A resounding hit in the US and Europe, the Nissan Murano combines the best of sports sedans and SUVs

We’ve heard about it. We’ve read about it. I’ve been told that other Nissan products have “Murano-like” features. 

Part of the reason we’ve heard so much about the new Murano before seeing it, is that it has been available for some time before it reached Hong Kong.

The Murano was designed specifically for the US market, and was offered there first. It sold so well there, Nissan offered Murano in Europe. There, it was again a roaring success.

Now, we have the Murano in Hong Kong. It is the Japanese domestic model and sprinkled with gadgets, including some firsts.

One of the firsts is the Anti-Scratch Shield Paint.  Anti-scratch Shield is a clearcoat that is five times more scratch resistant compared to other conventional clearcoats, helping a vehicle maintain its new look for a longer period of time.  This high-tech paint also self-repairs fine scratches, restoring its surface close to its original state. 

Another surprise was in the back seat. When you want to lower the seatbacks to enlarge the cargo space, you press a button. And when you want to raise them again, you press another button; the seatback is raised electrically. I believe that is a first.

Also in the cargo area, is a very American style “cargo separator” that keeps your luggage and groceries apart, and keeps them from sliding around as you wend your way out of the supermarket parking lot.

No wonder Americans liked it – the Murano is a very smart-looking vehicle. They would have loved the glossy grille, quite a departure for Nissan, but retaining the company’s character.

At the rear we found spectacular taillight clusters framing the hatchback that incorporates a rear spoiler with a high position brake light. The rear is completed by dual chromed tailpipes.

Brightly chromed, six-spoke alloy wheels and roof rails complete the sporty look. And then the ample ground clearance edges you toward thinking this an off-road, 4x4 vehicle.

The four wheel drive is always there, ready to serve. And it is intelligent, switching on automatically when you need it. So, if you were asked to drive up a slippery country road in the rain, the “4x4-i” would catch on quick. At the first hint of wheel-spin or uneven traction, the 4x4-i cuts in and keeps traction under control, sending power to each wheel as needed.

There is also a Lock Mode that can lock the front and rear wheels in four-wheel-drive, improving low-speed traction.

Sophisticated sports-SUV feel
And then you step inside and suddenly you are in a very sophisticated sports sedan.

The driver’s seat has two memory settings, so you can set the seat to suit you. Then, if another person uses the car, you can get your own position back at the touch of a button. Nothing new about that. But it also includes your steering wheel and rear-vision mirror positions. Plus: the moment you start the car with your own key, the seat, steering wheel and mirrors adjust to your position.

The cockpit is extremely smart, a sophisticated blend of luxury leather upholstery and brushed aluminum. The leather swathes all seats and the gear shifter knob. And it was pointed out to me that the aluminum trim around the central console is real aluminum, not the usual hard plastic coated with silver paint.

Through the top half of the sporty, three-spoke steering wheel, I saw three brilliantly illuminated instrument dials. Pride of place goes to the speedometer, graduated up to 180 kmh, and flanked on the left by the very essential tachometer and the fuel and temperature gauges on the right.

The steering wheel has two safety functions. One, if you handle it attentively, you can stay on the road! Secondly, the wheel carries all of the controls for the audio system, so you can adjust the radio and music entertainment while keeping your eyes on the road.    
Another cutting edge safety feature is the set of cameras that show you, on a 7-in colored LED screen, what hazards lurk at the back and side of the Murano. This is intended to assist with parking and, for most drivers, it is a blessing.

Just before getting underway, I was told the engine is the same VQ 3.5L V6 powerplant engine that powers the famous Fairlady muscle car, promising 260 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.

Getting into Hiram’s Highway traffic with a smooth swoosh of power, I let the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) take me through Hamesh’s Curve and Sai Kung town.

But out on the country highway, I soon switched to the six-speed Manual mode and stayed with it throughout the test.          

For anyone looking for a unique SUV and sports sedan combination, I recommend a test drive of the well-proven Nissan Murano.