You probably won't find a more eyecatching off-roader than the Nissan Murano.
At a snip under £30,000 the Murano is not cheap, however it brings dramatic styling, tasteful interior refinements and practicality within reach of off-roader fans who fancy something a little different from your Land Rover Discoveries and Isuzu Troupers.
A new segment of 'crossovers' – off-road vehicles combined with sports car features – is emerging offering more choice to a wider audience and this is where the Murano belongs. It is fairly compact and has superb styling and many eyecatching features. And it shouts desirability more than any other sub -30k 4x4 I know.
The big softy of the Nissan off-road range, this car is not aimed at the true butch off-roader die-hards. Let's leave them to their Pathfinders and Terranos.
No - Murano is a spotless Gucci shoe among a rack of well-worn Reeboks and Nikes.
That's not to say it couldn't cope with roughing it a bit. Last year I took one through the off-road course at Millbrook Proving Ground and it seemed to handle the rough terrain and steep hills admirably.
I wouldn't want to dirty such a sparkly gem, though. And this car will probably be cherished more by a suburban mother of three and coveted by the neighbours, than Mr farmer with ten sheepdogs in tow.
Yes, lifestyle figures high in Nissan's aims these days. Lots of families and couples use their car to promote their lifestyle. And I can see the Nissan Murano being much more than A-B transport.
From the chrome grille back to the beautifully sculpted rear hatch Murano has a lovely quality about it. The large 18-inch alloy wheels finish off the package.
Inside the spacious cabin is very car-like. The dashboard is deep, pushing the windscreen away from you. I am not that keen on the dashboard, I have to admit. It's bland and the centre console and instrument panels look like they are a bolt-on after-thought.
Leather seats offer a spot of luxury, however, and creature comforts abound to make the interior environment a very pleasing place to be.
Driving the Murano is very enjoyable and it can be said that inside this fairly hefty beast there is a sports car bursting to get out - it shares the same 3.5-litre V6 engine that powers the 350Z, specially tuned for the Murano. It produces 234hp.
The petrol unit gives the Murano effortless performance and it feels light. You hardly notice the four-wheel drive while you're out on the road because the steering is very light. In fact, the light steering gives you the impression that you could be driving a car half the size. And the centre of gravity is not as high as you think, either.
I enjoyed my brief spell with the Murano. It is a model that you don't see a great deal of and it still has that 'wow' factor. If you fancy a 'go-anywhere' sports car with great big wheels, lots of chrome and curves, yet isn't boxy and brash, I reckon the Murano is a pretty close fit.
NISSAN Murano 3.5 V6
X-tronic CVT
Top speed 124 mph
0-62 mph 8.9 secs
Max power 234 Ps @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque 318 Nm @ 3,600 rpm
Urban 16.4 mpg
Extra-urban 29.7 mpg
Combined 23.0 mpg
CO2 emissions 295 g/km
Price: £29,950
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