Skip to content
Nissan models, news & reviews
3
Handling
Performance
Usability
4
Feelgood factor
2
Readers' rating
2.5
By Anthony ffrench-Constant
First Drives
01 September 2008 10:00
A new Nissan Murano? I can barely remember the old one… That’s probably because, despite selling over 241,000 units in America since its launch in 2004, the poor Murano managed barely 55,000 sales throughout Europe over the same period. Clearly, Nissan has equally low hopes for European success with the next-generation Murano, anticipating a ludicrously modest 450 sales for this £33,000, one-model range in the UK between October 2008 (when it goes on sale) and March 2009, swelling to a mighty, erm, 700 units in the first full year. So is the 'new' Nissan Murano just a facelift, or is it all change?This is pretty much a brand new car. Based on Nissan’s new D platform, which it currently shares with nothing else in Europe, the new Murano boasts an all new bodyshell lauded as being 45 percent stiffer than its predecessor, a new interior, and improvements to the 3.5-litre V6 powerplant and its CVT transmission. I’m probably alone in having found the outgoing car somewhat handsome, despite an excess of knuckle-sov’ bling about the front grille. There still is, but the new grille is more slender, and sits atop a new snout that looks as though some bully grabbed the top lip of the old model with a pair of pliers and pulled until it really, really hurt. The rest of the design is not, frankly, quite as svelte as the old timer, with numerous extra lumps on offer to imbue sensations of increased muscularity. Same as it ever was… Name me one second-generation car better looking than the Mk1…Click 'Next' to continue reading CAR's review of the new Nissan Murano
Add your comment
Sign in You must be signed in to submit a comment.
Nissan Murano (2009 European version) CAR review
Subject
Your comment
By submitting your comment, you agree to adhere to the CAR Magazine website Terms and Conditions
Cancel
You must be logged in to subscribe to a topic
Login or register now
AutoParts says
RE: Nissan Murano (2009 European version) CAR review
Nissan Murano is a great car, i dont understand why such a great car is not selling in european markets, maybe there should be some issue with the service or Nissan Parts availability.... whatever it is i think more people in europe should give it a try and Nissan should really try to find the cause of low selling...
30 December 2010 12:28
Batty says
"Name me one second-generation car better looking than the Mk1…" I knew that there was one. The Renault Megane! Do a get a smiley stamp now teacher?
03 September 2008 22:18
bklynmurano says
The reviewer is negative about this car from the get-go. The few compliments he dishes out, he does so grudgingly. What has Nissan done to upset him? I bought a 2009 in the States, and I find it a joy to drive - but perhaps I'm easily pleased? The CVT is quiet and smooth with none of the whining sounds the reviewer complains about. I wanted a car that would be comfortable to drive on long stretches of highway, which this is, and I think the seats are really comfortable, with a lot of leg-roon for rear seat passengers. Maybe I am so happy with it because I paid $34,000 for it, which equates to about 18,000 pounds - how do you in the UK feel paying around 12,000 pounds more for essentially the same vehicle? In the States, they come in 3 versions, S, SL, and LE and the UK version appears to be equivalent to the LE. I bought the SL fully loaded except for Sat/Nav. Cant belive how expensive it is here. Perhaps that is why they aren't selling very many of them here. There are a lot of Murano fans out there in the US
03 September 2008 01:13
Another beautifully written and witty piece Mr. ffrench-Constant, thank you. I can't seem to shake the impression of the sperm whale whenever I see the front of this car. Especially so in the fetching grey hue of the photography car above. I am intrigued however about your comment on forward parking. Do you never park forwards even on an empty street? Is it an English eccentricity?
02 September 2008 05:10
Robby1977 says
The outgoing model always struck me as cool looking. This one aint.....
02 September 2008 00:32
Upload stories, photos or videos direct to the site, or email newsdesk@carmagazine.co.uk.
Alternatively, call 01733 468 485 (+ 44 1733 468 485)
Seen a secret new car, fabulous exotic or have news we should publish? Then get in touch now.
