2nd gen Murano Z51 unveiled to RP market

MANILA, Philippines - The Nissan Murano first debuted on the world stage in the United States in November 2002, and redefined the premium midsize crossover utility market with its singularly unconventional design and sporty heritage. The lines, sweeping curves, and what would be the signature exterior profile of the Murano proved to be an attractive combo – mated to a robust 3.5L V6 power plant to boot.

The allure was global – to the tune of a global sales figure of up to 80,000 units sold a year in the 80 countries it was marketed. Total sales have exceeded 500,000. Not bad at all.

Last week, Nissan unveiled to the Philippines the second iteration of its successful Murano, With a sticker price of P3.1 million, the Murano, according to Universal Motors Corporation executive vice president Elizabeth Lee, trumps the competition in its class via features and technologies.

In town for the high-profile launch of the Murano were two Nissan designers from Japan: chief product designer Kinichi Saitou and chief product specialist Youichi Iwamoto.

Saitou, a Nissan man for 21 years now, was quick to point out that the latest version of the Murano is not merely an update but a “super evolution.” The key words are “enhance” and “improve,” while keeping the “Murano-ness” of the vehicle. The new Murano, in effect, has leapfrogged in its evolution yet stays true to what made it popular.

Iwamoto, for his part, attributed the appeal of the Murano to three factors: “Advanced characteristic exterior styling, top-level roominess, and dynamic performance with sporty taste,” and referred to the vehicle as a “curvaceous mobile suite.”

Iwamoto chose interestingly unconventional words in motoring parlance, but they indeed capture the package of image and performance that is the Murano Z51.

Elizabeth Lee is excited about the prospects for the vehicle that, as she said during the launch, “ blends one part iconic design, one part sports car, and two parts luxury, all in one amazing vehicle.”

Following the success of its forerunner, the new Murano Z51 will be sold in 170 countries – making it a truly global face for the Nissan brand.

Much thought, of course, went into ascertaining the readiness of the local market to the new iteration. With nationwide car sales figures having gone up in the last year, UMC is hoping the timing is just about right for the second-generation Murano.

Lee said that there are three things that will propel its sales.

First is the styling. “It will catch your attention with its cutting-edge design that looks like a sculpture in motion. It’s dynamic, beautiful, alluring, revolutionary, and iconic,” Lee declared at the launch.

Then there’s what she terms “personalized technology,” embodied a number of innovations: an intelligent key which not only locks and unlocks the vehicle, opens and secures the trunk, starts the engine – but does all these while the key is secure in your pocket.

“It’s technology is built to adjust to and suit your personal preference, from seats that memorize your needs to thoughtful rear view cameras that make parking effortless. Its technology includes the latest in 4WD systems, intelligent enough to support you in taking on those tight curves when you feel like having fun. It’s so intelligent, it calculates the precise torque ratio you need to go through those roads less travelled, delivering the right amount of power with effortless precision,” she continued.

“The Murano is also packed with safety features like an intelligent brake system that automatically controls the brake pressure on each wheel that keeps you safe. It is also complete with dual front, side, and curtain airbags – six in all – just for added safety so you can enjoy your Murano, worry free.”

But Lee stressed that if there’s one thing that should convince you to own a Murano, it’s the clear Z heritage.

The Nissan Z cars, said Lee, currently holds the record for being “the bestselling sports car series of all time with more than 1.7 million cars sold in five generations.” The power plant underneath the new Murano’s hood is the same as the 350Z’s – generating power of 260 horses.

That should also generate more excitement among carbuyers who have eagerly awaited for the next chapter in the winning Murano tale.