2003 Nissan Murano - Sleek, Fast Feline of the Class
One by one, dyed-in-the-wool car guys are falling for Nissan's newest SUV. Dressed for success in futuristic, sensual styling that suggests a wild fling between a 350Z and a Lexus RX 300, the new Murano is flirtatious, promising the automotive equivalent of a hot date - enthusiast levels of performance in an SUV body. But does it deliver?
Certainly the specs quicken the pulse - 245 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque from Nissan's sweetheart 3.5 L DOHC V-6 engine with Variable Intake and Variable Valve Timing Control (which in other lives powers the 350Z sports car, the Infiniti G35 coupe and sedan, and the Maxima/Altima side of the family); Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which I can tell you right now is the future of automatic transmissions and a perfect mate for the VQ engine; big, fat 18" wheels and tires; lots of stopping power courtesy of 4 wheel discs (vented in front - just like real sports cars) with ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and Brake Assist; independent front and rear suspension - "sport-tuned" and equipped with Dynamic Vehicle Control in the SE model.
Is this really a tarted up soccer van or do I hear a German sports sedan, all dressed up in sexy Italian clothes screaming to break free, eager to play and ready to throw off traditional SUV inhibitions? Let's get up close and personal to find out. Inside, Murano mixes up a mood of techno-cool sleekness with elegant warmth. The seats feel expansive - like sitting in an Ikea showroom with rich leather complemented by modern industrial touches. Add a fat, sporty leather wheel, brushed aluminum HVAC and audio controls (properly positioned with the more frequently accessed audio controls on top) and motorcycle-inspired yellow faced gauges that move with the wheel, and suddenly Murano has vaulted past the competition by providing an entirely new driving environment infinitely more exciting than the boring confines we've come to expect from other SUVs in this segment.