Nissan Murano Ti 2012 Review

Murano glass is the stunningly beautiful creation of Venetian glass makers while the Nissan Murano is the stunning, somewhat over-styled creation of a Nissan "designer." You won't miss it on the street especially now with a new front, big alloys and other changes. It's been fully pimped complete with rear blacked-out privacy glass.

Underneath, Murano is the same as it has been for a few years but that's all good. It is a five-seat, light duty off-road SUV with a focus on style and performance rather than on rock hopping and mud plugging. The Ti  model we drove tops the range at $58,390 against the boat-size Mazda CX9 and the Toyota Kluger white goods.

ENGINE

Plenty of power comes from the 3.5-litre petrol V6 which is good for 191kW/336Nm - a little down on the competition. It has variable valve timing and other technology to cut fuel use and bolster performance but direct injection is missing and though very good, the engine is long in the tooth. It consumes 95 octane at the combined rate of 10.9-litres/100km but we easily went under that on the freeway.

There's plenty of performance readily available though we still have an issue with CVT transmissions and their slurring operation. A manual change mode is provided, no paddles. It's smooth running and makes minimal noise.

TECHNOLOGY

There's a clever All-Mode four wheel drive system with lock up function if you must go semi-serious off roading (we wouldn't), 3D satnav, electric folding rear seats and a nine gigabyte hard disc drive for music as well as the usual Bluetooth phone but no audio streaming. Has RCA audio jacks _ what the?

OFF-ROAD?

Well, maybe sand, snow and ice and rough(ish) dirt roads fall within the realms of possibilities. It only has 185mm ground clearance and those sporty looking 18-inch wheels and tyres wouldn't offer much grip off the black top. But we successfully embarked on some beach driving and adjacent access roads with no problem whatsoever. Would you really want to take your Murano bush bashin' off-road? Not really. Towing ability is OK with a 1500kg limit with a braked trailer.

SAFETY

Murano hasn't been crash rated by ANCAP but it has six air bags, stability control and other safety kit that would put it up there.

INSIDE

Being the Ti model gets this vehicle leather, Bose audio, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, power folding rear seats, auto dim rear view mirror, reverse camera, push button start, dual zone climate control and 3D satnav to name a few goodies.Inside Murano has a generic premium Japanese look but is functional and easy on the eye. The dash is stylish and in keeping with the lairy exterior look. There's a full size alloy spare in the back and the seats are comfy. Boot space is generous and is expandable to huge.

DRIVING

It's a comfortable vehicle in which to put away big kays. There's strong engine performance and it digs in pretty hard on corners - like a sporty Euro SUV. Some steering backlash is evident on rough corners taken at speed. The CVT transmission makes it sound naff alternately revving up and down with each application of the throttle but the manual mode is good to use. It's not too tall, sits fairly flat and offers a supple, controlled ride with decent braking power. Fits in the garage too.

VERDICT

We were pleasantly surprised with the Murano Ti - the performance, luxury, practical nature of the beast. It's right on the luxury tax trigger but you get plenty of vehicle for the money - and those startling looks to grab all the attention you crave.

NISSAN MURANO Ti

Price: $58,390
Warranty: 3-years/100,000kmm 24 hour roadside assist
Resale: 65 per cent
Service intervals: 10,000km/six months
Safety equipment: Six airbags, ABS with EBD and BA
Engine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol, 191kW/336Nm
Body: Five-door wagon
Dimensions: 4835mm (L), 1835mm (W), 1730mm (H)
Wheelbase: 2825mm, 1610mm/1610mm tracks front/rear
Weight: 1832kg
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Thirst: 10.9 litres/100km 95 RON, 259g/km CO2.