Scottsdale, Arizona - When the first Murano was launched in 2003, as an '04 model, it was an instant hit for Nissan. With its unique and bold styling, it stood prominently in the CUV crowd. One might even go as far as to say that it "laid down many of the ground rules for other manufacturers to follow", which of course they did.
So, after such a good run, and with so many competitors now trading in the CUV marketplace, how does Nissan hope to follow on from such a lineage?
Well, I've just previewed the 2009 Murano, and I must say that they have managed to deal with that problem quite well indeed. The new 2009 Murano, which you can expect to see hitting the dealerships in early '08, is, in many ways, remarkably similar-looking to the current model, at least from a distance.
However, as you get closer, the picture changes quite dramatically. The new Murano boasts even more boldness to the exterior, and just about every panel has been redesigned to project precisely that.
From the completely new front grille look which integrates with the new HID bi-functional projector headlights, one gets the feeling of a vehicle re-birth. Kind of like that famous saying from the Six Million Dollar Man TV show... "We can rebuild him, bigger, better, faster!"
The fenders, which were always a rather prominent feature on the Murano, are now even more, well... prominent! This works extremely well with the sculptured lines on the rocker panels, as it almost pulls your attention inward towards the doors, as if inviting you to climb aboard.
Obviously, Nissan needed to maintain the sporty appearance of the current model, and what with the new exterior lines and the addition of some stylish 18-inch aluminum wheels (20-inch on the LE version), I'd say that they possibly surpassed themselves there.
The overall look to the new Murano is one of a tough, yet agile performer. It sits squarely on the road and one gets a distinct feeling of confidence and capability from simply looking at it.
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| This second generation should make its way into dealerships early in 2008. |
So, after such a good run, and with so many competitors now trading in the CUV marketplace, how does Nissan hope to follow on from such a lineage?
Well, I've just previewed the 2009 Murano, and I must say that they have managed to deal with that problem quite well indeed. The new 2009 Murano, which you can expect to see hitting the dealerships in early '08, is, in many ways, remarkably similar-looking to the current model, at least from a distance.
However, as you get closer, the picture changes quite dramatically. The new Murano boasts even more boldness to the exterior, and just about every panel has been redesigned to project precisely that.
From the completely new front grille look which integrates with the new HID bi-functional projector headlights, one gets the feeling of a vehicle re-birth. Kind of like that famous saying from the Six Million Dollar Man TV show... "We can rebuild him, bigger, better, faster!"
The fenders, which were always a rather prominent feature on the Murano, are now even more, well... prominent! This works extremely well with the sculptured lines on the rocker panels, as it almost pulls your attention inward towards the doors, as if inviting you to climb aboard.
Obviously, Nissan needed to maintain the sporty appearance of the current model, and what with the new exterior lines and the addition of some stylish 18-inch aluminum wheels (20-inch on the LE version), I'd say that they possibly surpassed themselves there.
The overall look to the new Murano is one of a tough, yet agile performer. It sits squarely on the road and one gets a distinct feeling of confidence and capability from simply looking at it.
 |
| The new Murano still retains the overall shape of its predecessor. |