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Rating

Verdict Impossible to fault, unless you’re a leftie

In recent years there has been a new line of thinking in the world’s car firms. What’s the point of going to all the trouble of making an off-road car work in the wilds when all anyone wants is the high driving position and the feeling of security this affords?

The Murano most definitely falls into this category. Show it a field and it would hide behind a tree sobbing. This is not a criticism. Nissan is simply trying to give us what we want. And boy oh boy, has it succeeded.

First of all, this is an extremely handsome car. You sit up high behind a dashboard that would not look or feel out of place in a Mercedes S-class. And even though the Murano costs less than £30,000 you get the lot: a million airbags, a million watts from the stereo, cruise control, climate control, leather seats, an electric sunroof and a television screen that gives you a colour picture of what’s going on behind when you engage reverse.

Under the bonnet we find the same 3.5 litre V6 as in the 350Z. In the Murano it has been retuned to give less power, less torque and, crucially, a lot less noise.

Don’t think, however, that the retune and the fitting of a CVT gearbox mean tectonic performance. It’ll still get you from 0-62mph in 8.9sec, and that’s pretty sprightly for a big off-roader. So is the 124mph top speed.

The Nissan is also a joy to drive. Sure, it doesn’t have handling that’s even on nodding terms with the concept of “sporty”, but this is a price worth paying for the smoothest ride I’ve encountered in any off-road car.

I’m struggling here to think of any reason why this should not get a five-star rating. Honestly, I cannot think of a single thing wrong with it.

Current price £30,085

Price when tested (May 2005) £29,800

Engine 3498cc, six cylinders

Power 231bhp @ 6000rpm

Torque 235 lb ft @ 3600rpm

Transmission Six-speed CVT automatic

Fuel 23mpg (combined) / 295g/km

Top speed 124mph / 0-62mph: 8.9sec