The history of the creation of Nissan Murano. Murano Island in Italy: what is it famous for? Venetian glass History of Nissan Murano

History and overview of the model

The Nissan Murano is an E-class all-wheel drive five-seat crossover, created on a common platform with the third generation Nissan Altima.

The Nissan Murano went on sale in 2003 and occupies a place in the company's lineup between the Xterra and Pathfinder. The debut of the second generation Nissan Murano took place in November 2007 at the international AW showroom in Los Angeles.

In November 2010, Nissan introduced a convertible crossover - the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet.

The Murano SUV was presented to the general public in the fall of 2002. The new product was named after the island of Murano, located near Venice and famous for its glassware. The car is built on the new Altima platform. It is distinguished not only by its excellent dynamic characteristics, but also by its unusual design. Murano impresses with its original appearance. A large wheelbase, short, rounded “bow” and “stern”, a strongly raked windshield - and all this is mounted on impressive 18-inch wheels. In short, a bright and harmonious mixture of a sports station wagon and an SUV, radiating strength, confidence and clearly attracting the attention of others.

Unlike other SUVs, you won't find a single straight line or sharp corner in the Murano's outline. The manufacturer was not mistaken in asserting that the AW car has the most modern and stylish design, thanks to which you will not confuse Murano with any of its competitors. The interior design is original, laconic and of very high quality. Manufacturers have abandoned wood trim, so plastic, leather and aluminum predominate.

The arrangement of the driver's seat deserves special attention. The creators provide for adjustment of the seat, steering column (tilt) and pedal block (forward and backward). Moreover, most of the adjustments are equipped with electric drives and memory for two combinations. Passengers in the second row are truly at ease and comfortable when there is space for the two of them to cross their legs, and the backrests are adjustable in angle.

Standard equipment includes climate control, a ventilation system, a stereo system with a 6-disc player, heated seats, power windows and Bose audio controls on the steering wheel. In a word, the manufacturer has made every effort to ensure that the driver and passengers feel as comfortable as possible. However, if the standard kit isn't enough for you, you can add leather upholstery, a power moonroof, a GPS navigation system and power steering pedals.

Front and side airbags, head curtains, ventilated disc brakes on all 4 wheels and ABS are responsible for the safety of the driver and passengers.

The choice of engines is limited to a single V6 (3.5 l, 245 hp, 350 Nm), paired with a V-belt variator. A CVT is a mechanical continuously variable transmission. It is used to smoothly change the rotation speed of the driven shaft. But the peculiarity of the Nissan Murano is that it combines a powerful 245 hp with a CVT. engine, this is the first AW car with such power, which was curbed by a CVT.

The power unit is located transversely, and even in the all-wheel drive version of the AW vehicle, the front wheels remain the main drive wheels - there is no center differential, and instead an electronically controlled clutch is installed that connects the rear wheels when the front ones slip. For off-road use, the second 4x4 mode is intended: a rigid connection of the drive of both axles, which AW automatically returns to the first mode as soon as the speed exceeds 30 km/h.

As for high cross-country ability, Murano does not pretend to be, although we can note such off-road advantages as short overhangs, blocking of torque distribution between the axles and a lowering register “AW tomato”. Ground clearance of only 178 mm speaks best of the Murano's urban purpose. This is also evidenced by the low-mounted transmission oil cooler, covered from dirt only by a thin shield.

So, a stylish appearance, rich equipment, a spacious interior, plus good acceleration dynamics, highway handling and excellent CVT performance indicate that the Nissan Murano, a worthy fighter in its sport, is also one of the least expensive among its competitors.

The 2009 model year Nissan Murano was created on a completely different platform than the first generation; at Nissan Motor it is designated by the index D. The same one on which the front-wheel drive Altima and Maxima cars, known in North America. That is, the supporting structure of increased rigidity, body panels, suspension, steering gear and brakes of the Murano II are new, although from the appearance of the AW car it is difficult to suspect radical changes in technology.

The engine is the same - the wonderful V-shaped six VQ35DE, once borrowed from the 350Z sports coupe. The all-aluminum 24-valve design with a displacement of 3.5 liters, modified for the updated Nissan Murano, develops (in European version) up to 256 hp. at 6 thousand revolutions, the highest torque is 334 Nm. The “Six” is coupled with a continuously variable Xtronic variator; probably the highest torque transmitted through a V-belt CVT today.

In the all-wheel drive version (Murano also comes with front-wheel drive in the North American market), the SUV is equipped with an i-AWD transmission - essentially the same as the All Mode 4x4-i of the X-Trail and Qashqai. A simple scheme with AW automatic connection of the rear axle (electronically controlled multi-plate clutch) - nothing like a serious 4WD transmission with a central differential and a 2-speed transfer case. Like Nissan's Pathfinder - or VW Touareg. But Murano is a completely different matter - like a Hyundai Tucson or Land Rover Freelander 2. It’s simple and inexpensive, although with all that, All Mode allows for forced locking of the clutch (at moderate speeds). Quite enough for driving on snowy city streets. Plus VDC electronics (Vehicle Dynamic Control - control of vehicle dynamics) with a “sealed” program “driving on a slope”.

The chassis is still with McPherson suspension at the front and double wishbones (“spatial” design) at the rear. Coil springs, transverse stabilizers. But since the Nissan Murano II has a different platform, the suspension is new. Moreover, as observers note, the changes benefited the “adapter”. In the AW state, the car is equipped with tires size 225/65R18; ground clearance with such tires is 188 mm. Tire pressure monitoring is included in the standard package, and even 20-inch wheels can be installed for an additional fee. The steering mechanism is, naturally, rack and pinion (with servo-hydraulic power steering); The steering wheel makes 3.25 turns from lock to lock. The diameter of ventilated disc brakes is 320 mm at the front and 308 mm at the rear; they are equipped with servo booster, ABS, ESP, etc. electronics.

Length II - 4834 mm, width - 1880, height - 1730; wheelbase - 2825 mm (exactly as before), track - 1610/1610. When fully seated, the trunk holds 925 liters (US standards), and when the rear seats are folded down, its capacity increases to an impressive 2310 liters. The curb weight of the Murano II in the SL AWD version is from 1835 kg (with a “weight distribution” along the axles of 58/42%); no heavier than the previous model. While the LE AWD test car pulled 1880 kg among American reviewers; Numerous options took their toll. From zero to 100 km/h AW, the car can accelerate in 8.1 seconds. announced maximum speed– 210 km/h. Average gasoline consumption (EU) is quite moderate - 10.9 liters per 100 km. Denomination – designed for Europe. And for the Americans, the “adapter” in the LE AWD version burned, according to tests, 13.85 liters of gasoline per 100 km; closer to reality.

The infotainment and comfort equipment of the Nissan Murano II wave is at the same level: the basic S version includes air conditioning with climate control, electric windows all around, a 6-disc CD player, cruise control and other useful things. And if you go higher, then in the LE version you will get leather seat upholstery (with servo adjustment, “memory” and heating), cool Bose “music” with 11 speakers... A long list.

