Nissan's All-Wheel Drive Murano Arrives in Australia
August 13 2005
Nissan’s all-new all-wheel drive Murano cross-over vehicle, featuring distinctive sculpted styling, powerful 172kW performance and excellent handling and dynamics has arrived in Australia.
The Murano is aimed at those customers who want the prestige that goes with owning a distinctive vehicle, who don’t want to sacrifice passenger-car styling, comfort and performance, yet appreciate the security of all-wheel drive capability.
Developed and designed at the Nissan Design Centre in California, the Murano is named after the elegantly sculpted glass art that comes from the islands near Venice. Murano glass is considered a leader in both cutting edge design and process and, in many ways the Nissan Murano mirrors this spirit of innovation in areas such as styling and technology.
The Murano is based on a “sculpture in motion” theme, offering a wraparound surface construction, architectural front grille and a sporty upswept D-pillar. This theme is carried through to the spacious interior which provides “first class seating” for five passengers and an abundance of storage and cargo solutions.
Built on Nissan’s FF-L platform (front-engine, front-drive, large), the Murano features an exceptionally long wheelbase. The large 18inch alloy wheels are pushed out to the corners giving Murano a ‘planted’ look which is accentuated by the short overhangs front and rear.
Powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 DOHC engine found in Nissan’s legendary 350Z, the Murano generates 172kW @ 6000rpm and 318Nm of torque at 3600rpm and offers effortless performance. The powerful engine is complemented by Nissan’s revolutionary 6-speed Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with M-Mode, which provides smooth and responsive acceleration, virtually eliminates “shift shock” and offers enhanced fuel economy.
Drive is fed through an Electronic ALL WHEEL DRIVE system with Lock mode - based on Nissan’s ALL MODE 4x4 system found in the newly released Pathfinder – and is combined with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) to offer reassuring levels of traction and stability in all environments.
Fully independent multi-link suspension and speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering gives Murano car-like dynamic performance and levels of comfort, while the addition of four-wheel drive gives added grip in poor weather and when driving on loose or greasy surfaces. The vehicle features 6-spoke 18x7.5JJ alloy wheels and 225/65R18 tyres.
Standard safety equipment is comprehensive on all Australian grade Muranos and includes SRS driver and front passenger airbags, SRS curtain airbags and SRS driver and front passenger side-impact airbags, active front head rests, ABS Brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist, and Vehicle Dynamic Control.
Interior storage is both innovative and generous. The centre floor console is deep enough to house a laptop computer and is supplemented by door pockets and bins as well as under-floor storage in the luggage area for the security conscious.
And there are clever touches like a rear seat that's split folding, folds flat and can be dropped to the flat position simply by pulling a lever in the rear cargo area. Access to the cargo area is enhanced through the use of a lightweight tailgate made from advanced composite plastics with steel reinforcement, making it light and easy to open.
The Murano is available in two grades – the ST and Ti – and both provide excellent standard appointments befitting a prestige vehicle.
The ST Murano includes Xenon headlamps with washers, dual exhaust, integrated rear spoiler, BOSE 6-speaker audio with subwoofer and in-dash 6-stacker CD, steering wheel audio controls, automatic climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, leather steering wheel and gear shift, power windows and a cargo blind and cargo net.
The luxurious Ti Murano adds leather seats, heated front seats, electric sunroof, rear parking sensors and roof rails.
Paint colours include Platinum, Slate Grey, Sunlit Copper, Blue Velvet, Black Obsidian and Desert Gold.
Pricing on both models of the Murano is sharp, with the ST variant available from just $51,990* and the highly specified Ti available from $56,990*.
According to Nissan Australia’s product marketing manager, Michael Hayes, the Nissan Murano fits neatly into the newly emerging “Crossover” vehicle segment on the Australian market, which in less than two years has come to represent more than 40% of the Medium SUV segment – and is still growing strongly.
“ Australia’s demand for stylish crossover vehicles is strong and the Murano represents a perfect blend of performance oriented, car-like driving dynamics with the reassurance and stability of all-wheel drive. The time is right for Murano’s entry into the Australian market.” Mr Hayes said.
Shinya Hannya, Nissan’s managing director and chief executive officer, agreed that the Murano will bring a fresh approach to the Medium SUV segment.
“The Murano packages the best elements of our sports oriented vehicles, with the added functionality of an all-wheel drive and creates a unique and desirable SUV,” Mr Hannya said. “We are confident the Murano will stand out from the crowd for its styling, performance and attractive pricing.”
*Recommended retail pricing does not include on-road costs or dealer delivery.
Metallic paint $300 extra on ST variant.
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