murano's cool gadgets
The Murano, girls, now also boasts an automatic boot - albeit accompanied by an annoying buzzer when it opens and shuts! - which is a huge boon, and so incredibly useful.
There are electric folding side mirrors, another bonus, seat warmers (the kids love these), and you'll find, especially on long drives, that road and suspension noise is minimal. Nissan says that wherever possible, sound-absorbing materials have been used to block or mute sources of noise.
Under the bonnet
The Murano engine delivers 191kW of power and 336Nm torque, and has a top speed of 210km/h. Your fuel tank has a capacity of 82 litres. It comes with park distance control front and rear, a multitude of airbags, Xenon headlights, plenty of cupholders and other clever storage spaces.
All in all, a truly gorgeous SUV and yours for R488 000.