The new 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet combines elegant design and modern technology. Converting the Murano from a 4-door crossover to a 2-door CrossCabriolet involves much more than simply removing the roof. With the creation of new front doors, which are 20 centimeters larger than on the 4-door version and the absence of B-pillars, the body structure has been completely revised.

The basis of the CrossCabriolet's success is its exceptionally compact convertible top when folded, which allows you to take full advantage of the luggage capacity of a crossover convertible. The trunk volume is 215 liters with the top folded and 348 liters with the top up.

In addition to the unique convertible top, the Murano Cabriolet's exterior design is complemented by high-intensity headlights with AW automatic on/off function, front fog lights and LED tail lights.

The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet has a long list of standard equipment, including heated driver and front passenger seats, a heated steering wheel, position memory for the steering wheel seat and rearview mirrors.

Every 2011 Murano Convertible comes with a navigation system with 9.3GB hard-drive media storage, an audio system, Bluetooth hands-free calling and a rearview monitor.

The 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet's engine is a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine that produces 265 horsepower. For smoother operation, the engine has a low compression ratio, and the red zone on the tachometer starts at 6 thousand rpm.

Safety systems 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet - anti-lock braking system - ABS, emergency brake assist and electronic braking system independently on each wheel - EBD. Every CrossCabriolet comes with 20-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels shod with Toyo Proxes P235/55R20 all-season tires.

The list continues with an expanded airbag system, active head restraints on the front seats, tire pressure monitoring - TPMS, dynamic stability control - VDC, traction control system - TCS and vehicle speed sensor AW - VSS.

In addition, for 2011 CrossCabriolet is available with electric windows with the One-Toch system, two-zone AW automatic temperature control, a 7-inch color display informing about the vehicle’s AW operating modes, AW automatic dimming rear-view mirrors, cruise control with illuminated controls on the steering wheel and central locking with remote control.

ALIEN

Anatoly Fomin

Behind the wheel No. 6 2003

Nowadays in the AW automobile industry everything is thoroughly confused - the original nationality of the brand does not at all mean where the AW automobile was manufactured or even developed. For the sake of the notorious political correctness, we will consider Nissan Murano to be an American of Japanese origin.

This model is made in the USA (Smyrna, Tennessee) only for the American market, but the demand for modern, well-equipped SUVs is very high everywhere. That is why AW cars from the other side of the Atlantic find their customers in Russia. In the end, this is what personal import is for - a way to bring the car you like to order.

WHO DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The fact that the appearance of the Nissan Murano is unusual is clear at first glance. A wide AW car spread out on the ground, impressive, widely spaced wheels, a toothy decorative radiator grille - its style has a minimum of compromises. You either like him or not, but it is unlikely that you will be able to remain indifferent to him. A short survey of colleagues and acquaintances revealed equally polar opinions about their analogues in terms of appearance. Some recalled the Isuzu-Vehicross, others the new Honda CR-V, others the Lexus RX300 and even the conceptual Cadillac Vison.

The salon inspired thoughts of kinship with the Nissan X-trail, albeit distant. But the most original one was the analogy with the new Disney cartoon character - the alien Stitch. Perhaps this set is enough to recognize the appearance of the Nissan-Murano as, at least, extraordinary.

TECHNICAL QUESTION

What is hidden under the unusual body shapes? We assure you - even more daring technical solutions. A transverse V-shaped six is no longer surprising today, but a variator instead of a conventional hydromechanical transmission with a 3.5-liter engine is a new record. The all-wheel drive system is also curious, in many ways similar to the one on the Nissan X-trail. The drive of the rear wheels is connected AW automatically using a clutch when the front wheels slip, but there is no center differential. On the one hand, the scheme is very simple and effective, and on the other hand, the forced clutch locking mode (operating at speeds up to 30 km/h) allows you to realize most of the capabilities of all-wheel drive in difficult conditions.

However, the Nissan Murano was not created for off-road use and does not hide its highway nature. Ground clearance of 178 mm is the best proof that the image for this AW car is more important than technical indicators. Another eloquent evidence is the low-mounted transmission oil cooler, covered from dirt only by a thin shield. Murano is a typical city all-terrain vehicle and the maximum adventure allowed to it is a snow-filled yard or the sand of a beach. However, enough of the speculation and bias - it’s time to get behind the wheel.

CVT CAN DO ANYTHING?

A CVT instead of a traditional AW tomato, and even paired with an engine of almost 250 horses? Somehow I can’t believe it: after all, until now AW has dealt with CVTs on cars with half as much power under the hood. But half an hour was enough for doubts to dissipate.

Just a few examples. When moving the selector from position N to position D, you usually expect a slight jerk, but there is none. There is no change in engine tone or vibration pattern. It was as if nothing had happened. The Murano responds to pressing the gas pedal with smooth acceleration, the numerical value of which is easy to underestimate. And finally, the most important thing: Nissan's CVT successfully imitates a hydromechanical transmission, simulating acceleration stages. There is no annoying hum of the engine operating at constant speeds, and shifts are always timely and without the slightest jerk. Although the variator still loses in one discipline: it is not very good at starting off vigorously. The rest is an unattainable ideal for stepped transmissions. Really, with such AW tomatics, fashionable pseudo-manual modes are simply not needed. Although there is an opportunity to influence the variator. You can choose S mode instead of D - here from the word secondary (second or auxiliary gear), and not sport. In this case, there will be increased speed for fast overtaking, and effective engine braking. For steep slopes there is an L mode that simulates an even lower gear.

SALON WITH CLAIMS

The unusual styling of the body continues in the cabin. Even banal steering column switches are strikingly different from the usual ones - fortunately, this does not affect functionality in any way. The finishing is done carefully and with great taste. They did without the tired wood and chrome: black leather, soft black plastic and matte stainless steel on the console and steering wheel spokes. Only a separate instrument panel contrasts in color with the overall finish - it is silver, but plastic. True, it doesn’t look too expensive, but you can’t deny the originality.

The set of instruments is standard: a speedometer with a dual scale (in miles and km/h), a tachometer, a fuel level indicator, a coolant temperature indicator and many indicator lamps for all occasions. You can blame the fact that in some steering positions some of the indicators are blocked by the hub. However, this is not all the devices. The display in the middle of the dashboard takes on many functions, showing climate parameters, on-board computer indicators, audio system settings and even tire pressure. It’s surprisingly easy to get used to this diversity.

The standard BOSE audio system with a built-in six-disc changer and radio deserves praise. The sound quality subjectively seemed very high: it is appropriate to talk not about the reproduction of one or another frequency range, but about such audiophile concepts as localization or dynamic reproduction.

Having looked at the car enough, it’s worth assessing the size of the interior - two people above average height can easily sit next to each other. The back seat is spacious for three people, although by design it is clearly intended for two.

