The all-new Nissan Murano, named Canadian Truck Of The Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), went on sale nationwide in November as a 2003 model. With its dramatic exterior and interior styling and advanced drivetrain – including the first North American standard application of Nissan’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), Murano topped a field of six other new SUVs in AJAC’s annual competition, considered the most sophisticated in the world. Murano is Nissan’s first entry into the crossover SUV segment. Developed, designed and engineered specifically for North America, it combines the uncompromising functional aspects of a true SUV with the ride comfort of a sport sedan in a highly refined, well-equipped package. Highlights of the 2003 Nissan Murano include:
Body
- All-new exterior with distinctive, contemporary design guided by a “sculpture in motion” theme
- Wraparound surface construction with an architectural front grille, upswept D-pillars, sloping hoodline and steeply raked windshield
- Lightweight rear cargo door for easier opening and closing
Engine and Driveline
- 245-horsepower 3.5-litre DOHC V6, derived from the award-winning VQ engine series
- All-new Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for smoothness and excellent fuel economy
- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS) on SE model
- Standard all-new AWD for enhanced all-weather performance
Suspension, Steering and Braking
- Four-wheel independent suspension with advanced multi-link rear suspension, cradle-type front sub-frame, high-stiffness stabilizer bars
- Aggressive stance with standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tires
- Four-wheel vented disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
Interior Features
- Large, spacious cabin and cargo space, with fold-flat rear seat and wide cargo area
- First-class seating for two couples, but can fit five people with ample, flexible luggage space
- Special attention to interior comfort, functionality and detail
- Innovative instrument panel design and genuine aluminum trim throughout interior
- Standard LCD information monitor (optional navigation system)
- Sculpted front and rear seats with reclining rear seats (with remote flip-down function)
- Power adjustable throttle and brake pedals with adjustability range
- Highly functional storage systems, including a two-tier lockable centre console storage box with room to hold a laptop computer or purse and door pockets with flip-out function
Safety
- Dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat belt sensors
- Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
- Front seat side-impact supplemental airbags and curtain side-impact supplemental airbags for front and rear head protection
- Front and rear crumple zones
- Front seat active head restraints
Models and Manufacturing
- Offered in two well-equipped models: SL (AWD) and SE (AWD)
- Assembled in Kyushu, Japan
