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Given that virtually all owners of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) today rarely take their cars onto anything more challenging than wet grass, spending more on a four-wheel drive model when there is a less expensive front-drive variant might seem pointless.
Which, to be honest, is what we initially thought when we picked up the Nissan Murano 3.5. It costs around $15,000 more than the 2.5-litre, two-wheel drive variant we drove in issue 36.
For the extra outlay, you get an additional pair of cylinders, 71 more horsepower, four-wheel drive, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and... that's about it.
From the outside, the only way to tell the 3.5 apart from the lesser model is a badge on the tailgate, but four-wheel drive or not, the only kind of jungle the Murano is at home in is of the concrete variety.
Instead, the car has other qualities that make SUVs appealing to urbanites - a high driving position, spacious interior and user-friendly driving dynamics. Still, these can also be found in the lesser Murano 2.5.
Also making an appearance in the more expensive Murano, is one of the most user-unfriendly navigation systems we've yet to try. Apparently, this system is fitted locally and is available on all Nissan models of 2.0-litre capacity and above.
Although the system is apparently programmed to also work in major Malaysian cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, there wasn't much else that we seemed to be able to do with it other than see where we were on the virtual map.
The navigation system might be useless, but it also incorporates a reverse camera function that will undoubtedly be a hit among the parking inept.
Even the shortest of drives is enough to make anyone realise that while the 2.5-litre Murano is 'good enough' for local roads, the 3.5-litre version is even better. This point is made even more so if you're a regular on the North-South highway with kids and a serious luggage load in tow.
Which, to be honest, is what we initially thought when we picked up the Nissan Murano 3.5. It costs around $15,000 more than the 2.5-litre, two-wheel drive variant we drove in issue 36.
For the extra outlay, you get an additional pair of cylinders, 71 more horsepower, four-wheel drive, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and... that's about it.
From the outside, the only way to tell the 3.5 apart from the lesser model is a badge on the tailgate, but four-wheel drive or not, the only kind of jungle the Murano is at home in is of the concrete variety.
Instead, the car has other qualities that make SUVs appealing to urbanites - a high driving position, spacious interior and user-friendly driving dynamics. Still, these can also be found in the lesser Murano 2.5.
Also making an appearance in the more expensive Murano, is one of the most user-unfriendly navigation systems we've yet to try. Apparently, this system is fitted locally and is available on all Nissan models of 2.0-litre capacity and above.
Although the system is apparently programmed to also work in major Malaysian cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, there wasn't much else that we seemed to be able to do with it other than see where we were on the virtual map.
The navigation system might be useless, but it also incorporates a reverse camera function that will undoubtedly be a hit among the parking inept.
Even the shortest of drives is enough to make anyone realise that while the 2.5-litre Murano is 'good enough' for local roads, the 3.5-litre version is even better. This point is made even more so if you're a regular on the North-South highway with kids and a serious luggage load in tow.
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While the 234bhp power unit (essentially a de-tuned version of the one found in the 350Z sports car) endows the Murano with a sub-10 second 0 to 100km/h time, the CVT makes sure that optimal grunt is always on tap. In the cut-and-thrust of rush hour traffic, this, along with the excellent visibility, allows the driver to effectively chart a course to the clearest lane ahead.
In various models we have tried, Nissan's 3.5-litre V6 has come to be known to be powerful and torquey, but in the Murano, it also surprised us with its refinement. This would bode well with those looking to use the Murano as alternative to the typical luxury sedan.
In various models we have tried, Nissan's 3.5-litre V6 has come to be known to be powerful and torquey, but in the Murano, it also surprised us with its refinement. This would bode well with those looking to use the Murano as alternative to the typical luxury sedan.
For good measure though, Nissan has also incorporated Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) which is supposed to allow the driver to make quick lane changes or evasive manoeuvres without losing control of the car.
It might be more car-like to drive than most of it contemporaries, but the Murano's tall stance and considerable kerb weight conspire to show up the dynamic short comings with lots of body roll when driven enthusiastically around corners.
You wouldn't buy any Murano because you want to go off-road, but you'll love the four-wheel drive version that helps you stay on it.
Need to know
Nissan Murano 3.5 (A)
Engine 3,498cc V6
Max Power 234bhp at 6,000rpm
Max Torque 318Nm at 3,600rpm
Gearbox CVT
Top Speed 200km/h
0-100km/h 9.5 seconds
Price $126,000 with COE
Warranty 3 years / 100,000km
Contact Tan Chong Motor Sales
Telephone 6466-7711, 6366-7711, 6266-7711
Similar cars we have driven
Lexus RX300 (A) $143,888 with COE
The RX300 has the benefit of a premium badge, which is reflected in its higher price. It is also slightly quieter and more refined than the Murano but offers less cabin space.
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