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Performance
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Readers' rating
By Kyle Fortune
First Drives
15 April 2008 09:18
Nissan’s Murano is an odd thing. Since late 2004 only around 1000 of them have made it to the UK each year, but for all its scarcity it was something you wouldn't forget when you did see one. A big showy chrome grille and a lusty V6 engine borrowed from the 350Z meant the Murano was never going to appeal to everyone (there has never been a diesel), but it wasn’t without its fans. And those fans will no doubt be pleased to hear there’s a new one on the way.
The official line is that UK dealers will have Muranos to sell late in 2008. It’s hardly surprising that Nissan isn’t in a huge rush to get the new Murano over here. The company is doing very nicely indeed out of selling it in the USA, where the big 3.5-litre 261bhp V6 petrol engine is less of an issue.
Whether it’s worth the wait is entirely down to how you like your SUVs. The Murano is a bit leftfield for many - and those new looks may well divide opinion (some at CAR worry they've destroyed a desirable car with that 'distinctive' new nose).
But can the new car match the old car's slick drive?
Click 'Next' below to read the rest of our Nissan Murano first drive
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Nissan Murano (2008) CAR review
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AndyTaylor says
RE: Nissan Murano (2008) CAR review
seems Nissan isn't really trying with the Murano in the UK market. 2nd generation car finally gets a diesel engine and when it does it's a 4 cylinder workhorse from the Navara and not the 3.0 V6 from Infiniti - another opportunity missed.
07 February 2011 13:59
tjhirst says
I have one!
First drove the Murano in 2006 in California where it really is at home. A 'Too Good to Miss' contract hire special offer means that I now can look forward to 2 years of that wonderful engine, sublime (for a vehicle of this type) styling and sufficient space for my family...if only I can wrest the keys from my wife. The highlight is the drivetrain where the CVT is matched exceptionally to the V6 torquey output. When the need - or desire - arises just depress the throttle further, the engine revs to peak power at 6,000 it it really does make satisfying progress. Shame about the consumption and Ken's view of me as Beelzebub incarnate. Guess I had better take the tube!
20 April 2008 23:55
Wilton says
Cheap petrol
I am moving to the Middle East and am going to make up for years of automotive parsimony by buying something fat and fast. The Murano is right in the frame. Much better looking than the CX 7. There is also a 4 litre Toyota FJ Cruiser over there which we don't get which resembles a slightly less offensive baby Hummer. My contribution to global warming is about to commence.
19 April 2008 12:30
a t o m i c says
The Car 'Style Guide'
...presumably also allows abominations like 'hood', 'tailpipe', 'SUV' and allows you to write 'diesel' without capitalisation? Either way, the Murano remains a grotesque, overfed hatchback albeit one with a slightly nicer and more futuristic nose piercing.
17 April 2008 12:13
PT100 says
Good Value
The Murano may be price too high in the UK. In many parts of the world, it is one of the most economical big SUVs, especially if you get the 2.5 litre 4 cylinder model.
16 April 2008 17:09
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