MK2 Murano

The second-generation Murano arrived in 2009 with much toned down styling and sharper pricing compared with its forebear, which never really captured the imagination of the luxury SUV market when it arrived in 2005.

The second-generation Murano is built on the D-platform, shared with the new Maxima and 370Z. It features a new multi-link rear suspension while strut front suspension continues on, while Nissan claims that it has reduced unsprung weight through the extensive use of aluminium.

Despite being built on a completely new platform, Nissan says that the new Murano is the same width and height as before - 1885mm and 1730mm respectively - and also shares the previous generation’s 2825mm wheelbase. Body length has increased 65mm to 4835mm.

The Murano continues with the 3.5-litre version of the Nissan VQ35 engine, albeit a revised version that now develops 191kW at 6000rpm and 336Nm at 4400rpm, improvements of 19kW and 18Nm respectively and as before linked to a CVT auto.