Lynn Tan says: The Murano is a beauty
Big is beautiful. Period. This logic applies to many things, the Murano included. Do not be fooled by its sheer size and overall bulk. The Murano may seem somewhat rhinoceros-like, but in a positive way, with its massive body and broad chest, complete with a seemingly armoured appearance and a front bumper pout typical of the Black Rhino.
Which lady can resist a hunky torso? And which man, a seductive pout? Fortunately, the Murano’s rhino likeness ends there and does not extend to the animal’s wart-like bumps and stubby legs. Now that would be beastly.
The outgoing model was already touted as “Sculpture in Motion”, in the spirit of its namesake, the Venetian island of Murano renowned for its art glass. But it is with the new model that this design mantra really comes to fruition.
The transition between surface metal planes is now more subtle, whereas the old was more abrupt, and the side profile and wheel arches now look a lot nicer. Lastly, that rear end can no longer be accused of being too rotund. The styling of the new Murano is ultimately more defined now.
Overall, the new Murano reflects a high level of refinement and a sophisticated sense of aesthetics. And when you add the words “big”, “broad” and “well-defined” together, the word” beauty” completes the equation.
David Ting says: The Murano is a beast
Yes, it’s big, it’s broad and it’s well-defined, but I won’t call the new Murano beautiful.
My beef is with that grille, which is incredibly tacky considering how slick the rest of the car is. It looks like a cross between a cheese grater and a cheesy Christmas ornament, or maybe a crash between a gladiator and a radiator. Either way, it’s a face that only a mother could love.
Strangely enough, this same automotive mother also gave birth to the Infiniti EX and FX, two of the coolest-looking SUVs to ever hit American tarmac.
The EX initially appears to be similar in size and shape to the new Murano, but the Infiniti is actually a superior design, with curves in all the right places, a sportier stance and a more stylish face. As for the FX, its impossibly purposeful front end and muscular sheet-metal make the Murano look like a moody rhino.
So for the new Murano’s inevitable future facelift, which in my opinion won’t come a day too soon, I hope Nissan’s design department will get some expert advice from Infiniti designers before they try to unleash the beauty in this beast.
