Nissan Murano GT-C (2006) CAR review

Hang on, have I logged on to Pimp My Ride.com?

How droll. What you are looking at is a world exclusive – the first drive of Nissan's hot Murano GT-C concept car. Created by Nissan's Cranfield-based Technical Centre Europe as a bespoke one-off to gauge customer reaction, it made its debut at July's London Motor Show, as well as making a splash at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It gets a hefty turbo-enhanced power boost, a striking external makeover and a cabin full of lovely leather and moody LED lighting.

Interesting. But why do it?

It's not some cynical marketing ploy to throw a glamorous cloak around the Murano to boost flagging sales – Nissan can't build them fast enough for the UK. Some 1100 buyers a year are signing up on the dotted line, 100 more than anticipated. Think of it as an in-the-metal example of just how quickly Nissan can and has responded to customer demand for a Murano with more power, presence and prestige. The idea is to create a powerful and plush long distance cruiser that's equally adept at ferrying you and your family down to Provence at speed and in comfort, as it is at taking the stress out of an arduous rush hour commute.