Nissan Motor Corp., a Japanese automobile maker, is proud to present the Rogue for 2008. The new Rogue boasts of "attitude" to compete over the small crossover vehicles from the other Japanese automakers, including the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander.
According to Nissan Executive Ian Forsyth, explaining the design philosophy of Rogue, "Though people buy small crossover SUVs for their utility, the designers sought to create a vehicle that makes you first consider its power, style and sophistication, with its functionality a little more stealthy - like a high-end designer brief case or bag. All the necessary compartments and storage spaces are there, they just don't scream 'utility' at you."
The 2008 Nissan Rogue considerably possesses the looks of being powerful, but in the sense of a small four-cylinder vehicle. Its engine generates 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, which are more than CR-V and RAV4.
The new Rogue is also more economical over the two rivals, a little on the highway, but a lot in the city. The economy is credited to Rogue's continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is responsible for making the engine sound quite obtrusive. The vehicle is also provided with paddle shifters, used to raise the engine's revs as if it was downshifting with gears.
Inside, the Rogue is driver-oriented, the height-adjustable seat supports long drives and a well-laid-out dashboard is also provided. The steering wheel does not telescope. The rear seat can be folded down 60/40, though barely flat and not level with the rear area. The cargo area was made bigger that anyone could expect from a small CUV. The floor has a clever pop-up cargo organizer underneath. The glovebox, as well as the center console, is huge, designed to provide a lot of storage options.
Nissan is providing the Rogue with available front- and all-wheel drive variations. The system has been electronically connected to the Vehicle Dynamic Control, which allows it to distribute power to the wheels that need it to maintain control. At all times, it starts out in 50/50 front/rear distribution to keep the vehicle ready for low traction.
The 2008 Rogue will be available with S and SL models. The S FWD has a starting price of $24,998. The SL AWD, on the other hand, is priced $34,898, with the Premium, Leather and Tech packages.
Nissan is sure getting into a tough battle this time as the Rogue enters a market already dominated with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V (from the maker of Acura vehicles that comes with quality ).
