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Despite going on sale next month the new Nissan Murano 4x4 won't have any serious fleet appeal until late next year.
That's because the second generation of what the Japanese brand calls its crossover vehicle is launching only with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine.
A diesel, however, will be available late next year. The reason for the gap between models is that America - by far the biggest Murano market - hasn't yet woken up to the benefits of diesel.
The 256PS 261g/km petrol engine is the same one that was used in the previous Murano and also appears in the 350Z sports car. It's adequate, but the 4x4's weight and shape count against it, as does the CVT auto transmission that seems to sap power, especially at lower speeds where it takes a while to get going. On the motorway it's quiet and refined, with the only problem being above-average levels of wind noise, although the car isn't quite as good to drive as it is to look at.
The inside is pretty impressive, with decent materials and a well-specced cabin. Nissan is settling for one, well-equipped trim level, so items such as two cameras for reversing (as well as the regular rear camera there's a second one that monitors the passenger-side) are standard. The seats are comfy no matter if you're up-front or in the spacious second row, although the ones in the front could do with more side support.
The 402-litre boot feels surprisingly small, and looks like it should have a large under-floor storage area, but doesn't. The rear seats fold cleverly at the touch of a button, and are innovatively powered to return to the upright position by holding what looks like an electric window switch.
Technically, the new Murano is striking, but it's currently impossible to recommend a sub-26mpg off-roader as a clever business package. Only when the diesel arrives can the big £33,000 Nissan look to break out of its niche
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