Nissan updates Murano; Indian debut likely next year?

There are many question marks hanging over the Nissan Murano. It was said once that this stylish crossover will be imported and sold in India. Over the last six months, that decision has changed. Nissan is likely to have changed its mind, opting for the more aggressive CKD route to lower its price and gain volumes.

The Murano received a diesel engine in Britain, and this same engine could debut on the model coming to India next year. There's no confirmation from the company, but we suspect it will bought to India next year. Nissan could also look at the Qashqai and Juke, its other crossovers, as viable options.

Coming back to the 2011 Murano, this stylish crossover is in its second generation now and has been on sale since 2002. The name Murano comes from a region of Venice, Italy which is known for the hand blown glass produced there.

Nissan has now given this crossover new front and rear fascias, including new head lamps and tail lamps, 18-inch wheels and various interior additions. A new exterior color, Graphite Blue has been added.

Nissan’s interior upgrades include a new white meter color and new center stack colors. iPod connectivity is now standard across the models.

2011 Nissan Murano Image Gallery

2011 Nissan Murano Features Redesigned Exterior, Refined Interior and New SV Trim Level

– Early Look Provided Prior to New Murano's Mid-October Availability –

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today released information and photography of the new, refined 2011 Nissan Murano, which is set to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in mid-October. The second generation Nissan Murano, introduced just two years ago, now offers a refreshed grille and bumper design, new taillights, a new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design and a number of interior and content refinements – all intended to keep Murano's visually distinctive styling fresh and exciting.

Also for 2011, two new models have been added to the lineup, SV FWD and SV AWD, for a total of eight models, providing Murano buyers with the widest range ever of equipment and features to match their exact needs and budgets. Other changes include the addition of one new exterior color, Graphite Blue, and a new wood grain hue on Murano LE models.

"With its contemporary exterior design, 'mobile suite' interior, advanced technology and refined, premium driving feel, Murano stands out as a modern crossover SUV like no other," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "With the enhancements for 2011, there are even more reasons for consumers to put Murano on the top of their shopping lists."

All 2011 Muranos feature a standard VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque on regular unleaded gasoline, and an advanced Xtronic CVT™ that provides a sporty and smooth driving experience. Murano is available in front-wheel drive or with an Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system, and all Muranos come with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) standard. Murano is built on Nissan's proven "D" platform, which provides a solid foundation and lightweight suspension components, dual flow path shock absorbers and a twin-orifice speed-sensitive power steering system.

The most striking visual element of the 2011 Murano is once again its dramatic body, which imparts a "modern art" feel while still maintaining its distinctive "Murano-ness." The front end features a bold grille with new, revised design and wide front headlights, a wide hood that sweeps into the bodylines, powerful wheel arches and an aggressive stance with available 20-inch wheels. Murano's rear end features a unique rear glass shape, integrated rear roof spoiler, large redesigned rear LED taillights and dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers.

Murano is also offered with an available dual panel power sliding glass moonroof with 2nd row skylight, adding to its open, airy interior feeling. Inside, Murano offers high levels of warmth and luxury – with available wood and aluminum accents, a 60/40 fold-flat rear seat with power return, heated front and rear seats, power liftgate and RearView Monitor.

Interior enhancements for 2011 include a new white meter color, new center stack colors and added equipment to various trim levels – driver's seat with power lumbar support (SV), RearView Monitor (SV), 7.0-inch color monitor (SV), auto dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver (SL) and heated steering wheel (SL). New audio and entertainment features range from the addition of standard iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System to SV models to a Bose® audio system with nine speakers plus dual subwoofers for SL models. Other available technology includes an advanced touch screen Nissan Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box™ hard drive.

The 2011 Murano is offered in eight well-equipped models: S FWD, S AWD, SV FWD, SV AWD, SL FWD, SL AWD, LE FWD and LE AWD.