Nissan calls its Murano the “first true crossover” and while it is only available in the United States with a 3.5L gasoline V6, the European market is getting a diesel engine for 2011, along with a facelift. Available to order in the UK now, the Murano dCi benefits from a diesel engine specifically engineered for Europe with significant input from engineers at Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE).

The 2.5L four-cylinder engine has been totally revised with extensive changes designed to provide the perfect balance of performance and efficiency for the Murano. This is combined with a revised 6 speed automatic transmission providing Adaptive Shift Control for the optimum gear and helping to reduce CO2 emissions through lower transmission friction and Clear Neutral Control. It is now fully compliant with tough Euro5 emissions standards, and develops 11% more power and torque than before. The headline figures are 190 hp and 330 lb-ft at just 2,000rpm.

An all-important benefit of the new diesel unit is efficiency, and with 35.3 mpg economy in the combined cycle, the Murano is more appealing than ever. This is helped by improved aerodynamics and a first ever on Murano, an electric power regeneration system.

The importance of refinement hasn’t been forgotten either, with the very latest engineering techniques employed to ensure the Murano’s premium cabin environment remains uninterrupted. Among the improvements are a change from chain to belt drive for the power steering pump to reduce noise while a fifth engine mounting point has been added to make the Murano as quiet as possible. At the same time, extra sound absorbing material has been added to the engine bay to reduce noise intrusion into the cabin even further.

Nissan’s designers have also taken the opportunity to combine the need for cooling airflow to the diesel engine and radiators with a styling makeover for the Murano’s front-end. A new grille and bumper design reinforce the striking looks that have long blended the dynamic pleasure of a sports car with the cabin comfort of an SUV.

This combination of abilities is reflected on the spec sheets. Murano comes fully loaded with everything from 20-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate and colour rear and kerbside cameras all fitted as standard. Murano also features Nissan Connect Premium satellite navigation system with 7-inch touchscreen, HDD 9.3 Gb music server, ipod, Bluetooth and aux connectivity combined with premium 11 speaker BOSE system and the option of rear seat DVD entertainment system.

In addition, the kit list includes rear privacy glass, bi-xenon headlamps, cruise control and Murano’s signature electrically folding rear seats, which can be raised or lowered easily and conveniently from the luggage area.

All this comes wrapped up in the Murano diesel package priced at £37,795. Orders are being taken now ready for the first deliveries in September.

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