The second coming for Murano

Introduced in America in 2003, followed by Japan, Europe and Australia in 2005, it has performed well in the US but has had lacklustre sales locally largely because of intense competition in the luxury off-roader segment.

So far this year Nissan has sold 1252 Muranos, down from the 1766 for the same period in 2006.

Nissan Australia executives admit the big V6 has been lost in a sea of rivals. It also had never had a contender in the large 'soft roader' segment before, which necessitated a recent strong advertising push to promote the car's virtues.

However, the second-generation Murano, unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, could really spice things up by the time it arrives in 2009.

Visually, Nissan describes the newest Murano as the 'super evolution' of the original.

It is clear, though, the car has matured in both design and quality.

It features both a new exterior and interior, enhanced technology and continued refinement of the Murano's V6 engine.

The car's Xtronic continuously variable transmission now has adaptive shift control, which delivers a tiptronic-style gearbox function.

Nissan Australia spokesman Karl Gehling is reticent about predicting when the new Murano will arrive, saying it is not expected in local dealerships in the short term.

“We would obviously love to get it, though,” he says. “But at this stage it is not confirmed for Australia.”

The Murano is equipped with a VQ-series 3.5-litre V6, which develops 198kW and 336Nm; 26kW and 18Nm more than the current car.

Nissan says a new platform provides a solid foundation, with lighter suspension components, plus increased stiffness. Dual flow dampers have improved the ride while the new speed-sensitive power-steering system has improved levels of assistance around town and on the highway.