Testing Nissan's one-of-a kind Murano Cross Cabriolet convertible crossover SUV this week, we came away knowing well what the first American owners of the Citroen DS felt like back in the 1960's. No vehicle we have tested in recent times has gotten more attention, made more people drop their guard and run over to it, or simply stare mouths agape.
Even in our local confines of tony North Scottsdale which scoffs at the sight of a Ferrari California, Mercedes G-Wagen, and the occasional Maserati roadster, the Murano Cross Cabriolet raises eyebrows.
The Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet at first seems a bizarre concoction. Take a wildly popular crossover SUV, slice off the top, make it a two door and push it out to the masses Nissan did. What comes out is a very tall version of the convertible car recipe Americans have come to love.
With power soft top up it doesn't get much attention. Press the console mounted button and lower it down however, and you become a show stage on wheels. While you can have a Jeep Wrangler topless, this is way different, a fashion statement if you will. And as we found out, not a bad one at that.
The interior on the Cross Cabriolet is top grade with leather trims and a full host of power options. They only come one way and that's fully loaded. The faux wood grain trim accents look more genuine than some cars we have tested with real wood and add a warm touch.
Sitting in the driver seat and looking back over your shoulder with the top up gives you the sensation of a large American coupe from the golden age. The large rear quarter windows give you a sense of space that's rare in any vehicle today. With wide side doors, rear seat access is good as the front seats fold forward easily.
The power top operates seamlessly and effortlessly with a one touch button. There are no latches to pull or levers to deal with, just press the button and a symphony of servos and motors go to work. It's a well done top with the only worry being that it slams down hard on the windshield header when it closes. Keep your hands well clear of it.
The cruising experience is one of comfort and relaxation. The sensation of being in a convertible so high up is a unique one that takes some getting used to. Wind noise with the top down even at freeway speeds is never too much. The Cross Cabriolet never feels top heavy or tipsy, gliding solid down the highway even with minor crosswinds.
Mechanically the Murano convertible is virtually identical to the standard model, using a silky smooth 3.5 liter V6 with 265 horsepower and constantly variable transmission (CVT). The power train is standard with all-wheel drive on the Cross Cabriolet.
Driving is smooth with its shiftless transmission. Nissan has designed in some simulated shifting feel when you accelerate to pass which gives it a more traditional persona. With its heavier 4,438 lb curb weight, power is what we would call adequate.
The EPA rates the Murano drop-top at 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, 19 mpg combined. Our week long observation came in at about 18.5 mpg combined. Given we gluttonously drove it around Phoenix in 100 degree weather with the top down and air conditioning on at all times, that is not too bad.
Without the traditional fold down rear seat, hatch and flat deck you can't take this SUV down to Home Depot and load it full of lumber. It comes with a rather smallish traditional sedan type trunk that's about the size of a golf bag, maybe two.
The attention it gets was surprising at first, but what we found is that people flat out loved it. They wanted to know what it was and where to get one. What we didn't tell them however is about its $45,540 price tag.
The Murano Cross Cabriolet only comes one way, fully loaded. Therefore the $15,000 price spread from the standard $29,960 Murano represents not only every conceivable option, but the extra price of freight for the unique body and power top. Costs of design and engineering for such a small handful to be made is factored in also.
In the larger picture it's priced about right for the premium boutique vehicle that it really is and the premium shrinks when you load up a standard Murano with similar equipment. The biggest bonus, is that there's a built in guarantee that you will never be seen coming and going.
Examiner.com
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