It was nearly 10 years ago that the world first set eyes on the Murano and it was stunning to see such avant-garde styling on an SUV. What had come before were closer to enclosed pick-up trucks with stiff suspensions and basic interiors.
The Murano introduced the possibility of futuristic styling, luxurious cabins and technology plus performance and handling. This was a game-changer.
For 2012 the Murano stays the course with the introduction of its “mobile suite” interior and more advanced technology with a new package for the LE model which we tested, the Platinum Edition.
The exterior shape is still distinctively Murano-esque yet no longer exclusive to Nissan. It has been updated to carry the latest arrow-shaped rear tail lights like the sporty 370Z. The front grille and fascia is all new with an intricate mosaic of shapes combining the high-intensity discharge bi-functional projector headlights, turn indicators and chrome grille.
The front bumper has a major overbite while a pair of projector-type driving lights frame the lower grille. Massive wheel arches, filled with special 20-inch, titanium finish alloy wheels on the Platinum Edition (why not call it the Titanium Edition?), flow up to the clamshell style hood and repeat at the rear. The side profile shows off the side glass’s signature triangular shape at the rear pillar, something the Murano introduced a decade ago.
The rear window is another complex shape that follows the flowing crest of the rear fenders and matches the angular tail lights with LED bulbs. Two chrome-tipped exhaust pipes exit through the lower edge of the rear bumper, proudly claiming their place in the sport SUV class.
The “mobile suite” interior is a pleasant balance of sport and luxury, again a Murano characteristic since Day 1. The Merlot (maroon) exterior of the test vehicle was complimented nicely by the tan leather interior, but I found the light colour was quick to show dirt.
The centre stack features one of the best navigation/info displays (seven-inch touchscreen) in the business with user-friendly graphic interface, menu structure and intelligent search capabilities and a rear-view camera when reversing. A Bose stereo with 11 speakers and a subwoofer ensure that you favourite music source sounds its best.
The heated leather-faced seats have eight-way adjustments for the driver while the rear seats have powered flip-up for convenience at the touch of a button.
All of the 2012 Muranos feature Nissan’s award-winning VQ series engine – a 3.5-litre DOHC V6 with 260 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque. The engine incorporates a Twin Nissan Variable Induction Control System, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, diamond-like-carbon-coated valve lifters, plastic resin intake manifold for weight-savings, forged crankshaft, digital knock control system, and a lightweight aluminum block with aluminum cylinder heads.
The engine power is transferred through an Xtronic continuously variable transmission with adaptive shift control that provides a sporty driving experience when using the paddle shifters and the fuel economy that a CVT can offer. Every 2012 Murano comes equipped with an “intuitive all-wheel drive system” that adjusts to road conditions in the blink of an eye. The system provides increased traction by distributing engine torque, depending on the driver’s intended direction and the actual direction of the vehicle. Vehicle dynamic control with a traction control system are standard on all Murano models.
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