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#11
beemerlover

Posted 14 November 2006 - 09:33 AM

beemerlover

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LKY

No complaints about my Murano. Enough grunt with smooth CVT tansmission
and loves the Bose sound system. Value for money purchase like most
Nissans when compared to other competing luxury SUV e.g. Lexus RX350, BMW
X3. Perhaps Lexus RX350 is a better package overall but to me does not
justify more than the A$20k difference. Other newcomers at this price
point is the coming Mazda CV7? and Subaru Tribeca (geez, hate that design)

Of course, cannot compares with BMW X5, MB ML350, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 or
VW Toureg as these are on a different league.

No problem travelling at highway speed but then again, I do not challenge
the speed limits. May be difficult for you as you come from 350Z. My
complaints initially when I bought the SUV was no navigation and reverse
camera option (now rectified with the introduction of Ti-L version at
A$3,500 premium). Other complaints of features expected at this luxury
SUV but omitted was no intelligent key (just normal key with remote
attached, just like Proton), lack of outside temperature gauge, side rear
mirrors cannot fold in automatically, no fog lights etc.

#12
ETTi

Posted 14 November 2006 - 10:23 AM

ETTi

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Nissan Murano's in the COTY 2005 fight:

=====

» Nissan Murano

Words - Mike McCarthy

Dynamic and durability deficiencies sent it spare

YOU’D never guess Murano’s gene pool includes the Maxima and X-Trail.
Nissan’s latest, largest SUV has the look of an imaginative concept that’s
gone from motor show to showroom with remarkably few changes. Nicely
rounded lines and balanced proportions disguise the fact that Murano indeed
has a full-size body, slightly longer than Kluger and RX330, for example,
and a bit shorter than Territory.

Tick the Value box. Priced from just under $52,000 at ST level, the base
Murano’s features include 18-inch alloys, xenon headlights, Bose audio
system and climate control. The Ti version asks almost $57K while adding
leather seats (front pair heated), electric sunroof, roof rails and rear
parking sensors.

Both include six airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters,
front active headrests and the now usual electronic driver aids.

Technology is one of Murano’s strong suits. Familiar from the Maxima and
350Z, the lusty VQ35DE 3.5-litre V6 is teamed here with a slow-to-wind-up
‘X-Tronic’ continuously variable transmission — one of very few CVTs able
to digest the copious torque of such a relatively gutsy engine.

Murano’s electronically controlled 4WD system ordinarily delivers most
drive to the front wheels, but increases the rear-drive bias as/when
required, and the driveline can be locked (via a push button) to keep the
wheels turning in adverse conditions.

Although we didn’t try taking Murano off-road, because cross-country isn’t
its thing, effective traction control and (switchable) DSC help it handle
competently on sealed and unsealed surfaces alike, while remaining more
directional than the generally plush, occasionally floaty, ride might
suggest. It soaked up the test track’s stutter bumps and patchworks better
than some more fancied sedans. However, the steering lacks any sense of
connection and the braking struggles when asked for its best.

The cabin scores quite well for roominess, and for generous boot capacity,
though the boldly stylised instruments aren’t to everyone’s taste. Nor are
the front seats, which work well for commuting and cruising, but prove
flatly unsupportive for brisk cornering. The rear accommodation is singled
out for particular praise, however, because the seat is both comfortable
and adjustable.

Nearing the end of first-round testing, the Murano shot itself in the foot.
Twice. Almost simultaneously, the transmission stuck in one gear and a tyre
went flat. No on-screen message reported the tranny trouble, and no
handbook had been provided. Later, we learned that the CVT’s reaction to
extremely hard driving is a fail-safe measure. To avoid damage from
overheating, the CVT goes into ‘limp’ mode and, we are assured, resumes
normal operation after being rested until cool.

But even without the CVT’s hiccup, the space-saver spare wheel spelled the
end of Murano’s participation in COTY — underlining yet again the futility
of anything less than a full-size spare.

......................................................................



#13
ETTi

Posted 14 November 2006 - 10:26 AM

ETTi

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Forgot to mention that was just the Australian COTY...

This point is a little shocking although I believe ordinary persons would
never push the vehicle to its limit like what the reviewer guys did:

=====

...Later, we learned that the CVT’s reaction to
extremely hard driving is a fail-safe measure. To avoid damage from
overheating, the CVT goes into ‘limp’ mode and, we are assured, resumes
normal operation after being rested until cool.

=====



#14
abuga

Posted 14 November 2006 - 02:20 PM

abuga

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I respect the car's lineage and the V6 engine. But it is very
displeasing to my eye. Seems like I'm in the "some hate it" camp.

Oh heck, what am I saying, its fugly.

Dont mind me, I prefer sleek and sexy cars rather than big and bulky ones.

But yes, its a damn good car. No question.

0-100km in 5.8secs stock. Great stuff.