I ONCE actually saw a bloke hug a tree (he was trying to impress this girl I was chatting up at a Buddhist meditation retreat - it's a long story) and a right twerp he looked doing it.

So let's have no more of this anti-4x4 greeny whining.

Especially as most modern 4x4s, the Nissan Murano being a prime example, aren't "real" off-roaders at all, but large, luxury hatchbacks built in the currently popular SUV style. You don't see environmentalists campaigning against S Class Mercs or Audi A8s, do you?

With a ground clearance of just 180mm, the Murano is never going to vie with a Land Rover for off-road prowess.

The SUV styling brings advantages - the commanding driving position, allowing you to lord it over other drivers, easy access through the tall doors and masses of room for family, dogs and luggage.

Outside, the Murano is blessed with such a wealth of interesting slashes, bulges, curves and changes of direction that its concept-car looks always remain fresh.

Inside, the big Nissan also strikes a design, rather than production-led pose. Flat expanses of leather and aluminium-look plastics create a minimalist feel, while still providing enough stash spaces and cubbyholes to be practical - especially with the useful dash-top bins.

Spec check Nissan Murano
Price: £29,995
0-62mph: 8.7secs
Max speed: 124mph
Engine size: 3,498cc
Max power: 234bhp
Insurance group: 15
Features: Reversing camera, CVT transmission, electric leather seats

Only one trim level is offered, but as this includes sat-nav, a reversing camera, electrically-adjustable full leather seating, cruise control and a Bose six-CD audio unit, that's no hardship.

As you'd expect, the Murano handles nothing like an old-style 4x4. The car's electronically-controlled four-wheel-drive system pushes most of the power to the front wheels in normal driving, automatically diverting appropriate amounts of torque to the rears should things start getting slippery. The torque split can be locked at 50:50 for off-roading.

The system works in conjunction with an electronic limited slip differential and a stability programme to make sure the Murano always goes where you point it.

On the road, this translates to confidence-inspiring handling, featuring very little body roll, making the big car easy to drive fast.

That's a good job too as the Murano packs a retuned version of sister 350Z's sensational 3.5-litre V6, producing 234bhp and 235lb ft - more than enough to sling this near two-tonne five-seater at the horizon in a very convincing manner.

The Murano only comes in auto guise, using Nissan's CVT transmission. The infinitely variable system has six "gears" programmed into it, which can be manually selected.

It feels quite normal unless you really crush some carpet, then the tacho needle shoots up to just under the 6,750 red line and hovers there while the car catches up.

With its radical design, Japanese reliability and exciting, dynamic abilities, the Murano makes a refreshingly different alternative to more conventional SUVs.

(And in case you're wondering, it was the tree hugger who went home alone).

For more information, contact West Way Nissan on 01256 811191.