Fridae

The first Nissan Murano was a huge success for Nissan since its launch in 2004. Other then selling 241,000 units in America alone, it marked the Japanese marque's return to form after the disastrous 90's. To add to the first Murano's credential as a style leader, our boss drives one.

The newly launched second generation Murano rides on Nissan's brand new D platform which boasts a 45 percent stiffer bodyshell. The design is not, frankly, quite as svelte as the old timer, with numerous extra lumps in an effort to create an impression of increased muscularity. The new Murano has also dropped the Nissan March-like rear for a more conventional arrangement that resembles Nissan's own Qashqai. But all attention will be on the more aggressive grille, which most people have found it more edgy and attractive.

Powering this 2,350 kg SUV is the multi-award winning 3.5 litre six cylinder engine that packs 260 horsepower, exactly five more horsepower than before. Perhaps more impressive and in tune with the times would be a claimed 12 percent reduction in fuel consumption and 11 percent cut in carbon emissions. Helpful stats to silence up that tree hugging colleague from barking up at your alley (work-station).

While Nissan claims that the Murano takes a so-so 8.1 secs to hit 100 km/h from a standstill, it actually feels much faster. Overtaking is extremely effortless as the engine seems to work effectively with the new improved CVT gearbox (the best yet from Nissan).

Being familiar to the first Murano, I am happy to report that the successor has made the most gains in the way it drives. No, Nissan has not performed a miracle by defying the laws of physics by making this 2-tonne plus machine drive like a GT-R. The elevated driving experience draws from a significant reduction in rolling and pitching while braking and changing direction. To be honest, the Murano is still best at cosseting potholes from bad roads.

For most people, the Murano's trump card lies in the interior. Nissan threw in every conceivable amenity in; auto headlights, remote control tailgate, two seat memory functions for the driver's seat, display monitor with reverse camera, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a swanky 11-speaker BOSE audio system and a twin glass sunroof. Other than some flimsy plastic at places where Nissan expect you to have the least contact with, the Murano's build quality is no too shabby.

In this well equipped interior, there is an astonishing amount of room in every direction. Occupants would be happy to stretch their legs and arms in the well insulated cabin. There is also a markedly more generous amount of boot space compared to the previous model.

All of which points to the Murano's claims to be a credible large luxury SUV. Priced at S$132,000, there will be inevitable questions of whether this would be too much for something with a Nissan badge. Well, think of it this way, the closest competitor that comes to my mind would be the Lexus RX350. That costs a whopping S$40,000 more. Putting aside how ugly the new Lexus RX350 looks, is that extra carpet and "L" badge worth that much?

Read this week's AutoClub Newsletter's special spread on Nissan's SUVs and concept cars .

	Nissan Murano
Engine	3,498cc 6 cylinder 24V, DOHC
Transmission	Xtronic CVT
Wheels Driven	All Four Wheels
Max. Power	260HP @6000rpm
Max. Torque	336NM @4400rpm
0-100 km/h	8.1 secs
Top speed	210 km/h
Dimensions (L x W x H)/Weight	4835mmX1885mmX1730mm/2350kg
Price with COE*	$132,000

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.