2008 Nissan Rogue Preview

Fashionably late = good. Just late = bad. by Thom Blackett

What it Is

Nissan Rogue Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: The term is fashionably late, not just late. Nissan apparently doesn’t understand the distinction. While the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have been hosting a helluva small crossover party, one that’s been keeping partygoers enjoying themselves for years, Nissan has been at home. You knew they’d come, but you figured that they were working on something exceptional for a grand, albeit delayed, entrance. Then there’s that quiet knock on the door, and you see that generic body, clad in brown, bringing party favors that were old news. That’s the 2008 Nissan Rogue in a nutshell – late to the party, dressed like everyone else, and offering little to separate it from the crowd.

Why it Matters

If you’re like your neighbors - either those youngsters looking for their first new car or the established folks interested in downsizing - a small crossover is an appealing solution to your automotive needs. The current crop offers up to three rows of seating when you’re in a crunch, can be decked out in front- or all-wheel drive, feature anything from an efficient four-banger to a tire-squealing V6, and generally look pretty good. Of course, none carry the Nissan badge, and that’s why the introduction of the 2008 Rogue is so important. Models, including S and SL, go on sale this fall and are expected to start around $20,000.

What’s Under the Hood

Nissan powers the 2008 Rogue with its popular 2.5-liter, dohc four-cylinder engine, the same one that’s found in versions of the Sentra and Altima. For this application, horsepower is rated at 170 and torque measures 175 lb.-ft. There is but one transmission choice, and that’s a continuously-variable automatic (CVT) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a manual shift function (correctly on the driver’s side of the knob). Rogue buyers may opt for standard front-wheel drive or a new all-wheel drive with yaw control, a feature that should benefit handling and control. Under the skin, the 2008 Nissan Rogue includes struts up front and a multi-link setup out back, as well as antilock disc brakes and electric-assist steering.

What it Looks Like

Aside from the unique Nissan front end, complete with Sentra-esque headlights and a big ol’ chrome Nissan badge planted dead center, this little crossover has Hyundai/Kia written all over it. Part of that is because we’ve seen models like this, including the Hyundai Tucson/Kia Sportage twins, on the road for a few years now, or maybe because the silhouette compares well to a shrunken Hyundai Santa Fe. Whatever the Rogue does or does not resemble, it offers a bit of attitude with a pronounced beltline, aggressively flared wheel arches, and stylish 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch steel rims are standard). The raked windshield, sloped rear glass, and sharp rear quarter windows add some visual flair.

What’s Inside

Like many of its competitors, Nissan has been working on improving its interiors, and the five-passenger 2008 Rogue indicates the work may be paying off. From a styling perspective, there’s much to like, such as chrome and silver accents, a smooth dash surface that sits above an ergonomically correct instrument panel, clearly marked steering wheel controls, padded armrests, large cupholders, not to mention big and simple radio and climate control dials and buttons. Behind the second row split bench is a decent cargo area, and the tailgate features a built-in grab handle. Among the interior features are six standard airbags, front active headrests, an available Bose sound system, optional leather and heated seats, and Bluetooth hands-free capability.

What Nissan Says

Bill Bosley, Nissan’s vice president and general manager, says, “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 person they’ve always been – someone who enjoys driving, who values style and design, and who wants to retain his or her individuality. 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.”

What We Think

Nissan is late to the small crossover game. Honda’s and Toyota’s entries are both in their third generation, and more recently, the Koreans have started to increase their presence. Depending on how you classify a small crossover, the domestics may also be added into the mix. The reason for this growth is obvious – shoppers want capable vehicles that are relatively efficient. Without fuel economy figures, we can’t say how fuel-frugal the Rogue may be, but we can confirm that its 170 horsepower engine and five-passenger seating put it in the latter half of the pack (when considering power and optional seating), which is not a good place to be when stepping foot into an increasingly competitive field. Photos courtesy of Nissan and Thom Blackett Source : http://www.autosite.com