It's time to take a closer look at the driver's seat. Naturally, all front seat adjustments are electric, and the driver's seat is also equipped with memory. By the way, one of the buttons almost caused a dead end. When I pressed it, something buzzed, but nothing happened to the seat. It turned out that this is how the adjustment of the pedal assembly works. The principle is quite simple: lower-closer, higher-further. The effect is very noticeable. Firstly, depending on your usual seating position (high or low), you can choose the optimal position of the pedals, and secondly, the problem is finally solved for drivers with different foot sizes - both Cinderella in size 35 shoes and a grenadier in army boots The 47th will be convenient. With the steering wheel, not everything is so simple - the column is adjustable only in angle, but not in length. However, the need for this is partially offset by the mobility of the pedal assembly.

THE ROADS THAT CHOOSE US

By definition, a city all-terrain vehicle spends most of its time on the streets and avenues, in courtyards and alleys. Let's start with the last ones. The Nissan Murano's maneuverability is fine, but visibility, especially to the rear, is unimportant. In any case, the potential owner should pay extra for parking sensors, which are not standard on the SE. In America, parking lots are spacious, but here sometimes people park wherever they need to.

The dynamic qualities of the Murano are more than enough to lead in any flow - the question is how this relates to the speed limit. Although there is no doubt about the brakes - powerful ventilated discs all around and well-metered deceleration. The main thing is that some kind of rogue does not drive into the stern.

On a suburban highway, other advantages are visible: low noise levels, pleasant steering characteristics. It doesn't force you to strain high speed and allows you to accurately register high-speed turns. The suspension copes with its responsibilities, but the emphasis is clearly on handling rather than comfort. Large wheels confidently absorb small irregularities, but serious potholes or the consequences of pothole repairs force you to slow down - the suspension protests become loud, and the smoothness of the ride noticeably suffers. But Nissan Murano is a big hunter of sharp turns.

At first, it’s hard to get used to the idea that a large and fairly tall car can turn like a good AW sports car: quickly, almost without roll or sway, with impressive lateral acceleration, without tire squealing or drift. And for those who are frightened by the sharp maneuvers of an AW car, there is VSC (stabilization system). Perhaps I would venture to say that in this discipline the only thing that can compete with it is the BMW X5 - the others are not yet in that league.

STYLE, BUT.

We have repeatedly caught surprised glances from Gelendevagens, Land Cruisers and Pajero. Even the smug owners of the BMW X5 looked at us with curiosity. What can I say, standing out from this cohort is not so easy and certainly not cheap. This is probably why the demand for tuning and individual configurations is growing. Nissan Murano doesn't need them - or doesn't need them yet. There are fears that, having gained popularity, it will lose its exclusivity. And it's worth a lot. Much more expensive than bi-xenon headlights, 18-inch wheels and a luxury audio system.

Good acceleration dynamics, excellent handling, moderate fuel consumption, stylish appearance, rich equipment, spacious interior, excellent CVT performance.

— Poor ride quality on large bumps, limited visibility to the rear, modest off-road capabilities, lack of European equipment.

Geographic twin

Sergey Voskresensky

Behind the wheel No. 3 2006

There is an island called Murano, somewhere in the vicinity of Venice. A small dot on the map has been known since the 15th century for its glassware: the beauty of its forms, the local vases, according to contemporaries, surpassed those made of silver and gold...

The all-terrain vehicle debuted in 2003 and has been officially sold in Russia since 2005. Engine: petrol 3.5 l, 234 hp. Transmission: CVT, All-Mode 4×4 all-wheel drive. Equipment: basic. Price: from $56,820. Nissan Murano This is what you remember when an extremely unusual AW car appears in front of you, attracting not only its sonorous name. It has a sea of individuality, design freedom and at the same time it is recognizable. I took a closer look and noticed the branded light fixtures and familiar Nissan lines. Yes, “Murano” turned out to be surprisingly noticeable and attention-grabbing. And it’s even a little pity that it came to our market with a considerable delay, previously pleasing for the most part the overseas buyer.

Created by a Californian design center, Murano is not only an example of bold style, but also a repository of modern technology. The 3.5-liter V-shaped six is borrowed from the 350Z model. The car is equipped with a continuously variable X-Tronik CVT and an All-Mode 4×4 all-wheel drive system.

ONE SETUP, ONE PRICE

“Murano” is a rare example when a far from cheap AW car is offered in a single fixed version, at least in Russia. Moreover, once you find yourself in the Murano salon, you feel that the excitement has diminished. The already established futuristic image turns out to be quite practical, and in some places even ordinary.

Despite the rich interior equipment, the interior of the Murano is somewhat inferior to the exterior in terms of emotions. The trunk is small by the standards of the class, but there is a full-size spare tire under the high raised floor. Not without Americanisms. A scissor-type handbrake, cruise control, and the steering wheel are adjustable not so much in height as in angle of inclination. The front seats are solid and spacious, but at the same time completely amorphous and terribly slippery. As expected, they come with a set of eight electrical controls. But you sit in the Murano for quite a long time, constantly adjusting something. Although if you put aside quibbles and remember the principle of “endure and fall in love,” you will probably look at many things differently.

Yes, the seat is not so hot, but it obsequiously moves back after stopping the engine. An adjustable pedal assembly will help solve the seating problem. Do the three “twists” of the air conditioning system seem a little inconvenient to you? The argument here is simpler: you’ll get used to it. But there is a hatch, large comfortable “mug” mirrors, many recesses and pockets.

It looks very much like the instrument cluster was borrowed from the Nissan 350Z. The only mystery is the huge display in the very center of the front panel. In another, foreign life, he apparently was friends with the navigation system. I was pleased with the clear images when maneuvering in reverse, drawing cryptograms of the climate settings and a lot of other stuff. All we got from all the functions was a clock and small readings from the trip computer, which rather evoked thoughts of what was lost. In general, with all the richness of the equipment, the Murano from the inside does not give the impression of an unusual, expensive AW.

LEGACY Z

The powerful engine determines the most expressive features of the “Muranov” character. Much in your attitude towards the AW car changes as soon as the interior is filled with a muffled, velvety rumbling sound. These sounds contain strength, enthusiasm and an almost eroded desire to surprise. Spectacular jerk from a standstill, smooth acceleration. I got a little carried away, and the speedometer needle instantly jumped over all the permitted marks, and inside the car there was still peace and comfort.

The variator is an excellent alternative to the traditional “AW tomato”. The transmission, perfectly matched to the engine, works simply flawlessly. There is a minimum of hesitation, a clear response to the slightest touch of the accelerator, and the transition to “higher gears” is noticeable only by a change in the engine tone. Great!

Good smoothness is another feature of the AW vehicle's behavior, which is comfortable on most uneven surfaces. Effortlessly overcomes deep waves and speed bumps. However, sometimes pendants become too picky. Once you step on even a small step of asphalt, a characteristic clanging sound indicates their limited energy capacity.

