First Pictures of All New Nissan SUV

To fill the gap below the Nissan Murano

After Nissan’s big success with the Murano, which came on the market in 2003 in the US and 2004 in Europe, the Japanese car maker is now developing a sister model to fill a gap below the Murano in the SUV model range. In particular this new compact SUV is set to rival the likes of BMW X3, the just released new Toyota RAV 4, and the upcoming smaller C-Class based MLK by Daimler-Chrysler, which is scheduled for debut in 2008.

Here are first photos showing a first prototype of the new Nissan SUV. It will adapt various styling elements from the successful Murano, has all wheel drive and is expected to be powered by 2,0 litre four cylinder fuel and Diesel engines. The top of the line version could be equipped with a six cylinder power plant.

According to insider information the new Nissan compact SUV is going to be a world car, for launch some time in 2007.

Photos include:

• 4 photos of a disguised prototype during secret testing on a remote country road in Europe.

• 1 photo of another prototype on an ice lake in Scandinavia.

• 1 computer image giving an artist’s impression of how the new model could look like upon its release.