Fug with the Animals

The new-for-2002 Nissan Murano and Infiniti FX were - and still are in my eyes - high points in SUV design. Sleek and angular, the both look better than their replacements.

2002 - Sleek

2009 - Shriek

While still mostly attractive, both SUVs have grown more curvy and organic, in the process lost the creased wedginess that made them unique.

2002 - Understated

2009 - Overwrought

The largest offense however, are front and centre. The clean, simple face of the Murano has become an overwrought, Gigeresque metallic spider/lamprey hybrid.



Meanwhile the sculpted face of the Infiniti has gained a grimace and beady headlights that Infiniti calls the look of a "Bionic Cheetah". Remind me more of an angry warthog without it's tusks...

Bionic Cheetah, or Angry Warthog?