New Nissan Murano

New Nissan Murano - Simple two model range priced at £32,795 with large two-part sunroof and £33,295 with roof-mounted DVD

Revised 3.5-litre V6 engine now delivers 256 PS; 0-62 mph in 8.0 secs and 25.9 mpg on the combined cycle. On sale 1st October

Standard specification for the new Murano will include 18 inch alloys, Birdview DVD satellite navigation with TMC, rear privacy glass, bi-xenon headlamps, cruise control and an in-dash six-disc CD player with aux-in socket for MP3 players. In addition, both models get Nissan’s Intelligent Key for easy keyless-access, powered front seats and steering wheel complete with memory setting.

The original Murano helped pioneer rear view cameras and the new model goes one step further with a kerb camera mounted within the passenger door mirror. At speeds up to 12 mph it displays images of the ground beside the car on the 7 inch colour sat nav screen, showing the proximity of walls, kerbs and otherwise obscured obstacles. Like the rear-view parking camera, it uses infrared LED lighting to enable it to function at night.

Rear seats split 60/40 and are lowered simply by pulling a lever in the luggage area; but raising them is even easier; press a button on the dashboard or in the cargo area and the seats automatically move into position in just 8 seconds.

The original Murano still turns heads and not surprisingly the new model’s styling moves in an evolutionary direction to create a more curvaceous interpretation of that elegant, purposeful design. Every body panel is new and distinctive elements include pronounced wheel arches linked by similarly profiled sections at the bottom of each door for an added touch of ruggedness, side windows that taper more sharply into the roof line and a shallower headlamp profile that blends seamlessly into the new chrome-effect grille. The redesigned tail includes triangular LED tail lights and a reprofiled tailgate.

A choice of seven exterior shades includes three metallic colours that are new: Platinum Graphite, Tinted Bronze and Dark Sapphire.

The Murano has the performance to match its sporty looks. Nissan’s familiar VQ 24-valve twin cam 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine has been radically revised and now features variable induction and continuous valve timing control systems. Combined with lots of detail changes to reduce friction and enhance refinement, the end result is power up by 22 PS at 256 PS and torque boosted from 318 at 3600 to 334 Nm at 4400 rpm.

0.9 seconds is shaved off the 0 to 62 mph benchmark – now 8.0 seconds – and top speed rises from 124 to 130 mph. Best of all, fuel consumption improves from 23.0 to 25.9 mpg combined, also reflected in carbon dioxide emissions that drop from 295 to 261 g/km.

An extensively re-engineered Xtronic CVT gearbox plays its part, with a 20 per cent reduction in friction improving fuel economy and shift speeds to give a more responsive feel.

Finally, ALL-MODE 4x4-i technology continues to provide sure-footed handling no matter how treacherous the conditions. This intelligent permanent 4WD system distributes torque on demand to where it’s needed – under normal driving conditions that means predominantly to the front wheels, but up to 50 per cent can be sent to the rear if required. The system is closely integrated with the standard ESP stability control.