Murano
Geneva 2012: Nissan Hi-Cross Concept
Nissan has just taken the wraps off of its Hi-Cross crossover concept. This design study points at future styling directions for the Juke and Murano, and the European Qashqai crossovers.
Car Audio Test: 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
This system has a scooped out midrange that makes music seem less clear and articulate than it does on many other systems. Add that to the somewhat higher noise level that is endemic to convertibles, and you have less than ideal audio. Bass is strong, but doesn’t go that deep nor seem as clean as on the better OEM systems. Nissan’s interface is pretty straightforward, but the placement of the controls is a bit scattered.
Quick Drive: 2012 Nissan Murano LE Platinum AWD
Taking price point, overall capacity, fun-to-drive factor, and style into consideration, the Murano has some stiff competition at this ($40K) high-spec level. It’s fair to say that, like most vehicles, when you shop Murano in the middle of it’s pricing spectrum, you get a far better value for each dollar you plunk down than you can expect at the top trim level. As my fellows above point out, there’s a lot to like about Murano, but how does it stack up against the significant competitors?
Driven: 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
According to convention, convertibles are coupe-based. That’s fine; we love a brisk drive in a sporty little thing, and being able to lose the top and enjoy the elements on a nice day is an adventure we seek out whenever possible. But what happens when we actually need to use the car? If we were to pack the bags for a summer weekend Up North, we’re usually stuck either leaving the top up to make room in the trunk, or we forego the convertible altogether. And that, friends, is a crying shame.
LA 2010: 2011 Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet
Nissan debuted the 2011 Murano Crosscabriolet today at the LA Auto Show. The Murano CCC lost a pair of doors in its conversion to a droptop, but retains the hardtop Murano’s all-wheel drive, 3.5-liter 265-horsepower V-6, and XTronic CVT.
Quick Drive: 2010 Nissan Murano LE
The Murano works, within the bounds of its SUV/Crossover package, because of some pretty basic engineering. First off, the steering is direct rather than sloppy, and though it isn’t sports-car communicative at least it doesn’t get in the way. Secondly, the CVT, which inherently wants to slip as it adjusts its gear ratios, actually feels more hooked up and responsive than many a traditional automatic. Fortunately, the tendency of the CVT to hold an rpm level is mitigated by two wise choices that Nissan made. The Murano carries lots of sound deadening, so you don’t really hear the engine droning away, though technically that’s what it is doing. On top of that, when you want more than a gradual change in speed, the CVT adjusts its ratio progressively, so you have some feeling of rising rpm to match your subconscious desire for appropriate feedback.
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