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2008 Nissan Rogue: Far from “Roguish” Behavior
When one thinks of a rogue, unsavory thoughts usually come to mind. A CIA operative gone bad. Someone who works with you that just doesn’t get the “team” concept. The list of negatives surrounding the word is lengthy. So when Nissan decided to name their new crossover Rogue, perhaps the “Shift” paradigm was in full effect, as there is nothing “roguish” about the 2008 Rogue.
As a whole, Nissan’s been on a roll. Total sales in North America are up nearly six percent over last year, when competitors are facing downturns. Passenger car volume is up 18.9 percent over last year. Why the uptick? Because Nissan finally figured out one simple thing – consumers want quality throughout their vehicles. Nissan has always built some of the best engines in the business, but interior execution has been Sentra-like, irrespective of cost. So that $30,000 Maxima had some of the same plasticky features of base model cars. Well, that was then and this is now. When I first saw the Rogue, I really wasn’t interested in styling, performance or handling. I knew Nissan had these categories covered like a blanket. I went straight inside, and I was very, very impressed.
Gone are the cheesy visor lights. Gone are the hard plastics that doubled as drum sets for your kids. The dash is now made of soft touch plastic, which is superbly executed. The driver gauge cluster drew inspiration from the dual pod designs found on motorcycles, with a Driver Information Center glowing like the moon between the tachometer and speedometer. The center stack features chrome rimmed HVAC vents and controls, and a smooth and powerful sound system that features available XM Satellite Radio, integrated MP3 player control and Bluetooth. Our tester was equipped with all of these features as part of the “premium” Bose sound system.
The center console continues Nissan’s “functionality” theme. It features a pen and business card holder, rear cupholders for second row passengers, memo pad, front cupholder with 20 and 32 ounce slots, a “mobile box” that holds a tissue box or six CDs, an optional 12 volt power outlet, and holders for coins, a cellphone and garage door opener. Even the glovebox is maxed out for functionality, as it’s very deep and can hold 34 CDs and features another card holder, a removable partition to section it off is desired, and a lid that will coddle your iPod.
Seating is sports car grippy and luxury car comfortable. Think Nissan’s upmodel Infiniti line when you think of the lateral support and comfort the Rogue’s seats provide. You can get front and second row seats available in two-tone configurations or with stylish contrasting stitching. Even the cargo area has been designed to adapt to owner lifestyles with functional storage solutions. Push a button on the cargo deck, and the lid rises to expose a pop-up cargo organizer. The organizer features detachable net partitions to separate groceries and other items, and removable, washable bin for dirty or wet items. Play Football? Basketball or Rugby? Throw that gear in the bin and deal with it after you celebrate victory with a night on the town.
Yes, you can roll up to your favorite nightspot in the Rogue, as the styling is magnetic. Think of it as a Nissan Altima Coupe with two more doors and all-wheel drive capability. It’s sleek and sporty. You must opt for the 17” inch wheel package though to really pull the most out of the Rogue. The base wheels leave too much of a gap between the top of the tires and the wheel arches.
On the road, power and handling are first rate. Rogue features an upgraded 2.5-liter four, with larger exhaust ports and a new four-into-one exhaust manifold. The result of upgrades is a free-breathing engine that features best in class horsepower (170) and torque (175 pound-feet). It moves smartly when you floor the accelerator, though fours at full throttle are inherently thrashy. Rogue features Nissan’s new “Xtronic” Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). It transmits engine torque variably and features paddle shifters that simulate six forward “gears” should you wish to row the gears manually. CVTs are an acquired taste, but Nissan makes the best of the bunch. A new AWD system connects with Nissan’s “Vehicle Dynamic Control” system to distribute torque to the wheels that need it most, and performs with 100 percent torque going to front wheels under most conditions, a fuel saver for sure.
With a full compliment of safety gear, and available high tech goodies like “Intelligent Key” keyless entry and start, the Rogue is what Nissan is all about in 2008. Prices have not yet been released, but Nissan expects the Rogue in 2WD guise to sticker just under 20K. A full loaded Rogue will set you back about $25,000. Being a rogue is not so bad after all.
For additional Automotive Rhythms CUV reviews see:
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