Nissan’s stunning new all-wheel drive crossover vehicle, the Murano, will be on show at the Australian International Motor Show, to be held at the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre from 7th-17thOctober.

Presented in left-hand drive layout, the all-new Murano has been confirmed for inclusion in Nissan’s Australian line-up and will go on-sale in mid-2005.

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 - the engine judged amongst the “World’s Ten Best Engines” by Ward’s Automotive for ten years straight.

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.

Nissan Australia’s managing director and chief executive officer, Shinya Hannya confirmed at the Australian International Motor Show that the new crossover vehicle will go on-sale in Australia.

“The all-new Murano will provide the link between Nissan’s all-star passenger vehicles and legendary four-wheel drive family and we are excited to be able to confirm its arrival in mid-2005.”