This time, I'll watch my words. A few years ago, I wrote a very (too?) flattering piece about the sexy lines of the Nissan Murano and my wife got angry at me because I never speak of her in the same way, or so she claims. And because she has a long memory, I still hear about it.
So, while the all-new Rogue has a lot in common with its big brother, I will only make brief comments on the design. If you really like the Murano, you'll find this new SUV quite attractive -- especially when compared to the model it replaces, the boxy-looking X-Trail. Now, it's all about smooth curves (oops, there I go again...)
Let's just add that the long, streamlined hood, the rounded corners and the sleek hatch give the Rogue a stylishly modern look. However, the body-colored grille (with the exception of the small chrome section bearing the Nissan logo in the middle) looks very much like a last-minute addition. It's almost as if designers had overlooked the front fascia.
Clever interior
Interestingly, the interior is equally stylish. The steering wheel has a typically Nissan shape and offers audio and cruise control buttons. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered for greater user-friendliness. Of course, everything's not perfect: some of the gauges are partly hidden by the steering wheel when you adjust the latter to enjoy a better driving position.
It's also a shame that the heating system is not up to the task. Even in the hottest setting, it took many long minutes to warm the entire cabin. Fortunately, the leather seats in my tester were heated, which helped my butt feel more comfortable. Front occupants benefit from plenty of room. Likewise, those sitting in the back can stretch all day long because legroom and headroom is pretty generous. Last but not least, the cargo area is spacious enough to swallow your son's toys and a week's worth of grocery bags for the family. The cargo floor is a bit high, though.
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| The long, streamlined hood, the rounded corners and the sleek hatch give the Rogue a stylishly modern look. |
So, while the all-new Rogue has a lot in common with its big brother, I will only make brief comments on the design. If you really like the Murano, you'll find this new SUV quite attractive -- especially when compared to the model it replaces, the boxy-looking X-Trail. Now, it's all about smooth curves (oops, there I go again...)
Let's just add that the long, streamlined hood, the rounded corners and the sleek hatch give the Rogue a stylishly modern look. However, the body-colored grille (with the exception of the small chrome section bearing the Nissan logo in the middle) looks very much like a last-minute addition. It's almost as if designers had overlooked the front fascia.
Clever interior
Interestingly, the interior is equally stylish. The steering wheel has a typically Nissan shape and offers audio and cruise control buttons. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered for greater user-friendliness. Of course, everything's not perfect: some of the gauges are partly hidden by the steering wheel when you adjust the latter to enjoy a better driving position.
It's also a shame that the heating system is not up to the task. Even in the hottest setting, it took many long minutes to warm the entire cabin. Fortunately, the leather seats in my tester were heated, which helped my butt feel more comfortable. Front occupants benefit from plenty of room. Likewise, those sitting in the back can stretch all day long because legroom and headroom is pretty generous. Last but not least, the cargo area is spacious enough to swallow your son's toys and a week's worth of grocery bags for the family. The cargo floor is a bit high, though.
 |
| The dashboard is clean and uncluttered for greater user-friendliness. |