THE Murano was quite a confronting vehicle when it arrived five years ago.

The bold SUV came into a predominantly “softroader’’ market looking a hell of a lot more macho than its rivals.

It was either butt-ugly or beautiful depending on your preferences … somewhat a Shar-Pei (you know, the dog with the roly poly face) of the motoring world.

Sales results were not brilliant in Australia and Murano was more of a niche product here. Worldwide sales topped 120,000.

Enter the 2009 model, though, and we see what should be a much-more mainstream vehicle.

It brings added sophistication, luxury, and smoothness.

Changes at a glance include a restyled exterior where every panel is new, a leather-clad interior, new all-wheel drive platform, more powerful 191kW 3.5 V6 engine, better fuel economy, less emissions, and re-engineered Xtronic CVT gearbox.

There are some neat tricks, like a power-operated tailgate, power raise rear seats (Ti model), and reversing camera with predictive path technology (Ti model).

Despite all the improvements, pricing is sharper from $45,990 for the ST model and $55,890 for the Ti. Both come standard with the CVT transmission.

The ST comes with stability and traction control, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, a total of six airbags, including front to rear curtain bags, dual-zone airconditioning, power seats, cruise control, 6-CD sound system with wheel mounted controls, MP3 jack, adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and 18-inch alloy wheels with full size spare.

For the extra $10k, Ti adds the aforementioned power tailgate and reversing camera plus satellite navigation, driver’s seat memory, heated front seats, keyless entry, Bose sound system with 11 speakers, electronic steering wheel adjustment, rain-sensing headlights, Bluetooth, alarm, fog lights and roof rails.

The latest engine is an updated version of Nissan’s excellent 3.5-litre V6. It has been massaged to produce slightly more power and torque (up 19kW and 18Nm).

It is matched to the wonderfully-smooth CVT gearbox, which is a delight.

The additional grunt does not affect fuel economy figures, which actually drop to an average 10.9 litres of fuel for every 100km covered. This is respectable for a vehicle of the Nissan’s robust dimensions.

The 4WD system - which can deliver a 50:50 power split to front and rear wheels - is lockable via a button on the dash if you are going off-road or up the beach.

Inside, Murano now has a much more up-market look and feel, to better challenge some of its European rivals.

There is ample room for five passengers and good space in the rear for luggage, too.

The dash is functional and stylish and all controls fall readily to hand.

The only blemishes are the front door pockets that are so thin, you would be lucky to fit a credit card in. If you did, you would have trouble retrieving it.

The driver sits high and mighty and has super forward and side visibility.

For a fair lump of an SUV, Murano is a breeze to pilot and seemingly can be guided into the most impossible of car parks.

Steering is nicely weighted and accurate.

Suspension has been revised and is even smoother than the previous offering.

With its more appealing looks, enhanced performance and host of innovative features, the latest Murano is an impressive evolution of the original.

This release should find much broader appeal than the outgoing model and Nissan is banking on selling around 200 a month. This would see it capture 3.5 per cent of the medium SUV market.