Car Statistics: Nissan - Murano Series 05 (3 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

Whether the Murano's distinctive looks are for you or not, there's no doubting that Nissan has tried hard to create something distinctive and unique.

Handling (3 stars)

The Murano feels heavy and ponderous on a twisty road. Cornering responses are muted and the steering lacks much in the way of communication.

Comfort (3 stars)

The driving position remains supportive over longer journeys but the Murano suffers from excessive road noise and motorway cruising speeds.

Quality (4 stars)

Constructed with Nissan's traditional attention to detail. Solidly assembled and with a nice, classy cabin.

Performance (4 stars)

Nissan has added a 2.5 litre diesel lump to compliment the lusty delivery of the 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine. The dCI unit might not have the same grunt, but better torque delivery and much improved economy make it the superior choice.

Roominess (4 stars)

Roomy for four or even five occupants, with plenty of space for legs and heads. The boot is impressively large, too - well up to swallowing the luggage for a family holiday.

Costs (3 stars)

Steep depreciation and steeper fuel bills make the Murano an expensive proposition if you plump for the V6. The diesel version lowers the costs considerably, but this is still not an SUV for those on a tight budget.

Value (3 stars)

Good value compared to premium-badged rivals, with pretty much everything coming as standard, including satnav.

Stereo (3 stars)

The audio system has plenty of punch and the standard-fit satnav is clear and easy to follow once you've got used to the slightly confusing control interface.