9 Murano crossover vehicles in 2012 Nissan lineup

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The new Nissan Murano is a something-for-everyone crossover vehicle for 2012, coming in nine different versions that start with the $29,290 front-wheel drive S model and ratchet up on the fun scale to the breathtaking CrossCabriolet, a topless $44,540 4-seater introduced last spring.

Here is the Nissan Murano price breakdown by 2012 model:

1. Murano S FWD: $29,290.
2. Murano SV FWD: $32,860.
3. Murano SL FWD $36,400.
4. Murano LE FWD $38,300.
5. Murano S AWD $30,890.
6. Murano SV AWD $34,460.
7. Murano SL AWD $38,000.
8. Murano LE AWD $39,900.
9. Murano CrossCabriolet AWD: $44,540.

Enhancements on the Murano for 2012 include a new Platinum Edition, which has 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a Nissan Navigation System and a Sapphire Black exterior color that is only on Platinum cars.

There is an updated 7-inch monochrome screen for Murano S models. Pearl White is a new exterior color, joining Merlot, Tinted Bronze, Brilliant Silver, Platinum Graphite, Super Black and Graphite Blue.

All 2012 Muranos are equipped with a standard VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine that generates 260 horsepower and 240 foot pounds of torque on regular unleaded gasoline.

There are toys with this car. Standard or available technology on the 2012 Nissan Murano includes Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Interface System for iPod, an 11-speaker Bose premium audio system, an advanced touch screen Nissan Navigation System and a Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System. Also standard are rain-sensing windshield wipers and a power liftgate.

The Murano comes as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive crossover vehicle that has Vehicle Dynamic Control and Traction Control System safety features, as well as "a twin-orifice speed-sensitive power steering system," Nissan says.

The front end features a bold grille and wide front headlights, a wide hood that sweeps into the bodylines, powerful wheel arches and an aggressive stance. Large chrome door handles and available roof rails (standard on SV, SL, LE) add functionality to the experience.

Some Nissan Murano models have a dual panel power sliding glass moonroof with second-row skylight, as well as wood and aluminum accents, a 60 / 40 fold-flat rear seat with power return, heated front and rear seats, power liftgate and RearView Monitor.

You can reach TN's Hawke Fracassa at hawkefracassa@aol.com or (248) 747-1550. Follow him on Twitter @HawkeFracassa.

Image source: Nissan