On a free and wide platform, you can feel that the Murano is not only a stylish appearance. In terms of handling, the Murano is a typical “American”. Body roll determines the degree of reaction of the car. However, by making a small adjustment, including winter tires, in the future you can control the AW vehicle without any problems. In the snow, “Murano” is completely in its native element. By turning off the stabilization system and mobilizing all the transmission reserves, you can have a blast while enjoying the car’s obedience. It is felt, of course, that the Murano is too heavy in these categories, however, it allows you to feel the reliability of all-wheel drive on a slippery road.

But we didn’t dare to go off-road. Just look at the treacherously hanging exhaust system to understand that ruts and gullies are not for this beauty. Here, too, one can feel the connection with its geographical double: a beautiful thing, be it glass or metal, is designed to be treated with care.

– THE FUTURISTIC APPEARANCE IS WELL SHADE BY BRIGHT DRIVING CAPABILITIES, BUT THERE IS SAVINGS ON THE INNER CONTENTS.

Bright style, comfortable for passengers, good visibility, accelerating dynamics and comfort, spacious trunk.

— Limited functions of the central display, some shortcomings in the ergonomics of the front seats, climate control, limited cross-country ability.

FOR THE SAME MONEY

BMW X3 Є39 500–59 200 ($48,000–72,500) Traditionally expensive, but at the same time varied and well equipped. Like all Bavarians, he knows how to drive fast and well and is generally aimed at an active driver.

LEXUS RX300 $56,900-66,100 A universal, multi-purpose AW vehicle that stands out from the general background with comfort, good equipment and balanced driving capabilities.

Source: WWW.ZR.RU - AW automobile magazine Behind the wheel

Nissan Murano: Legalization!

America is a real Klondike for gray dealers. Large, powerful, luxurious-looking AW vehicles are sold here, many of which are not supplied to Russia through official channels. Why?

This is a topic for a separate discussion, but the reasons are not that important. Something else is important. It so happens that there are enough people living in Russia who not only love large, powerful and luxurious-looking AW cars, but also have the opportunity not to count money. So, there is a plus, there is a minus, there is a good conductor - the salty waters of the Atlantic - which means the current will inevitably flow. So it flows. Naturally, bypassing the pockets of white dealers.

It is clear that Russian representative offices and importers are not always able to influence the global policies of the producers whose interests they represent. Otherwise, we would have long seen in official showrooms the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus GX470, and Chrysler Pacifica - cars that fit perfectly into the Russian lines of the corresponding brands, but instead bring a stable income to “gray” sellers. Out of impotence, various “semi-official” schemes are invented, when cars that are not certified in Russia appear in the showrooms of official dealers, which the dealerships vehemently deny if something happens. So, several years ago, some Honda dealers brought the Acura MDX crossover, and last winter they experimented with the Element model. Some Chrysler/Jeep dealers offered the Dodge Durango in 2004, and relatively recently a number of Subaru dealers announced the start of sales of the American B9 Tribeca.

Nissan dealers are no exception: back in the spring of 2004, Murano and Infiniti FX, real gray market bestsellers, were visible in their showrooms. However, this example stands apart, because in in this case the situation had a happy continuation. Part of Nissan Motor's very aggressive strategy in the European market was the intention to bring several American models and even the entire Infiniti brand here. So far, everything is going according to plan: production of the Pathfinder SUV and the same type of Navara pickup truck (known as Frontier in the USA) has been established in Spain, both cars are also sold in Russia, where they join the 350Z coupe. Murano has just joined them.

Why is it so late? After all, Murano has been offered in America since the fall of 2002! Apparently, for a long time, Nissan was afraid to present to sophisticated and demanding Europeans the most Americanized product - a structurally simple AW car with mediocre driving characteristics, but richly equipped and in bright packaging. In addition, Murano was confidently selling overseas, production facilities were busy, and only when demand for the car stabilized did it become possible to prepare its new version. It must be said that Nissan’s people in the Old World will not be ashamed of the Murano: despite its apparent simplicity, it is a pretty perfect AW car. It has a variable-phase engine, a continuously variable transmission (which happens for the first time in the world with an SUV), the transmission can be locked in all-wheel drive mode, and the active safety complex is headed by the advanced ESP+ exchange rate stability system.

Alas, the late entry into the market deprives the extravagant Murano of one of the most important, if not the most important, trump cards - the effect of novelty. It is obvious that in our country, officials are unlikely to be able to sell as many cars today as they were sold through “gray” channels a couple of years ago (up to two thousand per year). The car is already boring. Another problem is the abundance of SUVs in the production program of the Japanese brand, and one of them, the new Pathfinder, plays in almost the same price niche. Why then do we need a Murano at all? Nissan hardly views its arrival in Europe as big business. Most likely, this car will play the role of an icebreaker, ensuring the unhindered passage of much more important people - representatives of the premium Infiniti brand. It is on Murano that the program of adapting these AW vehicles to the standards of the European market will be tested.

According to the press release, about three hundred changes were made to the design of the Murano. The main goals pursued by the engineers were to improve handling, increase stability at high speeds and increase the “maximum speed” by 10 km/h. This required strengthening the body to provide higher torsional rigidity, retuning the suspensions and correcting the aerodynamics. At the same time, sound insulation was improved. Other innovations are not so significant and costly. From the outside, the European Murano can be distinguished from the American one by the missing foglights, the modified shape of the exterior mirror housings and the rear with a platform for European license plates and lights with different graphics. And in the cabin, the dashboard and center console have undergone a slight restyling.

The appearance of the Murano was not an acquired taste, and remains an acquired taste. Some people really like this toothy frog with dim eyes, others don’t, but it makes no sense to deny the fact that she has her own style. Another thing is that biodesign, the canons of which the AW car’s exterior follows, does not combine well with the techno-interior. Opening the door, you find yourself in the realm of vast flat surfaces, such as the front panel extending into the distance under the windshield or the inter-seat console, interspersed with deliberately rough elements, among which the unusual instrument module dominates. As it should be in such cases, all this equipment is richly decorated with metal inserts.

Despite its brutality, Murano turned out to be very comfortable and cozy, although there are plenty of ergonomic absurdities here. For example, the large-looking information display is chock full of small, hard-to-read icons. The steering wheel is adjustable not so much in height as in angle of inclination, as was the case on old American cars. Finally, the seats are not even seats, but the softest chairs in which you simply sink. Not a hint of lateral support! But the adjustment ranges are huge, and the most demanding ones will be pleased with the ability to change the position of the pedals. So getting comfortable will not present the slightest difficulty. It’s nice that the rear passengers are comfortable and spacious.

Soft seats create the illusion of a smooth ride, but in reality this is not entirely true. The suspension here is distinguished by a significant reserve of energy intensity, although it does not shine with delicacy of operation. The car doesn’t notice every little thing, but as the size of the bumps increases, the Murano itself begins to bounce and its suspension starts to knock. Maybe this is the price to pay for outstanding handling?

Alas. It would be fair to call the Murano reliable rather than reckless. Yes, the car’s AW responses are quite expected and predictable, but they lack efficiency and accuracy. In sharp turns there are problems with feedback - it’s also good that there is little roll. As the wheels approach the limits of road adhesion, the car demonstrates its intention to spin the front axle into a drift, but ESP harshly suppresses such pranks. In general, Murano behaves like a solid SUV, and not at all like an AW passenger car. No miracle happened.

