2008 Nissan Rogue Review

[AZhitman]

By definition, a “rogue” is a deliberately dishonest person. Rogue can also be a vagrant or tramp, a savage elephant that has left the herd to roam alone, a worthless plant in a batch of choice seedlings, or a pleasantly mischievous or frolicsome entity.

So, Nissan probably had the last definition in mind when creating its latest utility vehicle, since the 2008 Rogue is neither dishonest (unless you consider a $25,000 price tag dishonest to a market of $27k-somethings) nor worthless (since it offers quite a worthy array of features in a market that often cuts corners wherever it can) nor savage (quite the opposite, actually … it is very pleasant and well-natured).

But more than likely Nissan was going after the whole “swashbuckling” image rather than a precise definition, since it claims the diminutive crossover vehicle will satisfy the functional and emotional needs of buyers, with its aggressive styling, powerful engine, responsive handling and thoughtful utility.

“We’ve targeted drivers in their early ‘30s, whose responsibilities and functional needs have changed but who don’t want to leave behind the person they’ve always been – someone who enjoys driving, who values style and design, and who wants to retain his or her individuality,” said Ian Forsyth, director, Product and Corporate Planning, Nissan Canada Inc. ”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.”

And although it is perhaps no more fun to drive, aggressively styled or any better a performer than prime competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass or Toyota RAV4, there is no denying Rogue is a big step forward from the Nissan X-Trail it replaces.

X-Trail was introduced in Canada (not in the U.S.) in 2005 (five years after its worldwide debut). At the time, Nissan knew that Rogue was two to two-and-a-half years away from launch, but felt it needed an entry in a market that was starting to take off. X-Trail was never meant as a long-term vehicle for Canadians.

Rogue adds a softer, car-like look to the segment, although both X-Trail and Rogue are derived from passenger-car architecture. X-Trail was based on the FF-S platform that spawned, among others, the Infiniti G20, while Rogue is based on the C-platform that is also used for the current Sentra sedan.

Nissan Canada hopes to sell 14,000 Rogues annually starting in the 2008 calendar year. Vehicle sales start in September 2007.

Rogues come in S and SL models (both in front-wheel or all-wheel drive), each powered by a standard 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine harnessed by Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Available steering-wheel shift paddles use a shift-point plotting program to simulate manual sequential up and downshifts.

The combination puts the front-wheel drive Rogue at the top of its market in fuel economy, surpassing the front-wheel drive CVT Jeep Compass, which was the only non-alternative-fuel utility vehicle to be awarded an ecoAUTO Rebate in the 2007 spring federal budget.

Prices have not been etched in stone, but Nissan divulges that customers will drive away in a Rogue after putting down between $25,000 and $35,000.

An all-new all-wheel drive system with yaw control is available on both S and SL models (yaw is the vehicle’s tendency to spin around its physical centre point, under the effect of lateral forces). Rogue stays essentially in front-wheel drive until such time as the front tires start to lose grip, at which point the system will divert up to 30 percent torque to the rear. A lock-up button distributes torque equally between front and rear up to a speed of 30 km/h, at which point it automatically disengages.

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes are also standard, as are passenger protection features such as front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and roof-mounted inflatable curtain air bags.

And whereas the exterior hints at the performance potential of the vehicle, the Rogue interior displays the attention to functionality that was one of the core needs identified by Nissan.

The cockpit could have come right out of a 350Z, except that it has a bunch of storage cubbies that you won’t find on most two-seaters. Among the storage solutions presented in Rogue is a portioned glove box that will hold CD cases, a compact umbrella, flashlight, owner’s manual and various road maps and portable music devices (that’s an “and” … not an “or”). Available items include a partitioned, removable, washable, under-floor storage box for the cargo area and a multi-level centre console with removable tray.

The middle seats fold now in a 60/40 split but not flat to the cargo floor, and there is also an available fold-forward front passenger seat (also not flat) that extends the cargo area to a length of 8.5 feet.

Though our time behind the wheel was limited to about 160 km on unfamiliar and very well maintained, roads, we can say that Rogue left a relatively good impression -- power is pretty decent from a standstill and during passing, and handling was pretty smooth and progressive on the switchback, rolling two-lane roads leading to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

That said, the pavement was nearly immaculate all the way, so we didn’t really get a chance to delve too deeply into the workings of the all-wheel drive system.

There’s a lot to be said for having all those nooks and crannies in which to put a bottle of water, a cell phone, the keyless remote, a wallet, change for the drive-thru, a cup of coffee, house keys, access cards, one of those big slushees that gets the kids bouncing all around the cabin … If you run out of places in which to stow your stuff in the Rogue, you’re carrying way too much stuff.

Rogue is a definite step forward in a market that is looking for all-year drivability without the trucky-looking brick exterior, but only time will tell if it can do for the sport-cute segment what Altima did for the mid-sized sedan market and the Infiniti G35 did for the sport sedan market.

2008 Nissan RogueMSRP range (before taxes): est. $25,000 to $33,000Country of manufacture: JapanConfiguration: Front engine/front-wheel driveEngines available: 2.5-litre I4 (170 hp/175 lb.-ft.)Transmissions available: Continuously variableFuel required: Regular unleadedEnerGuide fuel ratings (L/100 km): FWD - 9.1 city/7.2 hwy; AWD - 9.5/7.7Warranty: 3 years/60,000 km comprehensive; 5 years/100,000 km powertrain

Competition: Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Saturn VUE, Toyota RAV4Highlights: Decent ride and handling, lots of interior storage; full complement of safety items