New Nissan Murano

Nissan will launch its quirky Murano CrossCabriolet at the Los Angeles motor show next month.

Set to reach showrooms in early 2011, the CrossCabriolet will be the world’s first crossover convertible, according to Nissan.

Sales and marketing boss Brian Carolin said the CrossCabriolet is “not going to be a volume car” rather an image builder for the brand. He added its looks would “surprise a lot of people”.

Nissan dealers were given a preview of the CrossCabriolet in the summer. Comments from insiders who have seen the concept noted it was “kind of unusual”, while another said “it actually looks better with the top down, than up”. Most agreed that the reaction from consumers will be divided.

Also confirmed for LA is Nissan’s new saloon concept, the Ellure, which promises “innovation in traditional saloon design”, although Nissan wouldn’t confirm whether it previewed a replacement for a Primera or made use of the firm’s electric technology.