Overview

Nissan’s Murano offers BMW X5 luxury but at a much more affordable price tag. Like the BMW, it’s a 4×4 that’s designed for on road use rather than rough terrain and this is reflected in its sporty and almost coupe-like body shape. Only one engine is available – a 3.5-litre V6 that’s also used in the Nissan 350Z sports car – which offers good acceleration but is thirsty and only comes with an automatic gearbox.

It drives well though with good body control and responsive steering, while it’s smooth on long distance cruises. If you can look past the badge – which still has some way to go before it can mix it with Audi and BMW – there’s an awful lot going for it. Most attractive is the high level of standard kit which includes satellite navigation, a reversing camera plus a Bose audio system