New Moon for Nissan Murano as Feature Count Rises

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – March 19, 2010: The luxurious, powerful and sharply styled Nissan Murano has struck a chord with Australian buyers in the premium, medium-sized SUV market since the second generation model made its debut one year ago.

Now for 2010 Nissan improves the appeal with additional standard equipment including an innovative glass moonroof on Ti models.

From launch in early 2009, the enhanced offer of luxury, performance and a long feature list coupled with unconventional styling outside and luxury vehicle comfort inside prompted a significant sales success, with more than 3,000 examples of the V6-powered all-wheel drive sold in the year to February.

Despite the overall softness in the Australian market in 2009, Murano enjoyed a 261 percent sales increase that year over 2008 figures.

In fact, the ‘sculpture in motion’ Nissan Murano outsold its Japanese luxury rival in 2009, underlining the market’s appreciation of the unbeatable value and features package, not to mention a far more affordable starting price.

In addition to the highly acclaimed 191kW VQ35DE 3.5-litre V6 engine that offers 336Nm of torque, the Murano is mated to a smooth and silent Nissan Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission that reduces fuel consumption thanks to its low speed lock-up programming.

The 2009 Murano launched complete with a comprehensive list of standard luxury features, including leather upholstery, an innovative climate control system featuring mild-flow technology and attractive six-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels controlled via Nissan’s advanced ALL-MODE 4x4-i technology.

A full suite of electronic safety systems, including Vehicle Dynamic Control and a rigid bodyshell earned the Murano a Top Safety Pick award at launch from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the United States.

To cement still further the appeal of the Nissan Murano within the premium luxury V6 SUV market, additional specification has now joined the already extensive list of standard equipment.

The 2010 Model Year Nissan Murano ST, priced from $46,490 (Manufacturers List Price, exclusive of dealer delivery and statutory charges) now gains a Bluetooth phone system with steering wheel mounted controls. In addition, the Nissan Intelligent Key brings the convenience of keyless unlocking and push-button starting.

Previously offered only on the Murano Ti model, the Murano ST driver now has the convenience of leaving the key in their pocket, handbag or briefcase. To lock or unlock the vehicle they simply touch the door handle, and to start or stop the engine, simply push the Start/Stop button on the dash.

The 2010 Model Year Nissan Murano Ti, priced from $57,890 (Manufacturers List Price, excluding dealer delivery and statutory charges) adds a premium-style Dual Panel powered sliding Moonroof.

The large, full width front glass panel slides open, while the rear panel is a fixed skylight. Both allow plenty of light into the interior.

From the outside the new Murano appears to have a roof made mostly from darkened glass. The 2010 Model Year Nissan Murano is now available in Australian showrooms.

“We are delighted the new Nissan Murano has been so successful with buyers of premium SUVs, given the ultra-competitive market,” said Dan Thompson, CEO of Nissan Australia.

“Australians have been quick to appreciate the Murano’s innovation, exceptional performance and individual design that has qualified it as a finalist in the annual BRW Design Awards.