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2003 Nissan Murano
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| Rare Breed, or just another pretty SUV? |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:14:14 |
| Rating |
 43 ( -6 -13.95% ) | | Author | Sue Mead |
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Description:
2003 Nissan Murano
Rare Breed, or just another pretty SUV?
Writer's Notes
2003 Nissan Murano
Base price: $28,199
Fuel economy: 20/25 mpg city/highway (2WD); 20/24 mpg city/highway (4WD)
Safety equipment: Four wheel ABS; front, side curtain and side disc airbags; ventilated power assist disc brakes with electronic brake assist
Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC V6
Transmission: Xtronic continuously variable automatic
Drive: All-wheel or front-wheel
Maximum horsepower: 245 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Maximum torque: 246 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
Wheelbase: 111.2 in.
Length: 187.6 in.
Width: 74.0 in.
Height: 66.5 in.
Trunk volume: 32.6 cu. ft.
Curb weight: front-wheel drive - 3,801 (SE), 3,806 (SL); all-wheel drive - 3,955 (SE), 3,960 (SL)
FAQS:
Nissan Murano
What is Murano? It's a type of world-renowned Venetian glass
Who is the Nissan Murano designed for? This new model is designed for drivers who have active lifestyles and are hip and trendy. While it certainly can be used as a ferry a family, Nissan did not design it as a family hauler.
How many models does it come in? Four models are available: the SE and the SL, each with a choice
of all-wheel drive or 2-wheel drive. The SL AWD starts at $29,799. Optional packages include a Premium Package and SL Leather Package (available on SL models), SE Popular Package (available on SE models), Cold Package and Dynamic Control Package (available on both SL and SE models). Three options are available: a sunroof, navigation system and chrome wheels. The SL with 2WD starts at $28,199.
What is a stand-out feature? Murano's styling is attractive and SUV-like without the aggressive characteristics and cues that many other SUVs in its subset have used.
What are its safety features? Safety equipment: Four wheel ABS; front, side curtain and side disc airbags; ventilated power assist disc brakes with electronic brake assist
Comments or suggestions about this review? Send an e-mail to: editor@autobytel.com
Autobytel Inc. operates the popular automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, and Autosite.com.
xxx
Torrey Pines, California: Located on a rise just outside of the hub of bustling San Diego, this upscale community is home to the world's rarest pine tree-the Torrey Pine. Taking a morning walk among the pines and looking out over the Pacific coast, I reflected that the all-new Nissan Murano is far from rare. In fact, it now joins the ever-growing list of small-sized multi-utility vehicles in a forest of many offerings.
And, yet, just like the highly-regarded glass it is designated for --as well as the Torrey Pine-- the Murano is a rare breed.
Named for the colorful glass traditionally made in Venice, Murano is Nissan's artistic interpretation of a crossover utility vehicle-- a prism-like market that reflects an entire spectrum of vehicle designs, from small wagons to boxy off-roaders. This segment includes models of all shades, from the luxurious Audi allroad to the mid-range Toyota Matrix and economy-priced Pontiac Vibe and Mazda Protégé5.
This Japanese manufacturer has chosen to unveil its latest creation in the same year as the long-anticipated debut of the Z car and a long-overdue overhaul of the XTerra SUV; an ambitious undertaking backed by the might of significant growth in recent years for Nissan, and a double-digit increase in sales from April-September of 2002.
Murano, a stylish sport ute with a peppy V6, sedan-like ride and a smooth, continuously variable transmission, is intended to help Nissan penetrate further into the SUV market. With the high-end Infiniti QX4 occupying a slot at the top of the ladder and Pathfinder and XTerra at the middle rungs, Murano gives the chance to slide another peg into the highly stratified sport utility vehicle market.
From the outside, Nissan's latest offering reflects a thoughtful design that is neither too radical nor too much like its segment competitors. A crouching stance is balanced by a prominent front grille with cross-hatched chrome bars and a large air dam with integrated fog lamps. A sloping hoodline is capped by a steeply raked windshield.
Wraparound surface construction is smooth and modern, bookended front and rear by tires pushed to the corners of the vehicle. As with many crossover designs, the beltline slopes and curves upwards, creating a snipped rear window with tiny glass triangles for the rearmost portals in the cargo space.
