Nissan goes small on utility
Introduced at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the new 2008 Nissan Rogue is designed to add a new dimension to the small crossover utility segment – satisfying the functional and emotional needs of the buyer.
“With Rogue, we’ve targeted drivers in their early 30s, whose responsibilities and functional needs have changed but who don’t want to leave behind the people they’ve always been – enjoying driving, valuing style and design, and people who want to retain their individualities,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. ”The Rogue name was chosen to reflect its independence-oriented positioning, though we certainly believe that all buyers, regardless of age or life stage, will positively respond to Rogue’s fun-to-drive, all-climate performance and aggressive styling.”
The 2008 Nissan Rogue comes standard with front-wheel drive, 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, continuously variable transmission (CVT), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). An all-new all-wheel drive system with yaw rate control is available.
Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features – including front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags.
“As Nissan’s first entry into the crowded small crossover SUV field, Rogue needs to stand out, to be an over-achiever,” said Bosley. “This philosophy not only applies to Rogue’s styling and performance, but also to its utility features, attention to quality and detail, and, of course, value.”
Rogue is built on Nissan’s new “C” platform on a 2690-mm wheelbase, Its 4645 mm overall length is among the longest in its class, providing generous rear seat proportions and one of the longest interior cargo lengths. Large front door openings provide easy entry and exit.
Inside, the driver’s seat position offers excellent visibility outward, further enhanced by an available seat lifter. Leather upholstery and heated front seats and mirrors are also available, as are a dual-level centre console and fold-flat front passenger seat, which allows over 8.5 feet front-to-rear for carrying long items such as ladders. The rear seat is a 60/40 split-folding bench.
Rogue’s cargo area can be fitted with a sub-floor cargo organizer that pops up at the push of a button. A portion of the cargo floor snaps into a vertical position, revealing a flat recessed space with removable, vertical cargo nets that keep items such as sports equipment and grocery bags from wandering about the cargo area while the vehicle is in motion. A cargo cover and a washable, removable tray that fits below the cargo area floor to hold wet or dirty gear are also available.
“Rogue’s innovative storage solutions are designed to accommodate the active daily lives of its owners,” said Bosley. “Just because a vehicle is smaller on the outside doesn’t mean you have to compromise storage or utility space – all it takes is innovation and creative thinking.”
Rogue’s instrument panel is designed for easy readability, with reddish-orange illumination and silver gauge surround rings. Available steering wheel-mounted controls include audio, cruise control and Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System. Other advanced technology features include an Intelligent Key and a 7-speaker Bose audio system with subwoofer, MP3 capability and satellite radio.
While maintaining its functionality as a family vehicle, Rogue’s creators also recognized the target buyers’ desires for a higher level of acceleration, handling and fun-to-drive attributes.
“We picture the typical Rogue driver, after dropping the kids off at school, lowering the windows, turning up the Bose audio and heading up the coast or mountains – briefcase and gear tucked securely in the back – before turning back towards the office,” said Bosley.
Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted curtain air bags (full side) with rollover detection are standard.
The standard 2.5-litre, DOHC, 16-valve inline “four” puts out 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque, tuned to provide ample torque in the low-to-mid rpm range for smooth, powerful acceleration and quick initial response from a standing start.
Every Rogue comes with a standard Nissan Xtronic CVT, utilizing adaptive logic control and advanced shift control to offer the optimal shift pattern according to the driving situation and driver’s demands (using input from driver operation, vehicle speed, road gradient, turning condition and acceleration force). Available paddle shifters provide an added level of sporty performance and driver control.
Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, every Rogue features standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
Rogue’s standard 4-wheel independent suspension is made up of subframe-mounted independent struts with coil springs, high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs, and a stabilizer bar up front. The rear independent multi-link setup includes aluminum-alloy upper links and high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs. Responsive steering is provided by an electric power-assisted steering (EPS) system.
Rogue rides on 16-inch steel wheels and 215/70R16 tires, with an option to move up to 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels shod with 225/60R17 tires.
The 2008 Rogue is expected to be priced starting under $30,000 when it goes on sale in fall 2007.
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