Crossovers – there are several currently on the market. Cars that are sporting drives and combine the best elements of an SUV, writes Sharon Walters.

Nissan got in there first with Murano five years ago and some may say it is still the best – especially this second generation which builds on its original highly successful formula.

See more of the Murano in our gallery below…

This new Murano has even more of the elements of a luxury saloon in looks, equipment and drive plus the space, safety and driving pluses of the SUV.

In brief it offers:

• Extensive standard equipment list including new twin sunroof, BOSE audio system, powered tailgate and nearside kerb camera
• Simple, equipment-packed two model range
• Electric folding seats
• Revised 3.5-litre V6 engine now delivers 256 PS; 0-62 mph in 8.0 secs and 25.9 mpg on the combined cycle
• Luxuriously appointed interior
• Comprehensively re-engineered CVT gearbox
• Reduced CO2 and more efficient fuel economy
• Stiffer all-wheel drive platform and revised suspension improves driving dynamics
• ‘Super evolutionary’ styling – every body panel is new

So, who buys Murano? Well, while it will go pretty well in tough conditions, most owners don’t really want to get mud splattered over its lovely lines.

What they do want is luxury, a good drive on tarmac with the knowledge that when they need it, Murano can take on slippy and adverse conditions.

It does so well on said tramac, on winding roads or motorways and I even took it down on to a beach to see just how it could cope.

No problem on the glass-like sand or going through pools of water left behind by the retreating tide.

The 3.5 litre petrol engine has been revised and now features variable induction and continuous valve timing control systems.

Combined with lots of detail changes to reduce friction and enhance refinement, the end result is power up by 22 PS at 256 PS and torque is boosted from 318 at 3600 to 334 Nm at 4400 rpm.

Should you be looking at speed, 0.9 seconds is shaved off the 0 to 62 mph benchmark – now 8.0 seconds – and top speed rises from 124 to 130 mph.

Fuel consumption does improve from 23.0 to 25.9 mpg combined which still isn’t an awful lot but if you buy one of these consumption probably isn’t at the top of your agenda. What is are carbon dioxide emissions which now drop from 295 to 261 g/km.

An extensively re-engineered Xtronic CVT gearbox also plays its part, with a 20 per cent reduction in friction improving fuel economy and shift speeds to give a more responsive feel.

With prices starting at £32,795 spec is high but shop around for deals in the current climate.

By Sharon Walters