Its distinctively different contemporary design sets it apart from its sports utility rivals.
The spacious interior seats five, with ample room for their luggage.

Sitting on 18 inch alloy wheels, the Murano has an aggressive stance, yet the smooth rounded lines of the bonnet are more reminiscent of a prestige sedan. It has the functional aspects of a 4x4 and the styling and ride of a sports car, which is echoed with the integrated rear spoiler.

Murano was styled at Nissans Design Studio in California, with a brief to create a new crossover sports utility vehicle that has a highly sculpted shape combining a typical four wheel drive stance with stylish lines.

It is named after the island of Murano near Venice, home of internationally renowned Murano glass.

Powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 engine as the 350Z, the Murano also offers the first application of Nissans six-speed Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) in New Zealand.

In its Murano guise, the VQ series V6 has 172 kWs and 318 Nm of torque.

The X-Ttronic CVT application with the powerful V6 engine provides smooth and responsive acceleration while virtually eliminating shift shock and providing better fuel economy than a conventional automatic transmission, as well as eliminating gear hunting on long uphill driving situations.

Drive is fed through an All-Wheel Drive set-up based on Nissans ALL MODE 4x4 system, combined with VDC (vehicle dynamic control) and traction control (TCS) to offer reassuring levels of traction and stability in all environments. The ABS (anti-lock braking system) sensors monitor wheel slip and a rear mounted electro mechanical clutch engages drive to the rear wheels - as much as 50 percent - as soon as the front wheels begin to slip.

There is a six speed manual mode and the Murano has a 1500 kgs towing capacity.

The transmission can be locked in 4WD below 10 km/h for use in mud, snow and ice or starting off in slippery conditions.

The active safety package also includes ABS brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and BA (brake assist). The xenon headlights have power washers and an automatic levelling feature.

Passive safety components include front, side and curtain airbags (front and rear), active front head restraints and anti intrusion beams in the doors. There are three point seat belts for all occupants, with pre-tensioners and load limiters on the front seat belts. All seat belts apart from the middle rear seat have height adjustment.

Nissans new FF-L platform (front-engine, front-drive, large) features an exceptionally long wheelbase for maximum interior space and the large 18 inch alloys are pushed out to the corners giving Murano a 'planted' look which is accentuated by the short overhangs front and rear.

This platform also forms the basis of the Maxima chassis, although Murano has a 50 mm longer wheelbase at 2825 mm and the track is 80mm wider at 1620 mm.

Although clearly unlike any other model in the Nissan range, Murano does include much of Nissans recent design cues. The trapezoidal head and tail lamps echo those found on the 350Z.

Another distinctive styling cue is the shape of the rearmost side window, which is triangular and has a sharply upswept lower edge.

Fully independent MacPherson front struts, rear multi-link suspension and speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering gives Murano car-like dynamic performance and levels of comfort, with the use of aluminium components to reduce unsprung weight. The addition of four-wheel drive gives added grip in poor weather and when driving on loose or greasy surfaces.

A lightweight tailgate made from advanced composite plastics with steel reinforcement makes it easy to open and close.

Inside the Murano represents a fusion of dynamic function, high quality materials and genuine luxury.

The spacious interior provides ample room for five passengers and their luggage. The reclining rear seats feature a 60/40 split and have a particularly easy-to-use folding mechanism: pulling a single lever in the luggage area folds the rear seats flat.

Interior storage is both innovative and generous. The double deck lockable centre floor console is deep enough to house a laptop computer and is supplemented by flip-out door pockets and a storage area for coins, mobile phone, sunglasses, cups and bottles.

Underfloor storage in the boot also ensures valuables can be hidden from prying eyes.
Available in two specification levels, the Murano offers a high level of standard trim from the ST to the luxurious Ti.

Equipment levels on the ST include 18 inch alloys, Bose audio system with in-dash six-disc CD auto-changer and steering wheel controls, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable drivers seat, leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, cruise control, remote central locking with alarm and anti theft immobiliser, electric windows and mirrors and a multi function drive computer.

On top of this the Ti adds an electric tilt/slide sunroof, roof rails, heated seats, and leather upholstery

Pricing on the Murano line-up starts at $55,450 for the ST, while the luxurious Ti is priced from $59,950.

The Murano brings a fresh new approach to the SUV segment in New Zealand according to Nissan's Managing Director, John Manley.

The Murano packages the best elements of our sports cars with the added functionality of a four-wheel drive to create a very unique and desirable SUV, said Mr Manley.

'We are confident the Murano will stand out from the crowd for its styling and performance and not least its pricing.'