At the backend, sharply angled D-pillars combine with a rounded cargo door to give a bubble-like shape. The door, made of plastic and steel, is lightweight and easy to open and close. Stacked rear headlamps are, like the headlights, available with Xenon bulbs. Standard wheels are 18-inchers.
A 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 powers Murano, which is the same powerplant found under the hoods of the Altima and Maxima sedans, making 245 horses and 246 lb.-ft. of torque. Matched to the V6 is Nissan's continuously variable automatic transmission Xtronic - the first application of this technology for Nissan in North America. Using a belt and two pulleys to operate as though it were one long gear, the transmission is smooth and seamless. Murano comes equipped with standard all-wheel drive, and is also available with front wheel drive.
Inside, Nissan's latest SUV offers what the company calls "first class seating:" for two couples - in other words, this new model is intended for young adults, however young families are not necessarily the target buyers. Emphasizing elegance, luggage room and high-tech features, Nissan is aiming this vehicle squarely at drivers for whom family transportation is not the primary consideration.
On the road, Murano is supported by available stability and traction control systems, as well as an optional tire pressure monitor system.
Murano's cabin is spacious and inviting, with cool matte metal surfaces. The center console resembles a high-end stereo system, with flat rectangular buttons and symmetric knobs. A 6.4" screen for an optional DVD navigation and entertainment system sits high in the center of the dash. Speedometer, tach and other important information is displayed in round, white-backed gauges that are easily visible behind the metal-trimmed steering wheel.
A center console comes standard with a 12-volt power socket, cell phone holder and cupholders, along with steering-wheel mounted controls for cruise and audio. A 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system and remote keyless entry system are also standard with all models. Power-adjustable pedals are optional, as are audio systems including a Bose 6-CD changer and satellite radio (XM or Sirus). Seating throughout the cabin is roomy, and the driver's seat is available with optional 8-way adjustable controls. The split fold-down rear seat includes a reclining feature and a remote flip-down function, allowing seats to be released from the rear cargo area. LATCH child seat anchors and tether system, and front seat active head restraints are standard; other interior amenities include standard dual zone climate controls and rear air conditioning vents located on the pillars. Front seat and front side airbags, along with side curtain bags, are standard on all models.
On the road, Murano is supported by available stability and traction control systems, as well as an optional tire pressure monitor system. A standard 4-wheel independent suspension is multi-link in the rear and has a cradle-type front subframe along with high-stiffness stabilizer bars. Four-wheel vented disc brakes come with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).
Driving the two Murano versions on the highways and two-lanes of southern California, the first thing that caught our eye was this crossover's greenhouse. The cockpit is bright and airy and has good visibility in all directions. Its handling is consistent with many of the competitors in its class-- responsive and smooth acceleration and steady, even cornering, far removed from the truck-like ride of many SUVs. We found both versions to have linear steering, a compliant-yet stiff-suspension and strong, confidence-inspiring brakes. Our preference, however, was the AWD, allowing that compromised road surfaces are found not only in the northern climes, but also on the rain-slickened freeways of southern California.
On sale this December, Murano is offered in four models, the SE and the SL, each with a choice
of all-wheel drive or 2-wheel drive. The SL AWD starts at an MSRP of$29,799. Optional packages include a Premium Package and SL Leather Package (available on SL models), SE Popular Package (available on SE models), Cold Package and Dynamic Control Package (available on both SL and SE models). Three options are available: a sunroof, navigation system and chrome wheels. The SL with 2WD starts at $28,199.
With its attractive design, strong motor and posh available features, Murano is positioned well to attract the growing number of buyers looking for crossover models. Joining an already crowded market segment, Nissan's smallest ute is not a rare diamond compared to its equally well-equipped competitors. But it may just be the gem whose facets reflect a bright spot for Nissan in the model year to come.
--Story by Sue Mead
Sue Mead works as a photojournalist and features writer for more than two dozen publications. She has written for Parade, Popular Science, Open Road, the Road & Track Buyers Guide, Men's Journal, Popular Mechanics and Diversion and she has worked as an auto editor for CNN/fn. Sue has co-driven in two of the world's toughest off-road races, the Baja 1000 and the Paris-Dakar Raid. She attended four Camel Trophy adventures for Land Rover North America and has participated in several long-distance adventure drives. She recently completed her first book, "Monster Trucks and Tractors" published by Chelsea House. Sue lives in New England. |
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