Nissan's Rogue

[Plex]

Nissan's Rogue muscles in

Nissan is tackling Toyota's RAV4 and Hyundai's Santa Fe head on with the new Rogue SUV set to make its world debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Scheduled to go on sale in September 2007 in the US, the 2008 Nissan Rogue will be available in two models, Rogue S and Rogue SL, each with a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, Nissan�s Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

An all-new all-wheel drive system with yaw moment control is available on both S and SL models. Rogue also offers safety features including front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags.

Aggressive design

Nissan reckons the exterior of the "sleek, masculine" Rogue is designed to present an image of modern sophistication � both aggressive and sporty � with is dynamically arched forms and powerful rear shoulder lines.

Rogue features Xenon headlights, power sliding glass sunroof with dark grey glass, and a roof rail system with detachable cross bars.

The SUV is built on Nissan�s new "C" platform, which provides higher body stiffness and reduced body weight with its extensive use of high-strength steel. Rogue features a 264.75-cm wheelbase and 457.25-cm overall length � among the longest in class, compared with leading small crossover competitors � for better rear seat proportions. The body also features large front door openings to get in and out easily.

All about the driver

Rogue�s interior features a driver�s seat position that emphasises visibility, enhanced by a seat lifter with up to two inches of seat height adjustability. Rogue�s instrument panel layout and steering wheel are designed for easy readability and operation while also providing a sporty look and feel, with reddish-orange illumination and silver gauge surround rings.

A trip computer includes displays for distance-to-empty, average fuel consumption, average speed, elapsed time and outside temperature, while steering wheel-mounted controls include audio, Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System and cruise control.

Leather-appointed seating surfaces and heated front seats and mirrors are also available, along with a fold-flat front passenger seat, creating front-to-rear cargo space for carrying long items such as wood or ladders. A rear 60/40 split-fold bench seat and oversized glove box with partition are standard.

Rogue�s roomy cargo area has a number of utility features, including a cargo organiser, a washable, removable tray that fits below the cargo area floor to hold wet or dirty gear and tools and a rear tonneau cover to keep luggage and other items out of sight.

Putting on a performance

Rogue is intended to be a family vehicle, that offers the acceleration, handling and fun-to-drive attributes offered by traditional small SUVs. It aims to achieve this with a drivetrain anchored by a 2.5-litre engine, four-wheel independent suspension and all-wheel drive system.

Rogue�s standard QR25DE 2.5-litre DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder, rated at 126kW and 237Nm of torque, is coupled with a standard Nissan Xtronic CVT.

Rogue is available with front-wheel drive or an advanced all-wheel drive system with yaw moment control. The system provides stable starts on dry or slippery roads as well as all-weather performance and traction. Every Rogue also features standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS).

Steering is provided by an electric power-assisted steering (EPS) system. Every Rogue also comes equipped with standard power-assisted front and rear vented disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Base Rogue models come with 16-inch steel wheels and 215/70R16 tyres, while 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/60R17 tires are available.

Standard safety features for the new Rogue include Zone Body Construction, Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage front air bags and occupant classification system for the front passenger seat, and front seat Active Head Restraints. Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags (for front and rear outboard occupant head protection) with rollover detection are also standard.

Source: http://motoring.iafrica.com/newsbriefs/547367.htm