Nissan’s New Murano Crossover Vehicle

Nissan’s new all-wheel drive crossover vehicle, the Murano, is on display at the 2004 Melbourne Motor Show.

Presented in left-hand drive layout, the all-new Murano is currently under consideration for inclusion in Nissan’s Australian line-up.

If approved for sale in Australia, the Murano will be the company’s first entry into the newly emerging crossover vehicle segment.

The Murano represents a new type of vehicle for Nissan, a company widely acknowledged for producing rugged, go-anywhere four-wheel drives such as Patrol and Pathfinder and stylish, powerful passenger sedans and sports coupes like the all-new Maxima and 350Z coupe.

The Murano bridges the gap between the two segments and combines the uncompromising functional aspects of a true all-wheel drive vehicle with the ride comfort and performance of a sports sedan in a highly refined, well-equipped package.

Sporty on-road performance is assured in the all-new Nissan Murano. The 3.5-litre DOHC V6 powerplant found in the vehicle is from the same family as the engines from the outstanding 350Z sports coupe and all-new Maxima.

Other performance features include four-wheel independent suspension for a smooth, car-like ride and a new all-wheel drive system.

But it is the styling of the all-new Murano which really sets it apart from its competitors. Central to the design concept of the vehicle was to ensure it offered an exciting alternative to the growing number of look-alike crossover vehicles on the market.

The exterior, guided by a “sculpture in motion” theme, offers a new wraparound surface construction, an architectural front grille and a sporty, upswept D-pillar that blends with the rounded rear cargo door to project a very three-dimensional feel. A lightweight rear cargo door, constructed from advanced composite plastics and reinforced steel, offers easy operation and enhances the Murano’s sculpted appearance.

The vehicle’s design emphasises “off-road strength” below the beltline and “sports sedan openness” above.

The interior is highly integrated with the exterior styling and reflects Murano’s clean, dynamic overall design with an emphasis on ambience and comfort. The instrument panel includes aluminium trim in a one-piece floating design, the seats provide ample roominess for five people and comfort and storage solutions abound.

Unveiling the all-new Murano at the Melbourne International Motor Show, Nissan Australia’s managing director and chief executive officer Leon Daphne confirmed that the new crossover vehicle was under serious consideration for the Australian market.

“The all-new Murano is one more example of Nissan’s ability to design, engineer and manufacture attractive and bold new products and we are keen to add it to our shopping list.”

“If approved for sale in the Australian market, the Murano crossover will provide the link between Nissan’s all-star passenger vehicles and legendary four-wheel drive family,” Mr Daphne said.