Whistler, BC - “We hit the reset button,” said Jill Young, Manager, Product Planning at Nissan Canada about the all-new Nissan Murano.

That's just the way Nissan has been rolling lately. As the fastest growing company in Canada, Nissan has increased its stock with churning out fresh looking vehicles at the right price. That's the formula that has led to 17 months of consecutive sales growth and a market share increase from 5.2 to 6.2 per cent, the largest jump by far from any automaker in 2014.

Despite not having a refresh since 2011, Nissan's mid-size five-seater crossover, the Murano surprisingly assisted the Japanese-brand's growth with a 39.1 per cent increase in sales. But that wasn't enough to stop Nissan from making bold changes to its flagship, as they focus on bettering all of its products.

The focus for the all-new 2015 Murano was for a modernized style that would shape the future. Not to be similar to a typical crossover, but one that breaks the conventional mold, similar to the first-generation that broke away from many boxy frames – a reset, if you will.

It all starts with sharp boomerang signature lamp headlights and a V-motion grille that allows the Murano to stand out. Its floating roof line provides a sleek flowing look to it that's capped off with LED taillights that resemble a shooting arrow. This look started with the Resonance Concept first displayed at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and its boldness continues inside with a choice of two vibrant themes of cashmere or graphite, along with soft touch materials and back seat roominess that provide a luxurious touch not seen in many crossovers that start at $29,998.

For Nissan, it's the look that will make the Murano become a winner, because the engine has not changed. Inside, the Murano has the same 3.5-litre V6 that produces 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, but its the weight loss of 146 pounds that has helped to improve its fuel economy with help from its Xtronic CVT transmission to a combined 9.9L/100 km for the all-wheel drive version. There's also the standard front-wheel drive that's available in the first two trims that combines for a similar 9.8L/100 kms.

At times, many complain about a CVT system that appears artificial while driving, but the Murano manages to shift gears at a proper rate as opposed to one that focuses on higher gears at low RPM's for optimal fuel efficiency.

It won't be the fastest crossover on the market when you need a quick sprint, but it sure maintains a smooth sweet spot at regular speed limits. The target market are 45-year-olds with teenagers, so speed is not the main concern. Instead, the best driving attribute of the Murano is its superb handling. The steering is that perfect blend of not being too hard or soft, but just drives with a certain simpleness that allows you to drive with ease and comfort. The Murano has an exceptional turning radius and direct precision that's hard to beat.

The comfort inside the Murano is complemented by its quiet cabin environment typically seen in luxury vehicles. It's rare to hear a peep from the outside thanks to an acoustic laminated windshield and its roof line that absorbs acoustic sounds. Additionally, the Murano receives the NASA-inspired “Zero Gravity” seats in both the first and second rows that make a monumental difference in comfort, especially during long commutes. The combination of the quiet ride, the absorption of bumps and the soft touch materials truly pushes the Murano towards the luxury side.

Cargo space behind the second row is best-in-class with 39.6 cubic feet to store at least four suitcases and two other smaller bags comfortably. The Murano has plenty of flexibility if you need more space, as the second row folds down for an additional 30.3 cubic feet.

This all-new Murano is better in every way from the outgoing model with a decrease in price in every trim by at least $2,000. Nissan made a conscious effort to get the price of the Murano below the $30,000 mark assisted by the addition of a front-wheel drive option. However, it's the additions of a navigation system and satellite radio as standard equipment that are impressive. Nissan expects most sales to come in the SL and Platinum range ($38,398-$43,498) that host a bevy of safety technology including Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Emergency Braking and Moving Object Detection.

There were a few nagging details on the two day trip around Vancouver to Whistler that's worthy of note. First off, I found it hard to come close to the combined fuel economy number and only managed to average 12.9L/100 kms throughout the drive. Secondly, the power locks don't automatically unlock when going from drive to park. I can understand the automatic locking of the vehicle when travelling past a certain speed, but you shouldn't have to constantly unlock your vehicle after going into park. However, according to Terry Stang, Technical Services Manager at Nissan Canada there's some good news about this, as the locking system can be customized to your liking at the dealership level on purchase or afterwards.

Nissan has positioned its flagship Murano to be the more luxurious option of its four-headed SUV/crossover roster. It has all the elegant styling inside and cutting-edge styling outside to be a very successful, reasonably-priced luxury alternative. It reminds me of that cutting-edge trendy restaurant that has superior food at a surprisingly reasonable price. Sometimes, there's just no need to pay more. If you're in the market for a mid-size crossover with some flair and comfort – I would place the all-new 2015 Nissan Murano near the top of the list. It just seems to have the total package.