Cheekg98 1st Gear November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 Nissan's latest stunner By Samuel Ee - 09 November 2005 The Business Times WHO wants to buy a luxury SUV these days? Quite a lot of people, it seems. The recently launched Nissan Murano sport-utility vehicle has been scrabbling up the sales charts. Authorised distributor Tan Chong Motor Sales is coy about the numbers, but does admit that it is targetting the Lexus RX300's territory - about 50 units a month. Tan Chong also says it believes the Murano will continue to gain momentum even after last month's barrage of launch orders. Part of the optimism is due to the car's striking looks, and part of it has to do with the fact that there are two engine variants - a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder and a 3.5-litre V6. With its avant garde exterior styling, the Murano is uncharacteristically good-looking for a volume Nissan model. Its interior is especially futuristic, with a quirky instrument pod that has a genuine aluminium fascia. And on the enormous expanse of dashboard is a seven-inch display with GPS (global positioning system) navigation. Also different is the availability of a power button on the multi-function steering wheel to turn the audio system on or off - something not found in many cars with volume and channel controls. Because the Murano is softly sprung, the ride is cushy. But this comes with a slight body roll when going around corners. Power is perfect, especially in the 3.5-litre model with its all-wheel-drive capabilities. This is the same engine found in the 350Z sports coupe and for all intents and purposes it would be the ideal option for this large SUV. But understandably, Tan Chong says it only accounts for only one in five Muranos sold. The smaller 2.5-litre four-cylinder, front-wheel-driven model is the more popular version. As Nissan's flagship SUV, the Murano looks the part with its distinctive design and spacious cabin - plus a good-size boot. Like the Lexus RX300, its crossover design has mass appeal. Of the two, the 3.5-litre model is the more sophisticated alternative with its smooth and sporty six-step continuously variable transmission. And with petrol prices looking like they're finally falling, there's now one more reason to consider it. Nissan Murano 250XL and 350XV Engine: 2,488cc inline-4 (FWD)/3,498 V6 (4WD) Gearbox: 4-speed auto/6-step CVT Max power: 163hp @ 5,200rpm/234hp @ 6,000rpm Max torque: 245Nm @ 3,600rpm/318Nm @ 3,600rpm 0-100 kmh: 11.9 secs/8.9 secs Top speed: 180 kmh/200 kmh Price: $111,500/$126,500 (both with COE) Distributor: Tan Chong Motor Sales, Tel: 6466-7711 ↡ Advertisement Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chimp Clutched November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 [reply] Going to book Nissan Murano Go for it. Here is my 1-month old MO. 250XL w/o sunroof Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheekg98 1st Gear November 21, 2005 Author Share November 21, 2005 wow! nice CAr!!! chio! noticed the front grille is made of plastic ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chimp Clutched November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 (edited) Plastic coated with rubber core inside. My wife said the car is constantly smiling so it must be a happy car Edited November 21, 2005 by Chimp Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chimp Clutched November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 How much are you paying for the car? I booked the car before the formal launch and the net amount was 110K. Since the COE has dropped, the price should be lower than this right? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheekg98 1st Gear November 21, 2005 Author Share November 21, 2005 didnt really drop much. havent decided whether to book the one with the higher cc. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magfocus 5th Gear November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 Seriously nice man Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chimp Clutched November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 3.5L CVT V6 is very smooth. I do not plan to drive up north so I stayed with the 2.5L. A bit rough on the quick acceleration but overall sufficient power for the everyday Singapore road. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheekg98 1st Gear November 21, 2005 Author Share November 21, 2005 Is the GPS good ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chimp Clutched November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 Thanks. But, this is not stock MO already. If you are familiar with this car, you can at least see 3-4 mods from the Pic. 1) stainless steel trim around the window area 2) side-molding at the doors 3) stainless steel rocker panel at the foot of the door 4) rear bumper protector (you can barely sees it) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magfocus 5th Gear November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 I went to TC to have a look..too bad i cant afford it.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chimp Clutched November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 ooh! The GPS is not bad. IT IS THE WORST But, the reverse camera is quite good. You cannot have one without the other Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F1fan Neutral Newbie November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 Wah upgrading ha.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magfocus 5th Gear November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 No lah, was just curious so popped by to have a look see... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RadX Moderator November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 ..they stil have not banned u from showrooms ah Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magfocus 5th Gear November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 Didnt test drive.. Just looking... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mzrmazda3 6th Gear November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 Nice ride Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nissy Neutral Newbie November 21, 2005 Share November 21, 2005 Your car very nice leh!! especially the stainless steel trim around the window area makes it look fantastic, did you get the trim from Tan Chong?? ↡ Advertisement Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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