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| Nissan Murano |
Crossovers have officially arrived. Nissan's crossover entrant is the stylish Murano, which says the manufacturer, will be marketed as an urban SUV. The Nissan Murano's cleanly styled interior provides seating for four. A split fold-down rear seat offers a reclining feature and a remote flip-down function, allowing the seats to be released from the rear cargo area. Interior temperature is managed via front dual zone climate controls and individual pillar-located rear air conditioning vents. Safety is addressed via dual-stage front air bags, seatbelts with pretension and load limiters, child seat anchors and a tether system, and front seat active head restraints.
Available with front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive system, the Nissan Murano is powered by a standard 240-plus horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6, derived, says Nissan, from the engine used in 2002 Altima and Maxima sedans. Other performance features include a stability control system (dubbed Vehicle Dynamic Control) and a traction control system. Vented disc brakes with Brake Assist and electronic brake force distribution stop the action dead in its tracks, if need be. The crossover SUV segment is growing by leaps and bounds -- faster than any other vehicle segment.
Nissan says the Murano uses wraparound surface construction that features a sloping hood line and a steeply raked windshield. According to the automaker, the "Nissan Murano" features SUV strength below the belt line and sport sedan openness above. Aerodynamic enhancements include an under-engine body cover, front and rear tire deflectors, a chin spoiler and a rear spoiler. The Murano rides a 111.2-inch wheelbase, measures 187.6 inches long overall and stands 66.5 inches tall.
Nissan promises first-class seating for two couples on sculpted seats in the Murano. The split, folding rear seat reclines and has a remote slip-down function. The Nissan Murano’s cargo volume totals 81.6 cubic feet.
An available Vehicle Dynamic Control system improves stability by controlling brake pressure and engine torque automatically during certain difficult driving conditions.
Standard features include dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and side curtain-type airbags that protect front and rear occupants. The seat belts have pretension and load limiters. Child-safety seat anchors, a tether system and active head restraints for the front seats are installed. All-disc antilock brakes have Brake Assist and electronic brake-force distribution.
The Nissan Murano’s handling is its prime attribute. The Murano’s magnificent seats have great back and thigh support, as well as appealing cushioning. As one of the classy new unclassifiable that automakers are introducing to deflect anti-SUV rants, the Nissan Murano offers much to set itself apart from the madding crowd. If you’re curious about the name, Nissan’s got a quick-draw explanation: Murano, says the press release is named after the elegantly sculpted glass art that comes from the islands near Venice. The obligatory reference to cutting-edge design thereby takes on the not entirely reassuring connotations of shattered glass and sharp splinters.