Nissan's urban cruiser

After the hype, the Murano makes its appearance

After months of hype, finally the Murano is here. Nissan's so-called "crossover SUV" - which has done a storm in US east coast cities - is now on sale here at €60,665.

The Murano carries some of the distinctive styling of Nissan's up- market US Infiniti brand, due in Europe in the next few years. For now we must make do with this, but that's not exactly a hardship.

The Murano uses a detuned version of the 3.5-litre petrol engine that powers the 350Z coupé, only this time there's no initial roar and the drive is more like the rest of the petrol-powered SUVs currently on offer by others. It offers 234 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 318Nm of torque at 3,60 rpm.

The Murano is front-wheel-drive in normal conditions but four-wheel-drive can be turned on using a button on the central console.

With its urban looks and relatively low set frame, it's clearly an urban cruiser more than an off-road giant. In this regard it's aimed at the likes of the Lexus RX300, with which it shares several distinct body lines. However, there's no mistaking its dominant front grille.

Inside the cabin also reflects certain 350Z features, such as the brushed metal and controls. The rear seats comfortably seat three and fold down.

There's no option list, so automatic is standard with an admirably smooth tiptronic gearbox. Nissan's colour reversing camera and sat-nav are also fitted in all Muranos.

The lack of a diesel option will limit sales but Nissan is still confident of reaching about 100 registrations by year's end.