What the Range Rover did for the four-wheel drive wagon, almost 40 years on, the Murano has done for the sports utility vehicle – given it style and substance. The Rangie made foreman material out of the Land Rover; the Murano has done a Professor Higgins on the Eliza SUV.

 

Things like an air suspension set the Range Rover apart from rivals, while a constant variable transmission did the same for the Murano. Launched five years ago, the Murano from Nissan threw premium mid-size SUV convention to the wind with out-there looks that have been since adopted by many others in the market segment.

 

Now the third generation of the stylish sporty crossover has been given a major facelift as well as added performance and refinement.  On the outside, the new Murano maintains clear links with the original version but inside goes down an entirely different road. The ‘sports activity’ ambience has made way for more of a luxurious club lounge feel, emphasised by quality leather trim.  The body – every panel is new - is more rigid; the suspension is a step up and the cabin quieter thanks to improved sound insulation – the new Murano really does come up with an armchair ride for its five occupants.

 

 

 

There’s a new all-wheel drive platform that is stiffer and more responsive to driving conditions. The reworked 3.5 litre V6 engine is more powerful with 191kW coming up at 6000rpm, 336Nm of torque at 4400 revs, while using less 95RON petrol and fewer nasty emissions. Engineers got into the Xtronic CVT gearbox, making it operate more in tune with the driver’s demands. Nissan’s advanced All-Mode 4x4-i technology keeps up the good work. The top Ti model now includes a power tailgate, electric height adjustable rear seats, plus reversing camera with screen projected guidelines.

 

The new Nissan Murano is priced at $45,990 for the ST model and $55,890 (both manufacturer’s list price) for the Ti variant. On-roads are extra. Both come standard with the Nissan Xtronic CVT transmission, while the Ti adds a premium-style dual panel electric sliding moonroof. The large, full width front glass panel slides open, while the rear glass is fixed, the combination giving the feeling of a panoramic tinted glass roof.

 

The feeling of luxury in the cabin goes beyond mere leather upholstery, with an innovative climate control system featuring mild-flow technology, and extends to the outside with attractive six-spoke, 18in alloy wheels. Bluetooth phone system with steering wheel mounted controls is in evidence, while keyless entry and push-button start/stop function add an an early introduction to Murano prestige.