Description and history of the car Nissan Murano

Nissan Murano - mid size crossover (SUV), manufactured by the Japanese automaker «Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.» from 2002 to the present. The body is produced as a 5-door SUV, and from 2011 to 2014 a 2-door convertible was produced. The engine is located transversely in front, all-wheel drive, and there are also front-wheel drive cheaper models. The car was originally focused on the United States, so the design was developed in the division «Nissan America». Sales began in Europe in 2004. The car is named after Venetian glass, made using ancient technologies on the island of Murano near Venice.

Main competitors «Nissan Murano» are the following vehicles of other companies − Audi Q5, BMW X3, Ford Explorer, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Range Rover Evoque, Lexus NX 300, Mazda CX-9, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Peugeot 5008, Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Venza, Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC60.

First generation (Z50, 2002−2007)

The first generation was presented to the public at the New York International Auto Show in March 2002. Production began in May 2002, with US sales beginning in June. The drive was on the front wheels (FWD) or full (AWD). A fully independent suspension on all wheels was used. The safety of the car was ensured by a full set of airbags, the cabin was reinforced with steel elements, electronic stability control, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and braking assistance. The length of the body was 4770 mm, width 1880 mm and height 1705 mm.

Equipped only with a gasoline six-cylinder V-engine with a volume of 3.5 liters (3498 cm³, VQ35DE, V6) 245 hp, which was also installed on «Altima», «Maxima» and sports car «Nissan 350Z». For the Japanese market there was a 2.5-liter engine (2488 cm³, QR25DE, I4) 175 hp. The transmission was non-alternative - stepless variator (CVT) and was considered at the time one of the largest vehicles using the CVT.

American agency «National Highway Traffic Safety Administration» (NHTSA) conducted a series of crash tests and awarded the maximum ratings of 5 stars in all tests, but the rollover test received only 4 stars.

In 2006, the model was updated. They began to install LED taillights and direction indicators, a color screen as standard, a backup video camera, GPS navigation, and also slightly changed the front panel.

A limited edition produced a high-performance modification called «GT-C» with engine «VQ35DE» 305 hp. The acceleration time of such a car to 100 km / h was 8 seconds.

Second generation (Z51, 2009−2014)

The second generation was introduced at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2007 as a 2009 model, with sales beginning in January 2008. That is, Nissan skipped the 2008 model year. There were three trim levels − «S» (base), «SL» (average) And «LE» (highest level). The car is based on a platform «Nissan D». The body was in the form of a 5-door SUV with a length of 4788 mm, a width of 1882 mm, a height of 1699 mm, a curb weight of 1759-1826 kg. After restyling in 2011, the length was 4823 mm, height 1727 mm. There was also a convertible body 4829 mm long, 1892 mm wide, 1681 mm high. In 2014, the production of the convertible was cancelled. Front wheel drive or all wheel drive.

The gasoline engine was installed six-cylinder V-shaped volume of 3.5 liters (3498 cm³, VQ35DE, V6) 265 hp. Since 2011, for the first time it was possible to buy «Murano» with a 2.5 liter four-cylinder diesel engine (2488 cm³, YD25DDTi, I4) 190 hp. For the Japanese market there was a 2.5 liter four-cylinder petrol engine (2488 cm³, QR25DE, I4) 160 hp. Transmission traditionally stepless variator (CVT), and also for the first time began to install a 6-speed automatic.

The second generation included a host of electronic features such as rain sensors, power tailgate and folding rear seats, iPod integration, and a hard disk-based touchscreen GPS navigation system. Standard features for safer driving include anti-lock brakes (ABS), brake force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control and a set of airbags. The American agency NHTSA awarded the car four stars in a frontal crash test and five stars in side impacts, which is worse than the first generation.

The 2011 model year car was restyled. The length and height of the body were slightly increased, the front and rear lights were updated, as well as new rims. The interior has also received a minor update.

Nissan introduced «Murano CrossCabriolet» at the 2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show, positioning it as «world's first open-top crossover». In April 2014, this car was cancelled.

Third generation (Z52, 2015−present time)

At the New York International Auto Show in April 2014 was presented «Murano» third generation as a 2015 model. Sales in Japan were canceled due to stricter domestic vehicle regulations. The engine was located in the front, the drive is full or only on the front wheels. Body 5-door SUV 4887 mm long, 1915 mm wide, 1689 mm high.

The engine was installed six-cylinder V-shaped gasoline with a volume of 3.5 liters (3498 cm³, VQ35DE, V6) 260 hp. Transmission 6-speed automatic or CVT (CVT). In 2016, a hybrid modification appeared «Murano» with 2.5 liter four-cylinder petrol engine (2488 cm³, QR25DER, I4) 250 hp and a lithium-ion battery with a 20 hp electric motor. with.

Murano Z52, back view

Murano Z52, side view

Murano Z52, interior