TRUCK GUY

NISSAN’S NEW MURANO

The 2012 Nissan Murano features several significant design changes over last year’s model.

The second generation Murano, introduced just three years ago, now offers a refreshed grille and bumper design, new LED stacked tail lights, a dual panel sunroof, an optional 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheel, and a number of interior refinements, all intended to keep murano’s good looks and styling fresh and exciting.

Looks

Engineers at Nissan characterize the body as a piece of modern art, which might explain the weird looks I was getting while driving the new Murano. Or maybe it was just me. It does have a nice appearance, though, and in fact I’ve have felt all versions of the Murano have had a unique style about them. The front end has a bold new grille with wider headlights that blend into the body lines. The LED tail lights are redesigned and sweep forward, and the rear glass window blends seamlessly into the integrated rear roof spoiler.

In The Cab

There is a new interior colour available called white meter that adds another level of refinement. other features include lower lumbar support (SV, SL, LE), a rear-view monitor (SV, SL, LE), a 7-inch colour monitor (SV, SL, LE), an auto dimming rear-view mirror with compass and home link, and a heated steering wheel (SL, LE). There’s also a new audio system featuring IPOD connectivity, Bluetooth, and a nine speaker, dual subwoofers stereo by Bose. Safety first

Safety features are numerous and include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control system, vehicle dynamic control, side-door guard beams, dualstage driver and front passenger airbags w/passenger sensor, driver and front passenger side-impact airbags, front/rear curtain side-impact airbags w/rollover sensor, 3-point seat belts w/height adjusters for all seating positions, lower anchors and tethers for children system (LATCH), tire pressure monitoring, and energy absorbing steering wheel

Power

All 2012 Muranos come with a standard vq-series3.5-litre v6 rated at 260 horsepower and 240 lbs.-ft of torque, and an advanced Xtronic CVT transmission that provides a sporty and smooth driving experience. All models are also equipped with an intuitive all-wheel drive system, with vehicle dynamic control (VDC) and traction control system (TCS). Murano is built on Nissan’s proven “D” platform, which provides a solid foundation and light weight suspension components, and a twin orifice speed sensitive power steering aid in the confident handling package. Pump frequency

11.7/8.5 L/100 km (city/highway) SL AWD model as tested Warranty support: 3 year/ 60,000 km 3 year roadside assistance 5 year/100,000 km powertrain warranty

Roadworthy

I have always liked the drive of the Nissan murano, and this year is no different. Comfortable, roomy, and funto-drive, I especially like the dual panel skylights. Verdict

Very reliable crossover that is good on fuel and a real treat to drive.

Sticker price

Murano S, AWD

$34,498

Murano SV, AWD

$37,598

Murano SL, AWD (as tested)

$40,698

Murano LE, AWD

$44,098

Murano LE, AWD with Technology Package

$46,598

— SUBMITTED PHOTOS The engineers at Nissan characterize the body as a piece of modern art. That would explain the weird looks Truck Guy was getting while driving it.

The 2012 Murano features a 7-inch colour monitor, navigation system and rear-view monitor.

The new interior colour ‘white meter’ adds another level of refinement to the Murano.