The first generation of Nissan's Murano took many people by surprise. In fact, there were a lot of auto journalists who thought that the vehicle being introduced was some sort of concept or prototype. They were wrong: it was indeed a production vehicle. Inspired from the Forum Concept, the Murano perfectly fits in with the Japanese automaker's design philosophy.
First of all, the bi-xenon headlights are directly derived from the Forum; they appear overloaded due to the prominent pseudo-chrome treatment of the front fascia. Actually, the headlights and grille are boldly integrated into each other. Then, there's the rear end which looks awfully similar (perhaps too similar) to the smaller Rogue.
Inside, there's a feeling of déjà vu -- and that's a good thing because you almost get the impression of sitting behind the wheel of an Infiniti, Nissan's premium division. Quality materials are flawlessly matched together, while fit and finish (both inside and out) keeps improving significantly since the original model was launched. Much of the credit goes to Infiniti, which continues to raise the bar for the automaker in terms of build quality.
Increasingly more upscale
Luxury transpires inside the new Murano, as I quickly found out in my comprehensively-equipped LE AWD tester. The navigation system is easy to grasp and use. Plus, it sits high atop the dashboard, meaning you can consult it while staying relatively focused on the road ahead.
Bluetooth connectivity was also included. This hands-free communication technology is pretty convenient and even more so now that some governments, including Quebec's, have prohibited the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Bluetooth has a brilliant future to say the least.
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| The headlights and grille are boldly integrated into each other. |
First of all, the bi-xenon headlights are directly derived from the Forum; they appear overloaded due to the prominent pseudo-chrome treatment of the front fascia. Actually, the headlights and grille are boldly integrated into each other. Then, there's the rear end which looks awfully similar (perhaps too similar) to the smaller Rogue.
Inside, there's a feeling of déjà vu -- and that's a good thing because you almost get the impression of sitting behind the wheel of an Infiniti, Nissan's premium division. Quality materials are flawlessly matched together, while fit and finish (both inside and out) keeps improving significantly since the original model was launched. Much of the credit goes to Infiniti, which continues to raise the bar for the automaker in terms of build quality.
Increasingly more upscale
Luxury transpires inside the new Murano, as I quickly found out in my comprehensively-equipped LE AWD tester. The navigation system is easy to grasp and use. Plus, it sits high atop the dashboard, meaning you can consult it while staying relatively focused on the road ahead.
Bluetooth connectivity was also included. This hands-free communication technology is pretty convenient and even more so now that some governments, including Quebec's, have prohibited the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Bluetooth has a brilliant future to say the least.
 |
| Luxury transpires in the new Murano, as I quickly found out in my comprehensively-equipped LE AWD tester. |