Getting the Drop: Verdict still out on novel Nissan sport-utility convertible
Most people that are into cars or motorcycles instantly know when they see something new.
Practically any change, no matter how subtle, is spotted by these enthusiasts. On the other hand, those who are not into cars only recognize large, obvious changes.
It’s models like the three wheeled Can-Am Spyder motorcycle or a phantom-top sport-utility vehicle — such as the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet — that will catch the attention of these non-enthusiasts too.
The first thing that you will notice about the Murano phantom-top is how much everyone else notices it. Similar to the Can-Am Spyder, the Murano phantom-top gave many passersby whiplash. I could practically see cartoon bubbles above their heads fill with the words; “WHAT IS THAT?!”
When you think about it, this solves a common problem with most drop-tops. Phantom-tops are fun, but typically only have enough space for two passengers with very little space for cargo. Transforming an SUV into a drop-top is a risk that could pay off big for Nissan or backfire.
Immediately after ending my test of the impressive, sports-car low Chevrolet Volt, I began my test of the Murano. This magnified the Murano’s height, width and overall girth. Simply put, the Murano looks and feels massive.
Rear leg room and passenger space is not luxurious, but is far better than most drop tops. In reality, rear passenger space is good, even when compared to fixed top models. Headroom falls a bit short when the top is up, but is still good. When the top is down and occupying a large chunk of the trunk, cargo room is still pretty good.
Overall the Murano was impressive. Wind noise and buffeting was pretty low with the top down. Speaking of noise, I heard a few creaks and crackles when driving over uneven surfaces.
Body flex in such a large open top vehicle was at a minimum, which no doubt was a challenge. Eliminating body flex is not the only challenge, but accomplishing this without adding too much weight is. Adding extra weight to a car-based platform would not be excepted, whereas extra weight added to an SUV would.
The one button top down and top up function operated flawlessly but was slow to complete its cycle. Visibility to all points was good with the top down and was good on the one trip that I had the top up.
The ride was comfortable over most surfaces, the seats were comfy, and the engine and transmission were like butter.
Overall, I was very impressed by the Murano CrossCabriolet. But as a car guy, I think that it looks and feels a bit girly. Don’t read me wrong, it is not as girly as some others such as the Fiat 300 drop, Mercedes Benz SLK drop and especially the Mini Cooper drop.
I am sure that Nissan will sell a good amount of these to the general public, but I have some advice for the company. Fleet sales, fleet sales, FLEET SALES! They are the key to this model. Think about it. If you are on vacation and you want to rent a phantom-top, would you rent traditional or pick the Murano?
I can also see the Murano drop as part of high-end vacation resort fleets too. Nissan, are you reading this? If so, I want a cut of the commissions.
For additional information find the Facebook page 2k11 Nissan Murano.
Larry Cornwell is an automotive journalist with Speedracer Syndication. He is based in the Charlotte area.
2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet at a glance
Price range: $44,000-$48,000
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 producing 265 horsepower and 248 pounds-feet of torque
Fuel economy: 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway (Note: My week long test yielded a combined city/highway average of 19 mpg).
Cutting room floor: I did notice something very helpful while using the navigation during one trip. It kept track and notified me of the speed limit while on the highway.
