The 2005 Nissan Murano adds several refinements aimed at enhancing its reputation for comfort, convenience and safety in the crossover sports utility vehicle segment.
“First impressions are important,” says Ian Forsyth, Nissan Canada director of marketing. “The Murano certainly started life with a bang, earning the titles of Best New Sport Utility Vehicle and Canada’s Truck of the Year from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). The changes we have made for 2005 are just to underscore Murano’s reputation as the most innovative, advanced crossover SUV in Canada.”
Forsyth says a rollover sensor has been added to all three Murano models, while Nissan’s new Intelligent Key system becomes standard on the top-of-the-line Murano SE AWD.
In addition, a new Technology Package replaces the previous Navigation Package, adding a rearview monitor to a package that already includes a GPS-based DVD Navigation System, a seven-inch colour monitor and Canada-U.S. DVD map data.
For 2005, Murano is offered in three models, the front-wheel-drive Murano SL (FWD) and two all-wheel-drive versions, the SL (AWD) and SE (AWD).
All come with a standard 245-horsepower 3.5-litre DOHC V6 that produces 246 foot-pounds of torque. Derived from the award-winning engine used in the 350 Z, it’s mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Other performance features include four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel vented disc brakes with anti-lock braking (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals.
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. Designers aimed to combine the functional aspects of a true SUV with the ride comfort of a sport sedan in a highly refined, well-equipped package.
Nissan Murano’s modern design is made possible, in part, by the use of Nissan’s advanced FF-L (front engine, front-drive) platform, which shares elements with the popular Nissan Maxima. 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 exterior, guided by a “sculpture in motion” theme, offers a wrap-around surface construction, an architectural front grille and a sporty upswept shaped D-pillar that blends with the rounded rear cargo door to project a very three-dimensional feel.
Inside, Murano’s seats are specially designed to provide ample roominess and comfort. The standard 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat includes power lumbar support. Front seats are heated on all Muranos.
The 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.
The instrument panel includes real aluminum trim, a 225-watt Bose® audio system with seven speakers and a standard information monitor, with HVAC, audio, trip control and navigation system (optional) controls integrated into its one-piece “floating" design.
Nissan Murano’s highly functional storage systems include a two-tiered lockable centre console storage box with room to hold a laptop computer or purse and door pockets with fold-out function. Additional storage areas include a bin under the cargo floor and spaces in the centre console for cell phones, sunglasses, coins, cups and bottles.
Also standard are 18-inch alloy wheels, reclining rear seat backs, dual-zone automatic temperature control, power windows with auto up/down feature on front windows, keyless remote entry system, large centre console and much more.
The Murano comes with many standard safety features, including the new standard rollover sensor.
It also has dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seatbelt sensors, front-seat side-impact supplemental airbags and front- and rear-seat curtain side-impact/rollover supplemental airbags. Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones help dissipate crash energy away from the passenger compartment. Also standard are front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system and front-seat active head restraints.
Murano also advances the technology boundaries in the crossover SUV class with the first North American application of Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Unlike conventional stepped-gear automatics, the Xtronic CVT operates as essentially “one gear,” eliminating the “steps” between gears and resulting in a smoother, more efficient operation by keeping the engine in its optimum power range.
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 the SE (AWD) model.
As well as manual shift mode, the top-of-the-line SE (AWD) model adds such performance features as Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), which helps improve vehicle stability, Traction Control System (TCS) and a Tire Pressure Monitor System.
Murano SE also adds a sport-tuned suspension with firmer front/rear springs and struts and shock absorbers, unique six-spoke sporty alloy wheels, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with manual headlamp levelizer and dark silver lower bumpers.
SE is also equipped with leather seating surfaces, a four-way adjustable front-passenger seat and heated front seats.
The Intelligent Key feature is a new type of entry system that eliminates the need to use a key to start the engine, or a key fob to lock or unlock doors.
Murano SL buyers can order a Sunroof Package (power sunroof with tilt and slide features).