Review: Nissan Z51.I Murano (2009-11)

Overview

Released in January 2009, the Nissan Z51 Series I (Z51.I) Murano was a five-seat, all-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Kyushu, Japan, the Z51 Murano was powered by a 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine (Nissan’s VQ35DE) that was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with six preset ratios for sequential gearshifting. The Z51 Murano range consisted of ST and Ti variants.

VQ35DE engine

The 3.5-litre VQ35DE engine had an aluminium block and heads, four valves per cylinder, double overhead cams, variable valve timing, forged steel connecting rods, a microfinished one-piece forged crankshaft, low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons and a high-flow tuned induction system. The engine also required premium (95 RON) unleaded petrol. For the Z51 Murano, the engine was upgraded with greater cooling efficiency and reduced internal friction.

Dimensions and body

Compared to its Z50 Murano predecessor, the Z51 Murano was 65 mm longer (at 4835 mm) and 15 mm taller (1700 mm, though 1730 mm for Ti variants), but had the same width (1880 mm) and wheelbase length (2825 mm). Furthermore, the Z51 Murano achieved a 45 per cent increased in torsional stiffness, a 95 per cent improved in front lateral stiffness and a 75 per cent reduction in interior noise and vibration levels; the latter was achieved through improved aerodynamics, additional sound insulation and revised engine mounts.

Suspension and steering

The Z51 Murano had MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension and speed-sensitive steering.

Nissan Z51.I Murano specifications
Variants	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
ST, Ti	3.5-litre petrol V6 (VQ35DE)	6sp CVT	191 kW at 6000 rpm	336 Nm at 4400 rpm

AWD system

The Z51 Murano was fitted with Nissan’s ‘All Mode 4×4-i’ all-wheel drive system which utilised an electronically-controlled coupling and an electromagnetic clutch. In normal conditions, drive was primarily directed to the front wheels. However, at speeds of up to 80 km/h, the system would operate in a predictive mode that sought to anticipate wheel spin based on throttle position and engine torque. Beyond 80 km/h, the system would only react to actual (rather than anticipated) wheelspin. At all speeds, up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be redirected to the rear wheels. There was also a ‘Lock’ mode which enabled a 50:50 front:rear torque split at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Z51 Murano included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Z51 Murano had 320 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 308 mm by 16 mm vented rear discs.

Features: Murano ST and Ti

Standard features for the Murano ST included 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/65 R18 103H tyres, a six speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary input, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, three 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Murano Ti added an eleven speaker Bose sound system (including two subwoofers) with MP3/WMA capability, satellite navigation with 3D maps and a seven-inch colour screen, reversing camera (with predictive path technology), Bluetooth connectivity, heated front seats, front fog lights, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, power folding rear seats, proximity key with push-button start, a power adjustable steering column, driver’s seat and steering wheel memory settings, power operated tailgate, auto-dimming rear view mirror, a rear cargo cover, luggage net and black roof rails.

March 2010: Murano update

In March 2010, the Z51 Murano underwent a minor update: the ST variant gained Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with steering wheel controls and a proximity key with push-button start; the Ti was also equipped with a twin-panel powered glass sunroof as standard.

Review: Nissan Z51.II Murano (2011-14)