The 2006 Nissan Murano crossover sport utility vehicle continues to uphold the innovative design of combined multipurpose SUV aspects with that of sport sedan ride and performance. Murano is powered by a 245-horsepower 3.5 –liter DOHC V6 mated to Nissan's fuel-efficient Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for smooth, quiet acceleration and enhanced fuel efficiency (versus a standard 4-speed automatic transmission). For 2006, Murano receives several exterior enhancements, including a new wheel design and restyled front grille, brushed aluminum rear bumper protector and roof rail (SE), fog lamp rings, LED rear combination lamps and chrome accent side sills and lower front bumper. Additionally, Murano comes available with the latest in technology, convenience and safety features, including enhanced driver instrumentation for improved daytime and nighttime visibility, a new leather package option, illuminated steering wheel controls, Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) and RearView Monitor. The 2006 Murano is also available in two new exterior colors – Red Spice and Airstream.
Developed, designed and engineered specifically for the North American market, Murano was conceived as an exciting alternative to the growing number of look-alike crossover SUVs in the market. Murano combines the uncompromising functional aspects of a true SUV with the ride comfort of a sport sedan in a highly refined, well-equipped package.
A Bold Exterior
The Nissan Murano's unique, modern design is made possible, in part, by the use of Nissan's advanced FF-L (front engine, front-drive) platform, which it shares elements with the popular Maxima and Quest. The FF-L platform pushes the wheels out to the corners, allowing a long wheelbase and wide stance within a manageable overall length. Along with the platform's inherent handling and performance advantages, it allows greater packaging and styling flexibility.
The 2006 exterior, guided by a “sculpture in motion” theme, offers a wraparound surface construction, a new architectural front grille and a sporty upswept-shaped D-pillars that blend with the rounded rear cargo door to project a very three-dimensional feel. Exterior enhancements include brushed aluminum rear bumper protector and roof rails (SE), fog lamp rings (SL, SE), chrome accent side sills (SL and SE) and lower front bumper, LED rear combination lamps and a new wheel design.
Murano is offered in a choice of eight exterior colors: two new colors (Red Spice and Airstream), as well as Merlot, Sunset Beige, Platinum, Glacier Pearl, Ebony and Majestic Blue.
Rich Yet Spacious Interior
Artistry is not only emphasized on the exterior design but is also in the welcoming interior. Targeting Nissan buyers with active lifestyles, the Murano's highly integrated roomy interior allows first class seating for two couples (but can comfortably fit five passengers). Interior enhancements for 2006 include a 10-way driver power seat, RearView Monitor, 7-inch LCD color display, Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) and illuminated steering wheel controls.
Murano's standard split fold-down rear seat includes a reclining feature and a remote flip-down function, so the seats can be released from the rear cargo area. Other interior amenities include standard dual zone climate controls and rear air conditioning vents located on the B-pillars.
Murano also features an extensive use of real aluminum, which is incorporated to a newly designed door trim as well as the center console, shift area and instrument panel. In addition, a 225-watt Bose ® audio system with 7 speakers and a standard 7-inch LCD color display monitor, with HVAC, audio, trip and navigation system (optional) controls are integrated into a one-piece “floating” pod design.
Murano's long wheelbase, wide stance and compact rear multi-link suspension design helps create a rear cargo area that offers exceptional room and utility. Murano also offers a highly functional double-fold, two-tiered lockable center console storage bin. Additional storage areas include a tray and two bins under the cargo floor.
The 2006 Murano comes with many standard safety features, including Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), roof-mounted curtain supplemental side-impact/rollover air bags for front-and rear-seat occupant head protection, power windows with auto reverse feature and enhanced driver instrumentation to improve both daytime and nighttime visibility. Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones help dissipate the crash energy away from the passenger compartment. Also standard are front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system with front seat active head restraints.
A Focus on Performance and Handling
The 2006 Nissan Murano comes in a choice of AWD for enhanced all-weather performance or front-wheel drive (SL only). All models come equipped with a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, derived from the award-winning engine used in the 2006 Altima and Maxima sedans. The engine is rated at 245 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque.
The Nissan Murano also features Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Unlike conventional stepped gear automatics, the Xtronic CVT operates as essentially “one gear” through use of a belt and two pulleys.
By infinitely varying the working diameters of the two pulleys, the transmission eliminates the “steps” between gears, resulting in a smoother, more efficient operation by keeping the engine in its optimum power range under a variety of driving and load conditions. This benefit is especially apparent in long uphill drives where the traditional hunting for the proper gear is virtually eliminated. A manual shift mode is offered on SE models.
Other available performance features include Traction Control System (TCS), Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), which helps improve vehicle stability by controlling brake pressure and engine torque automatically in understeer, oversteer or slippery road surface conditions.
Responsive handling and a comfortable ride are provided by the Nissan Murano's standard 4-wheel independent suspension, which includes an advanced multi-link rear suspension, cradle-type front subframe and high-stiffness stabilizer bars. The braking system includes 4-wheel vented disc brakes with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).
Various Options Satisfy Demands
The 2006 Nissan Murano is available in three well-equipped models – SL FWD, SL AWD and SE AWD. Every Murano comes fully equipped with the 245-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, Xtronic CVT, 4-wheel disc bakes with ABS, EBD and BA, 4-wheel independent suspension, power rack-and-pinion steering and a standard 82 litre fuel tank for an exceptional driving range between refueling.
Also standard are newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, reclining rear seat backs, dual zone automatic temperature control, AM/FM/CD audio system with mp3 capability, 7-inch LCD color display, power windows with auto up/down feature on front windows, keyless remote entry system, illuminated steering wheel controls and much more.
The Murano SE model adds a sport-tuned suspension with firmer front/rear springs and struts and shock absorbers, manual shift mode, unique sporty alloy wheels, dark silver lower front bumper, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with manual headlamp levelizer and illuminated steering wheel audio controls.