But where the Murano showed its class was on a snowy road. Turn off ESP and get a lot of buzz! The car seems to be designed for sliding, and it does not require any serious training from the driver. The moment of transition into a skid is absolutely predictable, and then the AW car clearly obeys the gas pedal, which allows you to set it sideways at any angle and just as easily return to the true path. And the damped steering with its “calm” settings is a reliable assistant in such situations.

What else is the Murano transmission good for? You shouldn’t count on much: the most that an AW car can do is transfer torque from the slipping front wheels to the rear ones. Yes, the center coupling can be forcibly blocked, but this has virtually no effect on cross-country ability. But painted bumpers and low ground clearance have an impact, and how. It turns out that all-wheel drive is here for slippery roads, nothing more.

On the other hand, when was the last time you saw an expensive SUV storming the dirt? Much more often, such cars get involved in street racing, running away from traffic lights and maneuvering among passing cars. And in this discipline, Murano performs convincingly - thanks to the “torque” engine and Xtronic CVT. The AW car starts a little hard and at first picks up speed lazily, but the transition from the first stage to the second changes everything at once. The switching occurs barely noticeably, the engine does not have time to lose speed and now demonstrates its hot temper. The Murano immediately takes off from the traffic, and a few moments later leaves its competitors far behind. For those who want to have complete control over what is happening, a manual variator switching mode is provided, but it does not provide any special bonuses. Yes, a toy.

So, within one year, Russian Nissan acquired two SUVs of American origin. To be precise, one of them is an SUV – the Pathfinder. And the Murano... it can be called a multi-purpose vehicle, which, having passed through the fearless hands of designers, has turned into a fashion accessory. All that remains is to find out for yourself: is this accessory still in fashion?

Leonid Klyuev

http://www.kolesa.ru/

Nissan Murano: Beast of the Pet Squad

The class of sports crossovers is quite young, but has already acquired its own traditions: such cars are prestigious, aggressive in appearance and not cheap. But the example of Nissan Murano shows that among them there are not only uncompromising “tigers of the road”, but also quite docile “pets”.

The island of Murano, located near Venice, is famous for its art glass. Products made from it are famous for their unique design.

Well, not bad, but if we draw a reverse analogy, it turns out that the fragile products of the islanders, in addition to everything else, look quite predatory. Like this red alloy of metal and high technology called Nissan Murano, menacingly leering at you with the gaze of its elongated headlights.

Looking at the fascinating combination of soft contours and chopped lines of the body, you don’t even dare to imagine what kind of fusion of futurism and “techno” might be waiting for you inside.

You open the massive door, sit down in a wide leather chair, take hold of the steering wheel... Damn, the same steering wheel as in the Almera Classic! Well, maybe not exactly the same, but didn’t the Nissan plant find another tracing paper for the new “steering wheel”?

The old Japanese rule, implemented in many models - adjusting the steering column only by the angle of inclination - did not bypass the Murano.

Well, at least the chairs have almost the entire range of possible movements (electrically powered, of course) - they are enough for the eyes. And yet, the class of the car requires a more careful approach to driver comfort.

The interior of the Nissan Murano is unique in its own way for a prestigious crossover. There are no luxurious wooden inserts or careful drawing of details here. To remember what the door trim looks like, I looked through photos of the interior three times, but it didn’t catch my eye. And all because there are no obvious differences from the same Pathfinder in this regard.

What's on the doors? Well, pens and pens. You somehow forget that they are really comfortable (like the armrest, the door opener, and much more). But in vain.

The Murano seats are like an easy step towards the American public, for whom the AW car is designed. Soft, with a wide cushion, they are great for long highway trips. But during sharp maneuvers, it’s easy to fall out of such seats - you roll with your heel on slippery skin, like on a cheesecake.

The front panel of the Murano would also fit the Micra - it is so unpretentious, even rustic in its own way. Three small mugs of cutlery in a ridiculous plastic casing? Where is this “almost premium class” from?!

But after a couple of hours of driving, you understand: this “flight” of design ideas does not distract you from the road once again, but shares information in an accessible way. If only the backlight were not dark orange, but brighter and more cheerful - and you wouldn’t want to find fault with the performance of the instruments.

The part of the front panel that is adjacent to the windshield is unusual. It’s almost flat – it’s tempting to bring a couple of pots of flowers from home to decorate such a “window sill”.

What else is interesting? The on-board computer screen, located exactly in the middle of the center console, measures as much as 5.8 inches diagonally. But access to it, contrary to modern standards, is not touch-sensitive, but through a joystick manipulator and a set of keys located right there on a horizontal shelf.

...Going to overtake again, I play it safe and move the “AW Tomato” selector to my right. Now, in manual mode, I shift down one gear - and the car quickly takes off in the oncoming lane.

“In vain!” – can be clearly heard in the calm whisper of the engine. Perhaps, it’s really in vain: such maneuvers with the Xtronic CVT variator in AW automatic mode are “digested” no worse than with a regular “handle” on another 2.5-3.0-liter sedan - we checked. And a hydromechanical gearbox couldn’t even dream of such speed.

By the way, this is the first sign among crossovers equipped with a continuously variable transmission. Such a box usually goes to more modest cars with a smaller engine.

And everything would be fine, but the owners of such AWs began to complain about the “lack of a feeling of acceleration” and “acoustic discomfort”, because the engine “hangs” at constant speed! But in the Murano you don’t even remember this: the sound insulation is excellent, and the accelerator pedal is absolutely delightful - it allows you to dose the force so accurately.

"Bang!" – the suspension clearly didn’t like the next hole. Independent “all around” (multi-link at the rear), it is not very susceptible to broken road surfaces. But as soon as the asphalt covers an acceptable part of our path, Nissan turns into a house cat - soft, obedient and affectionate.

With a ground clearance of 181 mm, we were careful at every exit from a civilized road, although the designers provided the car with a rear differential lock, and, accordingly, forced engagement of all-wheel drive - after all, on dry AW asphalt, the car receives torque only on the front axle...

Murano for a large family? Why not? Not the largest trunk, under the floor of which a full-size spare tire fits, can easily be enlarged due to the folding rear seats (in a ratio of 40:60 or completely), and the process of transformation itself is worthy of applause: you easily pull the loop at the junction of the cushion and the backrest, and in front with you - there is already a level platform. Comfortable!

It was a pity to part with the Nissan Murano. With such a rugged exterior and controversial interior, it proved to be extremely balanced in driving performance. Friendly and understandable, this AW car will become good friend on the road, but if you order, it is quite ready to “show its teeth” - the fuse of the 234-horsepower V6 is more than enough for this.

...And, as if wanting to show his mutual sympathy for the driver for the last time, Murano pushed back the driver’s seat with a slight buzz as a farewell, saying, come in if anything happens. Nice fellow!

