What is it?
It’s a stylish SUV, the Murano, but it’s always been severely hampered in Europe by the lack of a diesel.
Now, two years after the second generation car went on sale an oil burner has arrived, together with the lightest of make-overs consisting of a new grille (needed for additional cooling) and recontoured bumpers.
What's it like?
It’s propelled by the 2.5 litre four cylinder turbodiesel found in the X-Trail, Pathfinder and – whisper it – the Navarra pick-up – though it, too, has had an update to civilise it for this more elevated role.
See the test pics of the Nissan Murano 2.5 dCi
A new cylinder head and injectors allow it to operate at higher injection pressures in the interests of efficiency, a variable nozzle turbo livens low-rev response while a fifth engine mounting, modifed power steering and more sound-proofing improve refinement. So does new underbody shielding that cuts the Murano’s Cd from 0.37 to 0.34.
But the sporty-looking Murano really deserves a 3.0 V6 turbodiesel rather than this relatively small four, and on the road it shows with performance that’s no more than adequate when it comes to sprinting.
It’s better as a cruiser, but it’s sometimes short of the authoritative performance implied by its looks, and despite the engine’s size, the Murano’s consumption and emissions aren’t so hot either - the V6 Porsche Cayenne manages 195g/km to the Nissan’s 210g/km, for example.
The new motor is well muted, but always plays a distantly clattering sound-track.
The Murano is nevertheless a relaxed cruiser, and a pleasant one to take station in too because it’s well made, tastefully furnished, easy to drive and decently deft on backroads.
Should I buy one?
It’s easier to allow yourself to fall for its looks with this diesel option, but there are better luxury diesel SUVs out there.
Nissan Murano 2.5 dCi
Price: £37,795; Top speed: 122mph; 0-62mph: 10.5sec; Economy: 35.3mpg; CO2: 210g/km; Kerbweight: 1898kg; Engine: In-line four, 2488cc; Power: 187bhp at 4000rpm; Torque: 332lb ft at 2000rpm; Gearbox: 6-spd automatic
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Re: Nissan Murano 2.5 dCi
Re: Nissan Murano 2.5 dCi
This little 2.5l, 4 cylinder diesel, has more power and torque than the mighty 3.0l, 4 cylinder diesel fitted to the Landcruiser.
Re: Nissan Murano 2.5 dCi
The name "Datsun" has mega clout in North America/Australia/Middle East/Africa, stop lapping up everything Clarkson says, think for yourself. The Datsun 240Z is more legendary than an E-type in the states and the best rally cars in Australia and Africa in the 70's came with Datsun badges not overated Ford Escort ones. Poms should look beyind their borders before joining the herd mentality that agrees anything Clarkson says is gospel!