Nissan wants to take the lead!
The compact SUV market is in full bloom. While there were 14 models available back in 2004, there are now 21. In order to compete with the successful CR-V and RAV4, Nissan created the all-new 2008 Rogue. My first impression is that Nissan hit the bull's eye with a very interesting alternative to traditional Japanese models. Displaying a sporty styling and powered by a solid engine, the Rogue comfortably greets passengers. Its handling and performance prove to be on par with rivals. Actually, the Nissan is better in many respects.
Decidedly sporty
Nissan designers made no compromises as they created a masculine, dynamically-styled vehicle. The Rogue stands out from the crowd with its slender lines, flared fenders and wide stance. Notice how the sleek, swooping profile stretches all the way to the rear, says Hugh Wickham, Product Planning Manager at Nissan Canada. True, the Rogue's shape is particularly well executed, but there's one major problem: it reduces not only cargo room but also rearward visibility for the driver.
Two models, three trim levels
In Canada, buyers can either opt for front- or all-wheel drive. With FWD, the Rogue is available in S and SL trim. The latter comes standard with a roof rack, 17-inch wheels, tinted windows, a full-size spare tire and cloth-covered heated seats. A Premium Package can be added which includes a Bose audio system with 6-CD changer, a sunroof and other convenient accessories. With AWD models, the S and SL trim levels can be enhanced with Leather and Technology Packages on top of the Premium Package.
Powertrain
Nissan revised and improved its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder mill. In my opinion, this was a wise decision: the output is now rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to the automaker's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), now lighter and with 30-percent less friction. The SL AWD model with Premium Package offers paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Wait a minute... isn't a CVT supposed to be gearless? That's right, but the engineers managed to incorporate six preset positions to optimize engine speed in dense traffic or when passing another vehicle, for instance. The driver must activate the manual mode. In non paddle-equipped Rogues, shifts can be manually controlled by using the lever on the center console. Standard towing capacity is rated at 1,000 lbs, but the Premium Package adds pre-wiring which increases the capacity to 1,500 lbs.
The compact SUV market is in full bloom. While there were 14 models available back in 2004, there are now 21. In order to compete with the successful CR-V and RAV4, Nissan created the all-new 2008 Rogue. My first impression is that Nissan hit the bull's eye with a very interesting alternative to traditional Japanese models. Displaying a sporty styling and powered by a solid engine, the Rogue comfortably greets passengers. Its handling and performance prove to be on par with rivals. Actually, the Nissan is better in many respects.
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| The Rogue is a sporty SUV with a well-executed distinctive look. |
Decidedly sporty
Nissan designers made no compromises as they created a masculine, dynamically-styled vehicle. The Rogue stands out from the crowd with its slender lines, flared fenders and wide stance. Notice how the sleek, swooping profile stretches all the way to the rear, says Hugh Wickham, Product Planning Manager at Nissan Canada. True, the Rogue's shape is particularly well executed, but there's one major problem: it reduces not only cargo room but also rearward visibility for the driver.
Two models, three trim levels
In Canada, buyers can either opt for front- or all-wheel drive. With FWD, the Rogue is available in S and SL trim. The latter comes standard with a roof rack, 17-inch wheels, tinted windows, a full-size spare tire and cloth-covered heated seats. A Premium Package can be added which includes a Bose audio system with 6-CD changer, a sunroof and other convenient accessories. With AWD models, the S and SL trim levels can be enhanced with Leather and Technology Packages on top of the Premium Package.
Powertrain
Nissan revised and improved its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder mill. In my opinion, this was a wise decision: the output is now rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to the automaker's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), now lighter and with 30-percent less friction. The SL AWD model with Premium Package offers paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Wait a minute... isn't a CVT supposed to be gearless? That's right, but the engineers managed to incorporate six preset positions to optimize engine speed in dense traffic or when passing another vehicle, for instance. The driver must activate the manual mode. In non paddle-equipped Rogues, shifts can be manually controlled by using the lever on the center console. Standard towing capacity is rated at 1,000 lbs, but the Premium Package adds pre-wiring which increases the capacity to 1,500 lbs.
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| The 2.5L 4-pot is the lone engine choice, but it proves to be well suited for the Rogue. |