One engine, one configuration and, as a result, one price. For a car with a V6 engine with 234 hp. With. equipped with an Xtronic CVT variator, you will be asked for 1,545,900 rubles. Equipment includes: 4-channel ABS, traction control system (TCS), brake force distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), stability control (ESP+), front and side airbags, as well as side curtain airbags. and active head restraints for the front seats.

Alexander Mikhailov

http://www.kolesa.ru/

Test drive SE AWD

Once upon a time, only a few could boast that they had the opportunity to try such desirable and so useless American fast food. The situation is approximately the same with AW cars from America - at first they drive them sporadically, buying them through “gray” dealers, and then the representative office decides to legalize the increasingly popular AW cars in our market. The Nissan Murano is a typical example of such penetration. It’s still difficult to compare the sales volumes of this AW car with the insanely popular Infinity FX, however, Murano has every right to count on people’s love.

It is obvious that this Nissan was conceived as a strong family AW car for the average American - nothing superfluous in the interior, not very flashy or space-age design, good suspension and a powerful 3.5-liter engine combined with an AW automatic transmission. When I was in America, I had the opportunity to verify the popularity of this model.

Most of the mothers and children who went shopping in supermarkets in parking lots approached the Murano parked there and, loading the contents of the overflowing cart into the trunk, calmly “sailed away” in the direction of home. For Americans, it is very important that the AW car floats along the road, God forbid the children shake too much, the Americans will not survive this. It is not surprising that this feature of the AW car remains relevant even after its appearance in our open spaces. Russians who buy AW vehicles of this type value comfort no less than Americans. To Murano’s credit, it must be said that despite the apparent softness of the suspension, high-speed lane changes and movement in traffic generally do not lead to dangerous swings or incomprehensible reactions of the car’s AW to steering. The independent suspension on all wheels makes a very good impression.

Meanwhile, this AW car can accelerate quite sharply. The continuously variable X-Tronic CVT skillfully manages the power of 234 hp. and very smoothly transfers all 318 Nm of torque to the wheels on demand. So, you just have to demand that you release it by pressing the gas pedal, and you get very smooth acceleration up to the rated seconds. Moreover, high speeds also do not cause absolutely any stress, with the exception of a significantly increased fuel consumption. The car goes 200 km/h AW without any problems, although there is very little sense in such fast movement; 140 km/h and the soft sound of the Bose stereo system are more suitable here.

The car once again showed its American orientation. It must be said that the large interior space is good news, because it is comfortable not only for the front, but also for the rear passengers. True, because of this we had to sacrifice trunk volume. You can’t even fit a snowboard, and two or three are out of the question. Someone will say - buy roof rails. But why, when SUVs of this size can easily accommodate at least three friends, three boards, and there should still be room for various little things?

The interior trim looks in place, although it is not particularly pleasing to the eye. The only thing that looks rather strange is the dashboard, which in the Nissan 350Z still looks more harmonious. The yellow scales of the speedometer and tachometer give a strange impression; it always seems that the low beam is on. The middle of the dashboard is occupied by an LCD screen that informs the driver and passengers about fuel consumption, current and average speed, as well as other standard indicators that, as a rule, no one pays attention to.

Fitting comfortably in an American AW car is usually not a problem. The only thing that surprised me was the adjustment of the steering column. You can forget about longitudinal movement, but up and down please, although the movement is short, and even spring-loaded (it occurs for the first time). As for the seat settings, everything is great here, you can even press the rear passengers down so that they don’t run away - no restrictions. Even the pedal block can be adjusted, which is very important for short drivers who will have a very hard time in this AW car.

You shouldn't expect that the Murano will give way in every possible way or simply cower to the side when they see you approaching. The name of the AW car evokes associations with some kind of amphibian, and the streamlined shapes further contribute to this opinion. Tinting the rear windows somewhat destroys the overall image, as if stretching the AW car or visually cutting it in half, if you like. The rear view has something in common with the Nissan Micra, because the side brake lights are located according to the same principle - vertically on the sides, only the dimensions are different. But the front view is difficult to confuse with anything else. The “American style” front grille surprises not only with its appearance, but also with the abundance of chrome.

The “football field” on the dashboard deserves special attention; it is not clear why it was made. If you put something oversized there, you can block your view, and even damage the glass during sudden braking. But with a sharp start, on the contrary, you can make yourself happy by searching for things throughout the cabin.

So, an excellent CVT and a very pleasant suspension, combined with a practical, but not very intelligible interior, make a decent impression. All this allows you to enjoy the ride while listening to some high-quality jazz. But appearance makes some kind of ambiguous impression. Maybe it’s just that age does not correspond to all the charms of the Nissan Murano, because representatives of the older generation looked at it as something coveted vehicle for all occasions. They could please themselves with such a purchase before, but now an official version adapted to European conditions appears, which will begin to be sold from the end of 2005.

The mid-size Nissan Murano crossover, intended primarily for the American market, began production in Japan in 2002. The car was created on the front-wheel drive FF-L platform shared with the third generation sedan; the car received a spectacular exterior and interior design.

For American buyers, the Murano was offered with a V6 3.5 petrol engine (243–249 hp) and a CVT, and the drive could be front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. In 2005, the model received a slightly updated design and an expanded list of options.

In 2004, Nissan Murano debuted on the European market, and in 2005, the crossover began to be officially delivered to Russia (before that, the car was successfully sold by “gray” dealers). Our car was offered with a V6 3.5 engine producing 234 hp. s., CVT and only in all-wheel drive version. Prices started at 1.5 million rubles for a car with six airbags, leather interior, climate control, xenon headlights and a sunroof.

The Nissan Murano has been sold on the Japanese market since 2004, and here the car also had a new basic version with a 2.5-liter engine producing 163 hp. s., four-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

In Europe and America, sales of first-generation cars ended in 2007, in Japan - in 2008.

2nd generation (Z51), 2007–2016

The second generation Nissan Murano debuted at the end of 2007. The car was designed on the Nissan D platform, shared with the sedan and several other models. The car received an original appearance, improved interior finishing, expanded equipment, and the model range was expanded.

The main power unit was an upgraded V6 3.5 engine from the previous generation model in combination with a CVT. The Japanese market also offered the Nissan Murano with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (170 hp) and a CVT, and in Europe - with a 2.5 dCi turbodiesel (190 hp) and a six-speed automatic transmission.

In Russia, the crossover has been sold since the beginning of 2009 only with a V6 3.5 gasoline engine (249 hp) and all-wheel drive; front-wheel drive options were not supplied to us. The starting price of the crossover was 1.7 million rubles. In January 2011, the production of cars for our market began at the Nissan plant in St. Petersburg.

In 2010, the model was slightly restyled: the car's bumpers and lighting equipment were slightly changed, and new options appeared.

In Japan, the second generation model was discontinued in 2014, and cars for the Russian market were made in St. Petersburg until 2016.

