2010 LA Auto Show: The 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

The 2011 Nissan Murano Convertible is kind of like going over a huge waterfall in an itsy-bitsy canoe without any paddles. Now, does it really matter that this canoe has no paddles since you are just going to die once you go over the edge? No, it really doesn't.

But since the concept of an SUV/convertible makes absolutely no sense as a production vehicle, I decided now wasn't the time to craft an introduction that made any sense either. The 2011 Nissan Murano "CrossCabriolet" would have made a splash as a concept car or a design study. But does Nissan even hypothetically expect anyone to spend $47,190 on the production version?

So what is my problem with this particular Nissan? Well, the "Cross Cabriolet" is nearly $6,000 more than a fully loaded top-of-the line Murano SUV but it has none of the utility, two fewer doors and just so happens to look like the "After" picture shown during an episode of "Plastic Surgeries Gone Wrong." Where does this get fun? Convertibles, I mean "CrossCabriolets," should always be fun.

You see, there's really no point in those canoe paddles I mentioned earlier much like there is no point in putting the top down in you SUV! When was the last time you were driving around on a hot day in an SUV and thought, "Gee I wish the top went down!" That would just smell terrific once the hot sun started beating down on that milk and baby vomit stained car seat that is so often parked in the back seat of most SUVs.

Seriously, what is going on at Nissan? Let's be clear here first, I love the stylistic wackiness of the Juke and Cube as well the techno-anime bravery that is suffused into crazed body panel of the GT-R sport coupe. My only concern is that, much as can happen with mental illness, there has been an escalating level of wackiness going on at Nissan in recent years.

Now why am I concerned with Nissan's state of mind? Well, I approached the "powder blue/turquoise/only suitable for sale in New Mexico" Murano CrossCabriolet at the 2010 LA Auto Show Press Day and realized that not only did Nissan's new vehicle look like a Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible but apparently Nissan also wants us to buy it because it's Polar Bear Friendly. Huh?

Now, perhaps it is the environmentally friendly Leaf that was meant to be friendly to Polar Bears but judging from their omnipresence on the large flat-screens surrounding the Nissan booth I will go out on a limb and say that the company loves white fluffy things from the Great White North. And no I don't mean Santa Claus! Although his automotive approval would hold just about as much weight with me as a buyer.

I must admit that I believe in Santa just as whole heartedly as I believe that the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet will be a hit with the buying public. If Santa does exist then I guess that this article just qualified me for the "naughty" list. Again.