The 2015 Murano Platinum AWD stands tall among the new models for this year.Since 2003,
the Murano has been a huge success in Canada. It was one of the first crossover SUV’s on the
market and it was clear Nissan wanted to develop something different then those truck like SUV’s that where so
popular in 90’s. Nissan broke the mold and developed a vehicle that was in its own class and a bit more than a
decade later, they’re at it again.
The 2015 Murano has received a complete makeover and Nissan didn’t hold back on creativity or
engineering. It’s clear that at first look the designers and engineers behind the development of
the 3rd generation model had carte blanche to create something completely new. Both the
exterior and interior design of the new model looks like it popped out of a futuristic magazine.
Every time I stepped in to it I felt like I was boarding the Star-ship Enterprise on wheels. With its
boomerang lights, floating roof treatment and new aerodynamics, It’s easily my favorite new SUV
in the Nissan fleet.
I got to drive the 2015 Murano Platinum AWD and even though all the models this year are well
equipped, the Platinum has a few extras that are well worth the upgrade. All models come with
the LED Signature lights, with their LED Daytime Running Light accents which is a nice touch
and continues with the overall futuristic look of this years model. But I was truly impressed with the interior. As
soon as you open the door you’ll notice the advance lighting system that lights up from the door
panels and gives you a warm feeling in the cabin, especially at night. The interior itself was black
leather with luxury trimmings that all blended in with each other and gave you the impression
you were embarking in a premium luxury car.
The instrument panel height is lower than previous model and It’s equipped with a 8 inch color
display with multi – touch control. It took me no more than a couple minutes to familiarize myself
with functions and Nissan made a effort to minimize the controls for user convenience. The GPS
was a bit more advanced than other models I’ve tried and the screen itself had better resolution.
The Platinum model give you an advance Bose audio system with 9 speakers and 2
subwoofers, HD Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Also, included are the NissanConnectSM
with Mobile Apps. Nissan’s Advance Zero Gravity seats are standard on all models but the
Platinum model also gives reclining heated rear seats and Climate-controlled front seats. A nice
touch was the heated steering wheel.
There’s some added features for making your daily commute a bit safer as well. Predictive
Forward Collision Warning System and Blind spot warning was included.
When driving the Murano you immediately have a feeling for what’s under the hood. Nissan
gave it a big 3.5-liter DOHC V6 that puts out 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft .Also standard is an
advanced Xtronic transmission tuned for quick response and smoothness. For a bigger vehicle,
I found it quite easy to maneuver through traffic. Gas consumption wasn’t bad overall. It took me
a week of heavy driving throughout the city to get through a full tank. The handling is responsive
and comfortable. It has a 4-wheel independent suspension featuring a front strut/rear multi-link
design. Also standard are 4-wheel disk brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The
Platinum model comes with 20-inch blade style wheels that gives it a nice sporty look. It also
offers front-wheel drive or intuitive all-wheel drive.
There’s a long list of features I haven’t mentioned so I encourage anyone that’s in the market for
a full size crossover to have a test drive. At $45,548.00 CND, there’s a lot of value with the
Platinum Murano.
Engine
VQ35DE – 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 engine
Horsepower – 260 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque – 240 lb-ft (@ 4,400 rpm
Transmission
Xtronic CVTE (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Wheels and Tires
20″ x 7.5″ 7-split spoke aluminum-alloy wheels
P235/65R18 all-season tires
Entertainment
Bose audio system with AM/FM/CD
9 Speakers plus dual subwoofers
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
MP3/WMA CD playback capability
Auxiliary audio/video input jacks
USB connection port for iPod(R) interface and other compatible devices
Fuel Economy
City/Hwy MPG
Xtronic CVT@ City/Highway
11.7(24)/8.5(33).”
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