Nissan Murano makes NY show debut

The third-generation Nissan Murano has made its public debut at the New York motor show today. The new model, which borrows heavily from the Resonance concept, will go on sale in North America later this year.

Nissan describes the styling of the new Murano as “a concept brought to the showroom” and retains the V-Motion front grille and floating roofline of the Resonance, which was first shown at last year’s Detroit show.

The 2014 Murano is slightly lower, wider and longer than the model it replaces. Details including grille shutters, bumper profiling and a rear spoiler has improved aerodynamic efficiency by 16 per cent over the old car and is rated at 0.31 – the same as a Lexus LFA.

Nissan says the Murano uses premium materials throughout the cabin and the design borrows from the Resonance concept. It employs a “social lounge” interior which is said to create a “comfortable and inviting” space. The number of dashboard switches has been reduced by 60 per cent and the instrument panel is mounted lower to create a more user-friendly environment.

NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats are standard front and back and the rears use a three-cushion design. One of the longest opening moonroofs in the class is optionally available.

At launch, the Murano will be offered with a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine, developing 260bhp and 240lb ft, mated to an X-Tronic CVT transmission. Fuel economy is expected to be improved by around 20 per cent, thanks largely to a 58kg weight reduction.

The new model will be built at Nissan’s plant in Canton, Mississippi and will export to more than 100 markets. A Nissan spokesman said there were no immediate plans to introduce the Murano to the UK, but it would monitor the market to see if an opportunity exists.