Nissan Murano Diesel Comes With Facelift

At the beginning of the month, we reported that Nissan released the pricing for its first-ever European diesel version Murano SUV.

Now, the Japanese automotive producer is offering us the first images of the 2011 Murano diesel.

The installing of the diesel powerplant has forced Nissan to redesign the front end of the vehicle, as the oil-burner required an enhanced airflow for improved cooling. So, the Murano now comes with a revised front fascia that uses the “form follows function” principle in a gracious way, managing to offer a pleasant design. The front grille now comes with a larger air intake surface, while the bumper has been redesigned to offer more generous air intakes and incorporate new fog lamps.

As we’ve said, the changes were used to accommodate the 2.5 liter four cylinder diesel powerplant, The unit offers 190 hp and a maximum torque of 331.9 lb-ft (450 Nm). The engine returns a fuel economy of 8.0 liters per 100 km (29.4 US mpg) for the combined cycle and emits 21- grams of Co2 per km. The power is sent to the road via a ALL-MODE 4x4 system, with the vehicle also using an Active Brake Limited Slip Differential.

Nissan also released the pricing for the UK market today, with the vehicle starting at 37,795 pounds. The order books are now open, with the first deliveries scheduled for September.

The 2.5 dCi-equipped model is important for Nissan, as the company expects the car to account for 90 percent of the model’s sales in Europe.