Nissan Murano 2015 News

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has this week issued safety recalls for various vehicles from Land Rover, Nissan and Volvo.

The engines are alternatives to Murano’s ongoing 3.5-litre petrol V6. But Nissan Australia is yet to confirm any alternative engines to the carry-over V6. In New York last week, Nissan said its more edgy-styled Murano would be built in the USA with a V6 petrol engine and a continuously-variable transmission (CVT). However, Nissan boss Andy Palmer said in a press conference at the recent New York Auto Show that other engines would be available for certain global markets.These included the new Renault twin-turbo diesel, the 1.6-litre Energy dCi engine. It is rated at 118kW and 380Nm of torque with 90 per cent of that torque available from 1800rpm. This engine is likely to be the first choice for Europe, including the right-hand drive market of the UK. This could make the diesel a possible inclusion for future Australian-delivered vehicles.However, more likely for us is the hybrid Murano. Australia will soon get a hybrid version of the Pathfinder to be sold alongside the newly-launched V6-engined model. The Murano and Pathfinder share the same platform and engine options, so it could follow that to present a more fuel-efficient wagon, the Murano may borrow the Pathfinder’s hybrid.The hybrid is a 2.4-litre supercharged petrol four-cylinder with an electric motor in the flywheel. It delivers 187kW and 329Nm of torque, close to the 195kW and 336Nm of the petrol V6 but with a claimed 25 per cent lower fuel use.The Murano may be the first showing in a Nissan product of Renault’s twin-turbo 1.6-litre diesel engine. Renault-Nissan said the engine is designed for D and E-class vehicles, embracing everything from a Megane to an Altima, X-Trail and Pathfinder.The engine shares some design ideas with Renault’s Formula One engine. It has two sequential turbochargers. The first is a very low inertia turbo that delivers high low-end torque for immediate acceleration at revs barely above idle. Renaults said 90 per cent of the maximum torque is available from 1500rpm.The second turbo takes over at the middle to top-end of the rev range where it produces the magic 100hp/litre. This gives acceleration through to the red line. Its fuel injection system operates at a pressure of 1800 bar to function with the twin turbocharger. It complies with Euro 6b emissions legislation and incorporates a nitrous-oxide and particulate filter with a regeneration system. 

They've taken a new tack inside too after feedback suggested that consumers aren't always looking for devices that do more, they just want it done better.Nissan found that people rarely read the directions for their smartphone because they know intuitively how to operate them. Nissan believe vehicles should behave the same way.Adding to the driver's sense of connectedness is Nissan's Advanced Drive-Assist Display - an enhanced version of the instrument panel feature offered in the new Altima and Pathfinder. For use in the new Murano, it includes a number of new features such as a 7.0-inch high-resolution color display.Nissan's NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats are standard for front and rear outboard occupants. The rear seats are a three-cushion design, a first for a Nissan vehicle. Climate-controlled seats (heating and cooling) are available in front, along with available Quick Comfort™ heated rear seats.Launching in Australia either late this year or early in 2015, the next Murano will be available with a carryover 3.5-litre DOHC V6 with Xtronic CVT in all wheel and front wheel drive versions.Nissan says fuel economy is up to 20 per cent better than before thanks to a weight reduction of about 50kg, aerodynamic and engine/transmission tweaks. Ride and handling is by four wheel independent suspension featuring a front strut/rear multi-link design. Wheels are 18-20-inch machine-finished alloys. 

The Murano dCI has a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel, four-cylinder engine also featured here in Navara D40 ST-X Dual Cab and Pathfinder. However, Nissan Australia corporate affairs manager Jeff Fisher says there are no plans as yet for Murano diesel. "We see Murano being more appealing to the current prestige boutique crossover market such as Lexus RX and offer diesels in our traditional 4WDs (Patrol, Pathfinder, X-Trail)," he says. "New Murano went on sale here just 18 months ago and we also tweaked spec a couple of months ago." Murano last month dropped 6.7 per cent in sales in Australia while the segment increased 17.6 per cent and so far this year its sales are up 8.7 per cent to 1368 while the segment has boomed 33.2 per cent. Most of the mid-sized SUVs that have kept pace with or exceeded segment sales have diesel options, including Hyundai Santa Fe up 131.8 per cent so far this year, Jeep Wrangler (85.6 per cent), Holden Captiva (67 per cent), Mitsubishi Pajero (57.4 per cent) and Kia Sorento (42.8 per cent). The Murano dCI has a six-speed auto and Nissan claims the diesel achieves fuel economy of eight litres per 100km while developing 11 per cent more power and torque with 141kW and 450Nm at just 2000rpm. It also meets tough Euro5 emissions standards with CO2 emissions of 210g/km. These figures are achieved by improved aerodynamics and Murano's first electric power regeneration system. While the cabin is unchanged, the Murano dCI is made quieter with extra sound absorbing material in the engine bay, belt drive for the power steering pump instead of chain and a fifth engine mounting point. The need for cool air to the diesel engine and radiators means a new-look grille and bumper.

