Considering that less than 5% of 4x4s sold in South Africa are taken off-road, Nissan’s new “crossover” SUV-type vehicle, the Murano, should theoretically do very well. That is, of course, if people could get over the brand bias that seems to prevent them from trying out new vehicles that better suit their needs.
And I use the word “needs” loosely as I’m not entirely sure why parents need to do the school run in SUVs. Given the above, Nissan has created the perfect vehicle, with a lofty enough position for the all-important task of mounting pavements and with the comfort and driveability of a high-spec sedan.
The Murano has the most radical and futuristic design I’ve seen in quite a while. From the front, it looks like a chubby kid with a permanent smile showing off its shiny metal braces, while from the back it looks like a bulbous bit of chewed gum.
I’m not entirely sure if I’m doing it justice with my descriptions because I really like the look of this vehicle. I feel the design works perfectly and separates the Murano from the pack.
The interior is of a high build quality and offers all sorts of creature comforts, such as heated seats in the front, climate-controlled air-conditioning, multi-function steering, cruise control, leather seats and a really cool BOSE six-CD audio system.
While the interior space is comfortable, it is not as good as other similar soft-roaders on the market. At the back, it has 476 litres with the rear seats up and 877 litres with the rear seats folded down in a 60/40 split. What’s nice though is that it has a huge storage compartment between the two front seats and other areas throughout the vehicle in which to store little items.
The most impressive aspect of this vehicle, or rather the one thing that should indicate just how much fun it is to drive, is the fact that it is powered by the same engine used in the phenomenal 350Z; the 172kW 3,5-litre V6.
The reason why this engine plays such an important role in this vehicle is because it gives you the necessary power to appreciate just how different the Murano is from other SUVs. Yes, the ride height means you will experience more body roll than you would in a luxury sedan, but the exceptional dynamics ensure that the huge 18-inch 225mm tyres are kept on the road when you push it more than you should. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the secure road-holding is about the best I’ve experienced in a vehicle of this height, with a ground clearance of 180mm.
The Murano is equipped with a continually variable transmission automatic gearbox, which also has a six-speed manual setting and it has a four-wheel drive system. Safety is taken care of with anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution and six airbags.
I didn’t take it off-road, but given the ride height and the presence of four-wheel drive, I’m sure it would have coped with a spot of bundu-bashing, but certainly not the sort of macho stuff that it’s more rugged relatives, the Pathfinder and Navara, would be capable of.
All in all, the Murano is a thoroughly impressive vehicle and it offers a high specification list, good build quality and a really funky appearance at a very competitive price.
Fact file
Model: Nissan Murano
Price: R379 000
Engine: 3,5litre V6
Tech: 172 kW, 318Nm
Top Speed: 200kph, zero to 100kph in 8,9s
Tank: 82 litres
Services: 15 000km