Nissan Murano engine table

Murano is an island in Italy where the famous glass is produced, the secret of which has been guarded by local craftsmen for centuries. It is located northeast of the city of Venice, in the Venetian Lagoon. Murano is a small area, its area is only a little more than one and a half kilometers. But his fame extends far beyond the borders of Venice, and even Italy. The demand for glass, which is still made here, and the amazing beauty of products made from it attract tens of thousands of tourists to the island of Murano.

Remote areas of Venice

The city itself consists of dozens of different islands. There are bridges between many of them, and they are separated by canals. But some - and quite large - areas of the city are located quite far from its center. They are scattered across the lagoon, and no one has built bridges to them. Such areas include the island of Murano in Venice. But there are other similar places here. These are San Michele, Lido and Torcello. The first of these is famous for its handicrafts, embroidery and especially lace, as well as its brightly painted houses. San Michele is a Venetian cemetery. Lido is famous for its beaches and film festival. And Torcello Island is completely different from other areas of the city. It is quiet, small, with green meadows, ancient churches and Byzantine mosaics. But Murano is the most popular and visited of all the Venetian islands. His glass “art” is known throughout the world.

How to get to Murano?

You can only get here by river minibuses, or so-called vaporetto. How to get from Venice to the island of Murano? You need to take routes 41-42 or 51-52 railway station Santa Lucia or on the main pier in Piazzale Roma (near the Vaporetto departs approximately once every half hour. In addition, a trip on this “sea tram” itself is a real excursion. First, the vaporetto goes around Venice from the north, then stops at Fondamente Nuovo. Further on the boat's path there is almost the open sea - the Venetian Lagoon. Crossing it, the vaporetto makes another stop at the famous cemetery of San Michele, where, by the way, Joseph Brodsky is buried. Along the way you will also see an interesting one. sculptural group“Dante and Virgil”, installed directly in the water on a pontoon base. The drive from the city center to the island is approximately thirty to forty minutes.

Infrastructure and population

Murano is actually an archipelago. These are seven tiny islands, which are washed on all sides by the Venetian Lagoon. However, since time immemorial they have been connected to each other by bridges, so they are perceived as a single whole. The island is a self-governing district of the Venetian commune. It has its own infrastructure, shops, administration, hospital. About four to five thousand people live on the island. And during its heyday - during the Renaissance - many more people settled here. The population of the island in those years was more than thirty thousand. However, now there are many more tourists in Murano than local residents. Although sometimes it seems incomprehensible how so many people could be accommodated on this small piece of land. The island represents “Venice in miniature”. You can also move around it only on foot. It, like main Venice, is divided in two by the Grand Canal, along which you can ride gondolas.

Story

The island of Murano has been inhabited by people since the 5th century BC. The Romans and various Gothic tribes visited here. The city founded here was both a fishing port and a salt trading center. In the 11th century, monks of the Camaldulian order moved here. At first the community was small. They then founded the monastery of San Michele di Murano, which later became a printing center. But the heyday of the island came at the end of the 13th century. In 1291, the government of Venice decided to move all the glassblowing workshops of the city there. By medieval fire safety standards, this craft was a constant threat to surrounding residents. Fires constantly broke out in the city, and if you consider that most of the houses in those years were wooden, you can imagine the damage the fire caused.

Venetian island glass

In fact, it is, of course, Murano. There are a lot of workshops on the island where you can see with your own eyes the process of making it. According to tourists, this is a fascinating and simply magical sight. And in souvenir shops you can buy different products - earrings, jewelry, accessories, interior decor - you name it... And all of this is of stunning color, incredible texture and with amazing patterns. Just keep in mind that it is better to purchase all this in more remote areas, and not in the center of the island. Prices may be lower there. But even if you don’t have free money, you will spend half a day just looking at shop windows and simply moving from one workshop to another. There are on the island and where thousands of tourists flock every day. And on the streets and courtyards there are luxurious compositions in a modern style. They are also made of glass.

Secrets of glass making

The production process was kept secret for many years. Venetian glass was one of the city's sources of income. It was made using special technologies invented by local craftsmen. It is not surprising that the government - the Council of Ten - did not even let the masters leave this island. The glassblowers who settled there were expected to remain there forever. If such a master left the island, he was declared a traitor, secretly hunted and killed wherever he was. But for such isolation, glassblowers received enormous privileges. The daughters of masters could marry aristocrats, and their children retained the titles of patricians.

What was produced on the island?

They made mainly mirrors and glasses, as well as various figures in Murano. For a long time, they were unable to do this anywhere else in Europe. Then the range of production expanded significantly. The products, apart from their pretentiousness, seemed so weightless, as if they were floating in the air. This was written about in books, and glass masterpieces were depicted in paintings. The island of Murano became so famous that glassblowers' products were given as gifts to guests of the Doges and various high-ranking persons. When Venice paid tribute to the Turkish Sultan, it sent some of the masterpieces of its masters as payment. The art of glassblowing reached its peak of fame in the 16th century. However, after a hundred years these products go out of fashion. In the 18th century, Venetian glass production declined. And with the arrival of Napoleon's troops, all factories were destroyed. But since the 19th century, the fashion for glass has returned and still reigns today. A lawyer from Vicenza, with the help of English merchants, built a factory here and resumed the famous production.

Museum

Exhibition rooms displaying different types of glass were opened in the Palazzo Justiniana in 1861. Previously, this was the residence of Bishop Torcello - a patrician palace built in the Gothic style. This building has been in this building for a long time city hall. Here you can learn about the history of how the amazing craft that glorified the island of Murano arose and developed. In addition, the museum contains exhibits representing glass products from different times and peoples, starting from Ancient Egypt. The museum can only be reached on foot, following all the signs, from the main vaporetto station called "Murano Faro". The exhibition is closed on Wednesdays. The museum is open in the summer from ten in the morning to five in the evening, and in the winter - until four.

Attractions

What is he famous for? venetian island Murano besides its famous glass? Of course, with its architecture. During the Renaissance, aristocrats and noble rich people began to settle on this island. At this time, it became fashionable, as in ancient times, to settle closer to nature. That is why people with money and good taste began to build villas, which were decorated with statues and paintings. And in their spare time, they invited astrologers, philosophers and poets and held sophisticated conversations about art and mysticism. Is here beautiful palaces and ancient churches. For example, the Cathedral of Santa Maria e Donato is famous for its stunning 12th-century frescoes. This is one of the most ancient churches in the entire territory Venice Lagoon. It was built in the Byzantine style - there are rich mosaic panels on the floor, walls and ceilings. The 19th century Clock Tower is also interesting. This is one of the most visited places. And the oldest palace on the island is Palazzo di Mula. It was built in the XII-XIII centuries, and it managed to avoid renovation, like others beautiful villas. That is why here you can admire the Gothic lancet windows and panels in the Byzantine style.

Where to live?

The island of Murano in Venice is mainly a target for day excursion. Most tourists come here for a few hours. But there are also those who want to spend at least one day among this beauty, because how nice and calm it is on the island in the mornings and evenings, when the endless crowds of people have subsided. For such connoisseurs of exclusivity, there are seven hotels in Murano. They are small, but quite expensive, just like any housing in Venice in general. The cost of living ranges from 75 to 200 euros. The only hotel with a four-star classification is La Gare Hotel Venice - McGellery Collection. The rest of the hotels are not so luxurious, but nevertheless very romantic.

