- Refined 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine
- CVT works well
- Quiet, well-insulated cabin
- Soft suspension is designed for comfort…
- … but is underdamped (repeated oscillations after bumps)
- Body roll when cornering
- Steering lacks feel and precision
- Pampering front seats lack support
- Steering wheel lacks reach adjustment
Overview
Released in August 2005, the Nissan Z50 Murano was a five-seat, all-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Kyushu, Japan, the Z50 Murano was powered by a 3.5-litre petrol V6 (Nissan’s VQ35DE engine) that was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which had six preset gear ratios for sequential shifting. The Z50 Murano range initially consisted of ST and Ti variants, with a range-topping Ti-L variant added in 2006.
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.
Dimensions, suspension and steering
Based on Nissan’s FF-L platform, the Murano was 4770 mm long, 1880 mm wide, 1685 mm tall (1705 mm for Ti variants) and had a 2825 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Murano had MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension and speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering.
| Variants | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST | 2005-08 | 3.5-litre petrol V6 (VQ35DE) |
6sp CVT | 172 kW at 6000 rpm | 318 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| Ti | 2005-08 | ||||
| Ti-L | 2006-08 |
AWD system
The Murano was fitted with Nissan’s ‘All Mode 4×4’ 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 but up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be redirected to the rear wheels in the event that the front wheels lost traction. 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 Z50 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 Z50 Murano had 320 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 308 mm by 16 mm vented rear discs.
Features: Murano ST, Ti and Ti-L
Standard features for the Murano ST included 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/65 R18 tyres, a six speaker Bose sound system with subwoofer and six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, xenon headlights, 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, cargo blind, cargo net and an immobiliser.
The Murano Ti was further equipped with leather seats, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, a power sunroof and roof rails. Beyond this, the Murano Ti-L added satellite navigation and a reversing camera which replaced the Ti’s rear parking sensors.
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