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PHOENIX – The encore to a successful design is always challenging, and Nissan’s 2009 Murano is a case in point.

The original Murano came on the scene in 2003, and sales have increased every year. In 2006, Nissan sold slightly more than 81,000. Now that it’s time for a redesign, the question is whether a new model should be evolutionary or revolutionary.

Nissan chose what it calls “evolution on a grand scale” for the 2009. The new Murano’s styling is bright, clean and edgy, yet the crossover is still recognizable as a Murano. Nissan said it wanted the new model to be “curvaceous modern art” that had a “premium driving feel” and an interior that was as inviting as a “premium suite.”

Nissan invited auto writers to Arizona to drive a handful of the new models from Phoenix up through Payson, over to Sedona and back to Phoenix. This daylong, 300-mile trip indicated that the engineering and design teams met their goals.

The key distinction between this model and the previous one, aside from looks, is increased refinement and sophistication. The ’09 rides on a Nissan Altima chassis platform that is considerably stiffer than the 2007’s. The tighter structure results in better handling and a quieter cabin. Both are crucial to providing the “premium driving feel” that Nissan was so intent on achieving.

The new Murano, which goes on sale Jan. 4, looks and feels like a more expensive vehicle. It is offered in five trim levels, in front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Pricing has not been announced, but base prices for the 2007 range from $27,750 to $31,850.

The Murano’s cabin has a more substantial feel than before. The gauges, ringed by bright orange lights, are large and easy to read. The center stack contains an LCD screen that is used for the audio and climate control as well as the optional navigation system and backup camera.

Nissan has bumped the horsepower of its 3.5-liter V-6 up to 265, an increase of 25 over the 2007. The Xtronic CVT continuously variable automatic transmission has been refined to provide a more linear feel. CVTs provide fuel economy on par with a manual transmission. New drivers might find the lack of distinct gear shifts unsettling, but Nissan has programmed the CVT to feel a lot like a normal automatic.

On the road, it took great care to keep from cruising at speeds considerably above the speed limit because the vehicle was quiet and smooth. The ride has been softened slightly compared to the previous model’s, but it is far from mushy. It felt great on the smooth Arizona roads, but I suspect it might feel too rough on roads ravaged by winter.

Utility has not been overlooked. The Murano is strictly a five-passenger vehicle, and no third seat is available. That gives a nice-sized cargo compartment. Available options include a Bose stereo, a 9.3-gigabyte music box hard drive, rear DVD player with 9-inch screen, power liftgate, power-folding rear seat and a cargo organizer with bins for grocery sacks. The organizer folds out of the load floor.

Nissan appears to have been successful in refining the Murano while keeping it true to its roots.

Prices have not yet been announced.

Warranty Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.