OREANDA-NEWS. Recently, the 2016 Nissan Murano was named "Activity Vehicle of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) during its annual Texas Auto Roundup, a two-day drive and evaluation of 53 vehicles in 17 different vehicle categories. Journalists from 11 states participated in this year's program, which was based at the Texas Motor Speedway. Along with the recently redesigned Murano, the new Nissan Altima and Maxima sedans were judged highly, taking runner-up spots in the mid-size and full-size car categories respectively.

"Our members were impressed by the Murano as a versatile crossover in a highly competitive category," said Nicholas Phillips, president, TAWA. "Particularly, Murano scored highly for its well-executed, luxurious interior and its bold exterior styling, which pushed it to the front of the category pack."

The Texas Auto Writers Association also produces the famed Texas Truck Rodeo each year, with the all-new 2016 Nissan TITAN XD full-size pickup garnering a bed full of trophies last fall, including the prestigious Truck of Texas honor.

"The 2015-2016 Murano crossover has won more awards over the last two years than any other SUV in its class* – and the TAWA award is another great honor. The new Murano was also recently named, for the second straight year, as one of the "Best Cars for the Money" by U.S. News & World Report," said Dan Mohnke, vice president, Nissan Chief Marketing Manager & Marketing Operations. "Consumers have responded to Murano's bold styling and luxurious interior, with Murano sales up 51 percent in April over the previous year."

About the 2016 Nissan Murano
The halo vehicle for Nissan's wide range of bold crossovers and SUVs, the 2016 Murano expresses Nissan's advanced design direction – including its V-motion front end, LED boomerang lights and the unique "floating" roof.

The stunning exterior design carries into the interior, which offers an engaging social lounge feel through features such as the refined instrument panel, low center console, advanced Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seating, and the airy atmosphere created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof.

Available technology features include NissanConnectSM with Navigation, 8-inch color display with multi-touch control, Around View® Monitor, 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and Travel Link® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, iPod® interface, 11-speaker Bose® (including dual subwoofers) premium audio system, and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.

Responsive driving is provided by a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 connected to an advanced Xtronic transmission. Murano is available in front-wheel drive or Intuitive All-Wheel Drive. Fuel economy increased around 20 percent from the previous generation Murano, thanks in part to reduced weight (approximately 145 pounds), low rolling resistance tires, active grille shutter, low 0.31 Cd, underbody covers that enhance underbody airflow and improvements to the Xtronic transmission

Available technologies include Moving Object Detection (MOD), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and Driver Attention Alert (DAA)**. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system utilizes radar to detect a moving vehicle behind the Murano approaching from either side.

The 2016 Murano is offered in four trim levels – S, SV, SL and Platinum – and in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. A number of option packages are offered for the well-equipped Murano: Technology Package (SL, Platinum), Navigation Package (S) and Premium Package (SV), along with premium paint and unique 18-inch and 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheel packages.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. 

About Nissan Motor Co.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 247,500 employees globally, Nissan sold 5.32 million vehicles and generated revenue of 11.38 trillion yen (USD 103.6 billion) in fiscal year 2014. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. Nissan leads the world in zero-emission mobility, dominated by sales of the LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle. It is the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment. 

About TAWA
TAWA is one of the most reputable automotive press organizations in the industry, with a mission to promote quality and accuracy in automotive journalism and disseminate information about the industry through news related print, online and broadcast media. TAWA produces two driving events each year – the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall. Media members enjoy driving and evaluating new vehicles competing for the coveted Car of Texas or Truck of Texas trophies.