A tough common-rail turbodiesel engine being rolled out in the Nissan Navara could find soft-road duty in the Murano.  The new 2.5-litre diesel goes on sale in the Navara in April. However, Nissan Australia spokesman, Jeff Fisher, says the engine could find its way into the Murano, which currently uses a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine.  "We are studying it," he says. "However, it's not an immediate priority for us." The diesel Murano has just gone on sale in the UK.  Fisher says that as the engine is built in Spain to go into the Navara, the biggest hurdle getting it into the Murano would be price.  "We'd have to see how it fits," he says.  In the European Navara and Pathfinder, the 2.5-litre dCi develops 140kW at 4000 revs and 450Nm at 2000 revs and delivers a combined fuel economy figure of 8.5l/100km. Designated as the YD25 engine, it comes with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.  However the Murano version gets a six-speed automatic with adaptive shift control instead of the V6 petrol's CVT automatic. In the Navara, the YD25 engine has been updated for better combustion and improved intake and exhaust flow.  A new electrically controlled variable nozzle turbo replaces the previous hydraulic system to provide quicker response. The Euro5 compliant engine also gets a diesel particle filter.  Like the V6, the Murano diesel sticks with Nissan's proven All Mode 4x4-i technology, which sends power to the rear-wheels when a loss of stability or traction is detected.  Meanwhile, off-road lovers will have a long wait for the newest Patrol.  Nissan expects 300kW/550Nm V8 to arrive here early next year. Although launched with the V8, Nissan is believed to be looking at a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, shared with some Renault models, to add into the lineup.  The V9X V6 is available in other Nissan models in Europe but Nissan Australia spokesman, Jeff Fisher, believes the V8 will satisfy most customers. "The new Patrol is a huge leap," he says. "It's not the rock-hopper it was."

Except Teresa is not real. She is a composite character who was created by the advanced planning and strategy group at Nissan Motor America to reflect the likely customer for the prestige SUV. "We are the voice of the target customer. It is our role to have a vision for the future," says Amy Casey, who heads the research group and talked extensively about 'Teresa'. She says similar composites are used for research on all vehicles, including the latest 370Z sports car and Gen-Y Cube which will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show tomorrow. In the case of the new Murano, which is a major change with more power and better economy from its V6 engine as well as loads of extra equipment and a more-luxurious interior, the focus was on women. Casey talked almost entirely about women's needs on the Murano, even though Nissan Australia expects a 50:50 gender split for its sales. She said 'Teresa' is a baby boomer who is entering a new phase in her life, making choices based on 'empty nester' priorities after her children had moved out of home. So what is 'Teresa' really like? "She is 54, she's an interior designer. She has two adult children," Casey says. "This vehicle makes her feel very smart and savvy. In a new phase in her life she is re-establishing herself. "She has thought about other people through her life, but now can focus on herself and a vehicle that makes her feel good." Anything else? "She is happy in her marriage, so probably it's the second one," Casey laughs. For people who are not 'Teresa', the Murano will come to Australia with significant improvements in important areas including cabin quality and equipment. Satellite navigation and a rear-parking camera, both fitted as aftermarket equipment now, will become standard in 2009 and leather is likely on both models of the upcoming car. Nissan Australia refuses to discuss exact prices and specification yet, but says the Murano will be pitched against the Toyota Kluger and Mazda's CX-7 and CX-9. "It's impossible to now, two months down the road, where Kluger and Mazda CX will be on pricing. We will confirm pricing in early January," says the managing director of Nissan Australia, Dan Thompson. A preview drive in San Diego yesterday showed more refinement and obvious improvements to quality, although the CVT transmission has lost the 'mock manual' mode fitted to the current car. And the most important question of all. If 'Teresa' was a movie star, who would she be? "Think Laura Linney. She is probably about right," says Casey.  

However, there will still be no diesel engine option, because it is made for the American market which has yet to hitch a ride on the diesel boom. Murano is running 13th in the 20-vehicle medium SUV segment in Australia, probably due to its lack of a diesel option which accounts for 25 per cent of sales in the sector. Nissan Motor Company Australia corporate communications manager Jeff Fisher said the revamped Murano would arrive "possibly in early '09.” "Murano is a US concept intended chiefly for that market,” he explained. "We think it works OK as a petrol in its prestige/low-volume market.” Externally the second-generation Murano looks very much like the first generation and only owners may notice the difference. Up front, there is more curve to the grille and headlight assembly in the shape of a boomerang. The front-mounted aerial has moved to the rear and into a shark fin style as found on BMWs. From the side, there is little difference, retaining that upswept sill line that creates a big blind spot in the C-D pillar section. Door handles are slightly modified, but even the alloy wheel designs are the same. Out back the wide expanse of sheet metal which gives the Murano a big bum has been reduced by horizontal positioning of the taillights rather than vertical. There also appears to be a slightly larger roof-mounted wing. Other changes include slightly thinner roof racks and twin tailpipes that are more integrated into the bodywork. Inside, there is a substantial change to the steering wheel, centre stack and instrument pod. Much of the typical Nissan brushed aluminium is gone. The effect is more sporty and macho. Murano continues to be powered by Nissan's ubiquitous 3.5-litre VQ engine which has been revised to offer improved performance. The 24 valve twin cam V6 now develops 198kW of power, up a whopping 26kW and 325Nm of torque, up 8Nm. Nissan claims faster acceleration times, but did not supply figures. Despite the power boost, Nissan claims improvements in fuel economy have been gained through re-engineering the Xtronic CVT transmission for a 20 per cent reduction in friction losses. Nissan says shift speeds and responsiveness are improved. While Australian spec and pricing have yet to be decided, the new Murano features “scratch shield paint” which protects the exterior from marks and scratches. The paint repairs the marks thanks to a newly developed highly elastic resin that helps prevent the scratches from damaging the base layer paint. Fisher said there were no Nissans in Australia yet with Scratch Shield "at this time.” "So far, it's proposed only for Murano in the US,” he said.  

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. 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.