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Nissan Murano 4x4 3.5

For:
Hugely spacious and luxurious 4x4 with agile handling and a strong image.

Against:
Thirsty V6 engine means big bills; there is too much road noise; rearward visibility is poor.



Performance

There's just one engine option - a slightly detuned (231bhp) version of the 3.5-litre V6 from the 350Z coupé. That ensures strong performance once you give the car a few revs, but it is punishing at the fuel pump. Mated to a clever CVT auto gearbox, the Murano never feels short of acceleration.

Ride & handling

The Murano uses the X-Trail's electronic four-wheel-drive system. On the road it switches between front- and four-wheel drive as necessary, or you can select permanent four-wheel drive for mild off-roading. The car is reasonably agile, smothers road scars and steers accurately.

Refinement

For a big 4x4, the Murano is impressively smooth. The continuously variable transmission shifts up and down beautifully and the switch between front- and four-wheel drive is smooth. There's a muted snarl from the V6 under power, but the Murano is generally a relaxing place to be.

Buying & owning

The car represents good value for just under £30,000 and limited supply ought to keep residuals reasonably strong, although it lacks the kudos of a prestige badge. The V6 will return only around 20mpg on a typical run and is unlikely to be cheap to service or insure.

Quality & reliability

It's not often that Nissans break, so there should be no reliability worries, and they are usually durable but can be unattractive inside. However, the Murano has smart materials and careful attention to detail in how snugly they fit together, making this one of the classiest Nissans we've seen.

Safety & security

The Murano is protected by twin front and side airbags, plus curtain airbags that protect both rows of passengers and anti-lock brakes. The company's security attempts have been good in recent years, and the car is fitted with an alarm, immobiliser and remote central locking.

Behind the wheel

There's sufficient wheel and seat adjustment to let almost anyone settle snugly behind the wheel. The quality of the fittings and the layout of controls is hard to fault and there's lots of storage space. The one flaw is poor rearward visibility caused by the hefty screen pillars and slim rear window.

Space & practicality

Nissan has made no attempt to turn the Murano into a seven-seater like the Volvo XC90, despite being almost as big. It still has impressive space for five occupants and plenty of places in the cabin for their odds and ends. The rear seat splits 60/40 and reclines or folds out of the way, almost flat, to extend the large boot at the tug of a lever.

Equipment

Nissan offers just one trim and it will leave buyers with little decision-making, apart from the choice of colour and whether to have that in metallic paint for an extra £350. Leather, a Bose sound system, DVD-based sat-nav, a rear-view camera to assist parking and 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, giving the Murano a similar spec to the top Lexus RX300 but for a much lower price. It's very well equipped indeed.

Running Costs

Town mpg

16.4

Out of Town mpg

29.7

Average mpg

23

Tank Capacity (gallons)

18

CO2 Rating (g/km)

295

Insurance Group

15

Typical Insurance Quote

£610

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

38

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£590

Pence Per Mile

0

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£0

Servicing Intervals

9000

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 12yr Perforation + 1yr RAC Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

4X4

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

3498/V6

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

231/6000

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Four

Length (mm)

4770

Width (mm)

1880

Height (mm)

1705

Boot Space (min ltr)

438

Boot Space (max ltr)

877

Turning Circle (m)

12

Towing Weight(kg)

N/A

Kerb Weight (kg)

1865

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