Murano joins SUV league

Life doesn't always turn out the way we want. To slip into the best frock, spend a morning at the hairdressers and then not be asked for a dance can bring a tear to the eye. It would be even worse for the girls. Nissan has the frock, the ball, and despite spending all that time on make-up, few are queuing to sashay across the boards. I can only point to the ignorance of prospective partners, for the Murano is one sweet dancer that can make all the right moves.

Part of the problem for the big SUV is its competition. The Murano is in the ring with the Ford Territory, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Tribeca, Holden Captiva and from next month, the all-new Toyota Kluger.

Buyers who want full off-road ability can also spend around the same dollars and get a Toyota LandCruiser Prado, a Mitsubishi Pajero and or Jeep Wrangler's four-door Unlimited.

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But where the Murano really shines among this crew is with its simplicity. It is one of the most user-friendly big SUVs on the market, with passenger-car comfort and features, excellent cabin space for five adults, and a powertrain that is unstressed and given its 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, also relatively frugal.

The curved hatch is distinctive, though in comparison to a squared tail, cuts into boot space. That said, there's a decent boot and, unfortunately, a space-saver spare tyre.

The Ti-L version tested is the most expensive of the three-model Murano range, costing $60,490 (a $10,500 premium above the base ST).

The extra goodies include a sunroof, leather trim, reversing camera and satellite navigation.

If you can live without these, the mid-range Ti becomes the better buy at $56,990.

Murano gets its power from a detuned 350Z engine, relocated to sit transversely and mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that is basically a gearless automatic.

Drivers can select six preset ratios that aid towing or when traversing slippery roads.

The part-time all-wheel-drive system generally works in 2WD, but will vary the power sent to the wheels depending on traction. It can also be locked in 4WD for low-speed work.