Murano Island: reviews from tourists

Travelers believe that even if you only have two days allotted to Venice, one of them should definitely be spent exploring the surrounding area. You simply won't have a choice. Otherwise, you will not understand what real Venice is. And you simply need to set aside a whole day to visit Murano. You will never forget the moment when you are seated on high chairs, offered tea or wine, and you watch as another masterpiece appears under the magical hands of a glass blower. The limitless texture and color possibilities of this glass can bring to life any, even the craziest, imagination of artists and designers. It looks great among decorations or household items, and in any interior. It is best to buy Murano glass from official workshops or souvenir shops, otherwise you may end up buying a Chinese fake. Although every little thing there will cost at least two euros, all these products will be heavy, bright, with a deep shimmer of shades. It is also surprising that such fragile jewelry - albeit of enormous size - is stored right on the streets, and no vandals have yet broken them.

The Murano SUV was presented to the general public in the fall of 2002. The new product was named after the island of Murano, located near Venice and famous for its glassware. The car is built on the new Altima platform. It is distinguished not only by its excellent dynamic characteristics, but also by its unusual design. Murano impresses with its original appearance. A large wheelbase, short, rounded “bow” and “stern”, a strongly inclined windshield - and all this is mounted on impressive 18-inch wheels. In short, a bright and harmonious mixture of a sports station wagon and an SUV, radiating strength, confidence and clearly attracting the attention of others.

Unlike other SUVs, you won't find a single straight line or sharp corner in the Murano's outline. The manufacturer was not mistaken in claiming that the car has the most modern and stylish design, thanks to which you will not confuse Murano with any of its competitors. The interior design is original, laconic and of very high quality. Manufacturers have abandoned wood trim, so plastic, leather and aluminum predominate. The arrangement of the driver's seat deserves special attention. The creators provide for adjustment of the seat, steering column (tilt) and pedal block (forward and backward). Moreover, most of the adjustments are equipped with electric drives and memory for two combinations. Passengers in the second row are truly at ease and comfortable when there is space for the two of them to cross their legs, and the backrests are adjustable in angle.

Standard equipment includes climate control, a ventilation system, a stereo with a 6-disc player, heated seats, power windows and Bose audio controls on the steering wheel. In a word, the manufacturer has made every effort to ensure that the driver and passengers feel as comfortable as possible. However, if the standard kit isn't enough for you, you can add leather upholstery, a power moonroof, a GPS navigation system and power steering pedals.

Front and side airbags, head curtains, ventilated disc brakes on all 4 wheels and ABS are responsible for the safety of the driver and passengers. The choice of engines is limited to a single V6 (3.5 l, 245 hp, 350 Nm), paired with a V-belt variator. A variator is a mechanical continuously variable transmission. It is used to smoothly change the rotation speed of the driven shaft. But the peculiarity of the Nissan Murano is that a powerful 245 hp engine is combined with a CVT; this is the first car with such power that was harnessed by a CVT.

The power unit is located transversely, and even in the all-wheel drive modification of the car, the front wheels remain the main driving wheels - there is no center differential, and instead an electronically controlled clutch is installed that connects the rear wheels when the front ones slip. For off-road use, the second 4x4 mode is intended: a rigid connection of the drive of both axles, which automatically returns to the first mode as soon as the speed exceeds 30 km/h. As for high cross-country ability, Murano does not pretend to be, although we can note such off-road advantages as short overhangs, blocking of torque distribution between the axles and a lowering register of the automatic transmission. Ground clearance of only 178 mm speaks best of the urban purpose of the Murano. This is also evidenced by the low-mounted transmission oil cooler, covered from dirt only by a thin shield.

The debut of the Russian version of the second generation Nissan Murano crossover took place in February 2009. Wanting to preserve and increase the number of loyal Murano fans, manufacturers did not radically change the model. It was simply improved. The exterior has become even sportier and more muscular. The overall proportions of the crossover remained almost unchanged, but the front and rear parts were noticeably updated. The headlights have practically merged with the radiator grille, and at the rear, instead of vertical lights, there are now horizontal ones. Due to these changes, the Nissan Murano was able to lengthen by several centimeters without increasing the wheelbase. In addition, the crossover has increased its height a little.

The interior is still spacious, with more than enough space in both rows. All materials used in interior decoration are expensive and of high quality, and the colors and textures are pleasing to the eye and to the touch. Overall, the design has become richer and more luxurious than the previous model. Expensive leather upholstery in black or beige with double stitching, aluminum inserts, a pleasantly modified center console and instrument panel with control buttons on the edges of cylindrical instruments, soft variable lighting fully correspond to the idea of the comfort of a business-class car. The glass and mirror controls have moved to the very top of the door and are right at hand. True, in this case we had to sacrifice the seat memory buttons, which moved almost to the very bottom of the door. The sound insulation of the interior has been improved.

The Murano II comes standard with an Intelligent Key system for keyless entry with push-button start, remote control for the rear seats, a rearview camera with night mode, a premium audio system, Bluetooth hands-free and a satellite navigation system with 7-inch color touch screen. In more expensive trim levels, an electric rear door is available, as well as a DVD player with an overhead monitor for passengers in the rear row of seats.

The 3.5-liter engine, known from the first generation Murano, has been updated and increased power to 249 hp. (265 hp in the American version). The Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) continuously variable transmission has been updated even more significantly. Changes in the pressure control system and the introduction of a new microprocessor that controls the gear shifting process of the Xtronic CVT continuously variable variator have significantly optimized the shifting process, making it smoother and faster. The fact that serious work has been done on the engine-variator combination can be confirmed by fuel consumption, which according to the passport does not exceed 15 liters. The All Mode 4x4-i intelligent all-wheel drive system with an electromagnetic clutch provides the ability to transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels. At the same time, at speeds up to 80 km/h, All Mode 4x4-i works proactively, anticipating the possibility of front wheel slip based on throttle position and torque, and transferring torque to the rear axle without waiting for the situation when the wheels begin to lose grip on the road surface. At speeds above 80 km/h, the system works without anticipation, reacting only to actual wheel slippage.

The suspension became noticeably quieter and more comfortable. The crossover copes with road irregularities better than its predecessor. Murano II was created on the same D-class platform as Teana. Additional transverse ribs made it possible to increase the torsional rigidity of the platform by 45%. In general, this had a very good effect on the handling and stability of the car. But the soft suspension now allows deeper roll in corners. The body of the new Murano has a special highly elastic polymer coating, Scratch Shield, which restores the paint surface after light scratches: when the body covered with such paint heats up in the sun, minor scratches are healed. The coating is applied to seven available body colors.

The Nissan Murano II is superior to its first generation in many ways. A brighter appearance and rich equipment brought it closer to the class of luxury crossovers.