LA show: Nissan shows off updated Murano, Maxima

NISSAN has used the Los Angeles motor show to reveal updated versions of its Murano large SUV and Maxima large sedan, however an Australian arrival remains off the cards with Nissan’s local arm not planning to bring either vehicle Down Under.

 

The Murano, which was sold in Australia from 2005 to 2015, has received an update for the 2019 model year with changes to specification and styling.

 

Exterior changes include a more pronounced version of the signature V-Motion grille, redesigned LED headlights, tail-lights and foglights, new designs for the 18- and 20-inch wheels, and the choice of three new colours – Sunset Drift Chromaflair, Mocha Almond Pearl and Deep Blue Pearl.

 

Inside, the Murano scores semi-aniline leather seats with diamond-quilted inserts and contrast piping on the seats, door armrests and centre console lid for the top-spec Platinum grade, while three new trim finishers are available – dark-wood tone for Platinum, and either light-wood tone or metallic for the rest of the range. All variants also gain the rear door alert and driver fatigue alert systems.

 

Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of active safety technologies will be optionally available for the first time (standard on Platinum), including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist and rear autonomous braking.

 

The sole powertrain choice for the Murano continues to be a 3.5-litre petrol V6 outputting 194kW at 6000rpm and 325NM at 4400rpm, driving either the front or all four wheels via a continuously-variable transmission (CVT).

 

Meanwhile, the Maxima range has also been refreshed, ushering in new styling for the model that was discontinued locally in 2013.

 

The refreshed Maxima also gains a larger version of the V-Motion front grille, to go with a fresh front fascia design and new-look LED headlights and daytime running lights.

 

At the rear, the Maxima enhances its sporty character with quad-tip exhaust finishers and a new rear spoiler (the latter added to SR grade), while all versions gain new wheel designs and a fresh hue in the colour palette – Sunset Drift.

 

Inside, SR and Platinum Reserve Package variants score a new seat insert pattern and a charcoal headliner, while the Platinum Reserve Package also gains Raduka Tan semi-aniline leather appointments and steering wheel, and Satin Bronze interior finishers for a two-tone look.

 

All variants now come with rear door alert, while SiriusXm satellite radio and sat-nav are standard on all bar the base S grade.

 

Safety Shield 360 is also now offered on the Maxima, bringing the total number of American models with the feature to five.

 

The Maxima is also powered by a 3.5-litre V6, however power is up over the Murano, to 223kW at 6400rpm and 354Nm at 4400rpm, sending drive exclusively to the front wheels via a CVT.

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