Big-time Japanese brands usually do not waste time in importing top-end models that don't sell in large numbers in Thailand. But Nissan, for one, sees it differently as such cars can help build on brand image.

After the rejuvenated brand introduced the 350Z Fairlady sports car two years ago, Nissan has decided to add a second model in its CBU line-up: the Murano luxury sports-utility vehicle launched late last year with a pricetag of 4.4 million baht.

Skeptics question whether the average Thai would be willing to pay nearly five million baht for a vehicle that is associated with one-ton pickups and mass-selling saloons.

On the other hand, optimists believe that the Murano should have every good reason to be successful in Thailand - at least to a certain degree.

Before the official Lexus agent took its SUVs sales seriously in the country, independent importers were enjoying brisk sales of the Harrier (RX) and Land Cruiser (LX) and both models wore the Toyota badge.

But it could be little tough for Nissan today. The Murano is sold at 4.4 million baht, which is higher than rivals like the Lexus RX300 that costs only 3.99 million baht.

That's also because the Murano comes with a tax-penalising 3.5-litre V6 that faces 50% excise duty, unlike the RX's 3.0-litre V6 attracting 40%.

And to make matters even worse for Nissan, BMW has announced prices for its locally assembled X3 2.5 at between 3.5-3.8 million baht. Likewise, Volvo is selling its Thai-built XC90 2.5T at 4.45 million baht and is the only one here to come with seven seats to make it best value.

Nevertheless, Nissan has gone flat out to make the Murano a fully-specified SUV. As you would have already noted in the safety kit check list, it has all kinds of active and passive safety features.

The Murano also has all the luxuries: automatic climate control, electric sunroof, trip computer, Bose sound system, as such. But strangely, only the driver's seat is electrically adjustable.

The high levels of cabin comfort, space and versatility should also help put the Murano ahead of its five-seat competition like the RX and X3.

All occupants are treated with ample head and legroom. As well, the seats are cushy and offer plenty of support. The backrests of the rear seats can also be reclined, while they can be folded down flat for increased cargo area via twitches of two practical levers in the boot sidewalls. In this respect, the Murano is a winner.

Our test car came with a black-coloured interior with alloy-like trimmings. The ambience inside is modern and sporty. The leather and various plastics ooze with good quality.

The instrument cowl and stylish three-spoke steering wheel is reminiscent of the 350Z. Elsewhere, design is rather basic, although everything is straight-forward to use.

Externally, Nissan seems to have made good effort in making the Murano a stylish SUV - an aspect considered crucial for buyers seeking a trendy lifestyle vehicle. The side profile, front grille and rear lights make it stand out in this segment. Add that with the muscular alloys.

On the technological front, the Murano also seems to have an edge over its opposition. The 3.5 petrol unit yields a class-leading 234hp of maximum power, while the transmission is a six-speed CVT with manual shifters.

The V6 powerplant isn't that quiet, but adequately refined on the move. There's plenty of shove at low-speeds and continues to be abundant over the legal limit.

Since the gearbox is a CVT (continuously variable transmission), you won't feel kickdown in the mid-ranges. Instead, you hear how momentum is being gathered in a seamless fashion, even at speeds under 160kph.

While performance isn't an issue in the Murano, we have some light criticism for the brakes. Despite all the electronic gadgets and all-round ventilated discs, pedal feel is on the mushy side and could have felt grabbier to make stopping distances more predictable, especially from high speeds.

For all that performance, the Murano returned an average of 8.5-9kpl on a round-trip with four on board to Uthai Thani, traversing highways and empty back country-roads driven at speeds between 120-130kph. That isn't too bad, nor is it that good.

Although potential owners are highly unlikely to go off-road with the Murano, it's still reasonably capable. There's a notable amount of ground clearance for light trekking, as well as 4x4 lock. The all-wheel-drive set-up is torque-adjustable in normal mode.

The chassis has been set quite right. There's still a notable amount of roll and suspension travel. But it isn't that disturbing at all for an SUV. In fact, high-speed cruising proved to be comfortable for both the driver and passengers.

The same goes during cornering. The Murano handles relatively neatly when driven with normal pace. The steering is nicely weighted at all kinds of speed - never too light nor heavy - but loses precision the harder you drive into the twisties. It's also here that body roll is pronounced.

At low speeds, the ride isn't totally plush. Despite the thick tyres that you usually would find in an SUV, there's a knobbly feel over road joints and ruts. At least, the ride is quiet making up for chassis refinement.

To give a better picture to how the Murano behaves on the road, it handles with less precision than in an X3, but more neatly than in the RX. The ride isn't as cosseting as in the RX, but more nimble than in the stiff X3.

So how does that bring the Murano into conclusion? It's a stylish, practical, and comfortable SUV under five million baht.

It definitely sounds pricey, but is compensated with some intricate aspects you can't find in the competition such as added performance and enhanced specification.

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