Road Test: Bigger, Better, Cheaper
2009 NISSAN MURANO SL AWD
Review by Russell Purcell, Photos courtesy Nissan Canada
The Murano has been a bestseller for Nissan since its debut as a 2004 model, but the crossover segment it helped create has swelled to include a long list of worthy rivals. In an effort to maintain its substantial share of this burgeoning market, Nissan has completely redesigned the Murano for 2009.
A quick look at the spec sheet reveals that the new model is a touch longer, taller and heavier than the model it replaces. Most of the Murano’s groundbreaking good looks are carried over, but a flashy new front-end treatment with twin chrome grilles and wraparound, projector headlights give the new model a futuristic look. Wider fender flares capping big alloy wheels help give the Murano an aggressive stance, while LED taillights, dual exhaust tips and an integrated spoiler help modernize the view from the rear.
I found the passenger compartment to be very roomy, even when packed with four adults and a load of luggage, and the ride was quiet and very refined. The large greenhouse offers excellent visibility, and all the switchgear and controls are well-placed and intuitive to use. The new dash layout and instrumentation made for a pleasant environment, as did the significant improvement in the quality of materials and fit-and-finish. Storage duties are handled by a host of bins and cubbies, as well as the carpeted cargo area easily accessed via the available power-operated rear hatch. A fold-away cargo organizer is a highlight design feature that will hopefully be copied by other manufacturers.
The engineering team were busy under the hood, as a revised version of Nissan’s proven 3.5-litre V6 makes its home here, now offering a healthy 265 horsepower (up 25 hp) and 248 lb-ft of torque. This proved more than enough to hustle this mid-sized CUV from stoplight to stoplight in congested city traffic, but it truly came into its own during a couple of 800-kilometre road trips. Runs from 0-100km/h take about 8 seconds, but the Murano loves to cruise at triple digit speeds.
Nissan is a leader when it comes to the use of continuously variable transmission (CVT) technology, and it shows in the Xtronic unit employed on the new Murano. Power is efficiently delivered to all four wheels, as required, based on driving style and engine load. The powertrain proved very smooth, even under hard acceleration.
Advanced systems like Vehicle Dynamic Control and Traction Control serve to help the all-wheel drive and CVT systems get the power to the ground. Should conditions get too slippery, a driver-selectable centre differential lock can be activated at the touch of a button to evenly split torque between the axles and maximize traction at slow speeds. Ventilated disc brakes featuring the latest anti-lock advancements are backed up by both Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist technologies.
There are three trim levels offered for 2009, all employing the same engine, transmission and Nissan’s “intuitive” all-wheel drive system. Nissan has dropped the front-wheel drive variant for our market.
The entry Murano S starts at $37,648 and is well-equipped with the usual power accessories as well as 18-inch alloy wheels, power heated outside mirrors, rear privacy glass, push button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, in-dash six-CD audio system with six speakers and auxiliary input, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, rear cargo cover, and a full complement of airbags (front, side and side curtain).
The Murano SL (as tested) adds rain-sensing windshield wipers, a Bose audio system with 11 speakers, XM Satellite Radio, RearView back-up camera, power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and power up rear seatbacks. Several option packages are available to bridge the gap between this model and the top-of-the-line LE.
For the buyer with deeper pockets, the Murano LE ($47,498) features leather seating, 20-inch wheels, a dual panel moon-roof, power lift-gate, Xenon headlights, Intelligent Key keyless entry and ignition system, driver’s seat memory, heated rear seats and Bluetooth phone capabilities.
Unit body construction and an independent suspension give the Murano the comfort and handling characteristics of a sporty sedan (the Murano shares much of its platform with the Altima), so it will continue to attract those consumers reluctant to get on the SUV bandwagon. Add to this the fact that the 2009 Murano offers more power, more luxury, and more room for less money than the first generation model, and demand could soon outstrip supply.
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