As Nissan’s new leader, Goshn took a two-pronged approach: one to slash costs and improve efficiency in the short term, and the other to spur development of fresh, new, groundbreaking products for the long term. In both he seems to have succeeded admirably.

He fathered the Xterra, Altima, Maxima, 350Z sports car, Infiniti G35, M45, FX45 and the Nissan Murano, all solid, modern, competitive products in their own market niches.

The Nissan Murano is a driver’s SUV.

The Murano is a crossover SUV, or car-based, lighter, better riding, more nimble vehicle in the style of the Lexus RX300, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander

This is a futuristic looking SUV with distinctive swooping curved lines and modern interior. It has a striking appearance, attracting the attention of most passers-by during a road test. Many stopped and looked at it, and most were impressed. Lots of questions were asked: How much is it? Who makes it? Is it on dealers’ lots? Do you have to wait?

Powered by the famous Nissan 3.5 liter, 24-valve, V-6, the Murano develops 245 hp, moving the car aggressively from 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds. Not bad for a 2-ton SUV.

The Xtronic shiftless, variable transmission is a groundbreaking design that optimally adjusts engine speeds and loads to driving conditions using variable-diameter pulleys and a steel belt. Whatever one might think of this concept, it works and works well. Mash the accelerator and phooom, off you go — steady, shiftless, smooth and fast. Going down steep hills is a snap with the CV transmission; it offers maximum engine braking by measuring speed and variably adjusting to control it. The matching of engine speed to demand should improve efficiency, which is confirmed by the economical EPA fuel consumption estimate of 20 mpg city/24 mpg highway. This test, combining city and highway driving, produced 20.2 mpg.

The all-wheel drive system controls the front wheels until wheel spin is detected. At that point, an electrically operated clutch pack feeds up to 50 percent of power to the rear wheels.

With 18-inch wheels (standard) and the Vehicle Dynamic Control System, the Murano handles like a good sports sedan, in the BMW X5 league. Very comfortable and relaxing on the freeway or on back roads, this is a driver’s car.

This car offers a lot of leg and headroom. The interior is plastic and heavy, pleasantly roomy, open, airy and easy on the eyes. Although there is no third row of seats, a la Acura MDX, the floor becomes flat with the rear seats down. They can be activated from the rear door opening, using two built-in levers. With a 143-cubic-foot interior, the Murano is larger inside than the Pathfinder and the Lexus RX300, about the same as the Toyota Highlander and 4-Runner, although considerably smaller than the Honda Pilot or the Acura MDX.

Some interesting details include a cruise control, which is particularly easy to use, even in traffic. The finger controls on the steering wheel are intuitive and allow instant and continuous adjustment. The tire pressure monitor system alerts the driver if one or more of the tires drops a few pounds. The power adjustable pedals are particularly useful for short people. The navigation system, although easy to use, sometimes declared that the requested destination was reached when the car was still three to four turns away.

The warranty is 36,000 miles or 36 months, with a 60,000-mile, 60-month drive line warranty. If you decide to buy this car, it probably would be prudent to buy an extended drive line warranty to 100,000 miles, in view of the relatively unproven reliability and longevity of the new CV transmission. Mind you, Nissan is unlikely to allow an unreliable transmission to get to the marketplace. But still ....

The Murano comes in four flavors, the SL with two-wheel ($28,739) and all-wheel ($30,339) drive, and SE with two-wheel ($29,539) and all-wheel ($31,139) drive. In addition to SL equipment, the SE has a sport-tuned suspension and high-intensity discharge headlights with a leveling feature.

Without going into options in detail, the major packages for the SL include $499 for heated seats and mirrors; $749 for vehicle dynamic control, traction control and tire pressure monitor system; $1,299 for leather seats, high-intensity lights, power passenger seat and mirror memory; $1,499 for roof rails, adjustable pedals, Bose stereo with six-disc in dash CD player, cargo net and cover; $999 for moonroof; $1,999 for navigation system; and $1,199 for chrome wheels. SE options, although different packages, are similar.

Don’t try and cherry pick options, you will find that all these packages are interdependent. For example, to get the $1,999 navigation system you first have to spend some $3,800 on other stuff.

This is a seductive car. It is pleasing to drive, powerful and nimble, has a modern comfortable interior, easy intuitive controls and just puts a smile on your face. Not only is it desirable to own, but there are quite a few on dealer’s lots.

If you are looking for a decent sized, driver friendly, luxurious, economical and ultra modern SUV, visit Mossy Nissan in Oceanside, Kearny Mesa, El Cajon, Escondido, National City or Pacific Nissan in Pacific Beach for a test drive.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 55 cars, and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at osten@aol.com.