Nissan's Murano, a US-built SUV, could be heading for the UK. It's been such a big hit on the other side of the Atlantic that Nissan has already decided to build it in right-hand drive form for the Japanese market where it made its debut at the
Tokyo Motor Show.
That means it could also be exported to the UK - as well as the rest of Europe - where it is thought it would sit nicely above the X-Trail.
Nissan expects X-Trail sales to top 10,000 in the UK next year, its third year on sale. The theory is that many X-Trail owners, many of whom have never owned a Nissan before, will be ready to trade up and the five-seater Murano could be just the answer.
The handicap is likely to be that there is no diesel engine for it, and as yet, no plan to provide one. Instead the Murano has a 245 bhp 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine.
But it is winning fans for its on-road presence. A couple are already being used in Paris, home to Nissan Europe and alliance partner Renault where one senior executive is full of admiration for the Murano's looks.
Interchange News Agency - 29 Oct 2003