2009 NISSAN ROGUE CROSSOVER SUV COMBINES FUEL EFFICIENCY, ENGAGING PERFORMA
07/24/2008
Nissan
The Nissan Rogue crossover SUV, introduced as an all-new model for 2008, was created as a whole new way to make driving fun - combining 27 miles per gallon estimated highway fuel economy with spirited performance and SUV utility.
Rogue received a number of prestigious awards in its first year, including "Best New Small Crossover" by Kiplinger's magazine, Parents Magazine "Best Family Cars for 2008" award, AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) for Compact Crossover SUV segment and MotorWeek's "Driver's Choice Award for Best Small Utility." In addition, the 2008 Rogue received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NTHSA) highest rating - 5 stars - for side-impact crash safety.
Enhancements for the 2009 Nissan Rogue include new auto speed-sensing door locks; fold-down front passenger seat, driver seatback pocket, dual-level center console tray and mood lighting for SL models; drive computer and outside temperature display added to SL models; two luggage side cargo hooks and dual visor vanity mirror illumination for SL models; the Leather Package option is now available for Rogue FWD SL models; and Bluetoothâ Hands-free Phone System and Nissan Intelligent Key(TM) added to the Rogue FWD Premium Package.
"The Rogue had what we consider an All-Star rookie season, proving once again that the Nissan's philosophy of providing good fuel efficiency and great driving performance in one high-value package resonates with today's new vehicle buyers," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "Rogue was designed to satisfy both the functional needs of the buyer and their emotional needs with aggressive, performance-oriented styling, a powerful engine, responsive handling, a driver-focused cockpit and thoughtful everyday utility - and it continues to do so in 2009."
The 2009 Nissan Rogue is available in two models, Rogue S and Rogue SL, each with a standard 170-horsepower (167-hp CAL emissions) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVTÔ (Continuously Variable Transmission), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Both S and SL models are available with an intuitive all-wheel drive system with yaw moment control. Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features - including front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.
Aggressive Design and Attitude
Rogue's exterior is designed to present an image of modern sophistication - both aggressive and sporty. Its sleek, masculine styling includes dynamically arched forms and powerful rear shoulder lines.
"Although people buy small crossover SUVs for their utility, the designers of Rogue sought to create a vehicle that makes you first consider its power, style and sophistication - like a high-end designer briefcase or bag," said Castignetti. "All the necessary compartments and storage spaces are there, they just don't scream 'utility' at you."
Rogue features available Xenon headlights, available power sliding glass moonroof with dark gray glass, and an available roof rail system with detachable cross bars (accessory).
Rogue is built on Nissan's "C" platform, which provides high body stiffness with extensive use of high-strength steel utilized to reduce body weight. Rogue features a 105.9-inch wheelbase and 182.9-inch overall length - among the longest in class, compared with leading small crossover competitors - providing ample rear seat proportions and one of the longest interior lengths. The body also features large front door openings for easy ingress and egress.
A Driver-Oriented, Ultra-Functional Interior
Rogue's interior, like its exterior, is designed to stand out in class with its sophisticated integration of a cockpit-like driver's space and exceptional utility. The driver's seat position offers excellent visibility, enhanced by an available 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.
An available drive computer (standard on SL) includes displays for distance-to-empty, average fuel consumption, average speed, elapsed time and outside temperature. Available steering wheel-mounted controls include audio, Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System and cruise control (cruise control is standard on all models).
Leather-appointed seating surfaces and heated front seats and mirrors are also available, along with a fold-down front passenger seat (standard on SL) - which allows more than 8.5 feet of front-to-rear cargo space for carrying long items such as wood or ladders. A rear 60/40 split-fold bench seat and oversize glove box with partition that measures more than half-a-cubic foot in volume are standard. Also available is a highly versatile, dual-level center console storage with hidden functionality features.
Rogue's roomy cargo area has a number of available utility features, including a unique cargo organizer (available on SL only). When needed, the organizer pops up - with a one-touch open button - from its hidden space below the flat cargo floor. A portion of the cargo floor snaps into a vertical position, revealing a flat recessed space with removable, vertical cargo nets. The system helps prevent items such as sports equipment and grocery bags from rolling loose around the cargo area while driving. Rogue also features 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. Rogue's everyday utility features also include a variety of cupholders, memo/pen holder, coin holder and cell phone/sunglass holders.
Among the advanced technology features available on Rogue are a Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ and a powerful Bose(R)-developed audio system with 7 speakers and subwoofer with MP3 capability and XM(R) Satellite Radio (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately). Also available is a Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver garage door opener and Xenon headlights.
Engaging Performance
While maintaining its functionality as a family vehicle, Rogue's creators also recognized the target buyers' desires for a higher level of acceleration, handling and fun-to-drive attributes than offered by traditional small crossover SUVs. Rogue delivers on this promise with an advanced drivetrain anchored by its powerful 2.5-liter engine, 4-wheel independent suspension and refined, intuitive All-Wheel Drive system.
Rogue's standard QR25DE 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder is rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque (167 hp, 170 lb-ft CAL emissions), tuned to provide ample torque in the low-to-mid rpm range for smooth, powerful acceleration and quick initial response from a standing start. The engine features an aluminum block, reduced piston and piston ring friction and increased thermal efficiency (over the previous generation 2.5-liter engine design), 9.6:1 compression ratio, and large diameter intake port and exhaust manifold.
Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg City/27 mpg Highway for 2-wheel drive models and 21 mpg City/26 mpg Highway for all-wheel drive Rogues.
Every Rogue comes with a standard Nissan Xtronic CVT(TM), combining smooth, linear and responsive acceleration feel with high-efficiency operation. Rogue's CVT utilizes adaptive logic control and a high-speed central processing unit. Its advanced shift control offers the optimal shift pattern according to the driving situation and driver's demands, using input from driver operation, vehicle speed, road gradient, turning condition and acceleration force to adjust shifting patterns accordingly. Available paddle shifters provide an added level of sporty performance and driver control.
Rogue is available with an advanced, intuitive All-Wheel Drive system with yaw moment control or front-wheel drive. The system provides stable starts on dry or slippery roads and excellent all-weather performance and traction. Every Rogue also features standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS).
Rogue's standard 4-wheel independent suspension provides a balance of ride comfort and driving stability. The front suspension includes subframe-mounted independent struts with coil springs, high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs, and a stabilizer bar. The rear independent multi-link suspension includes aluminum-alloy upper links, high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs and stabilizer bar. The rear suspension design provides maximum luggage space (versus a rear strut design), as well as driving stability.
Responsive 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). Rogue S models come with 16-inch steel wheels and P215/70R16 tires, while 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/60R17 tires are standard on Rogue SL models.
Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; front seat Active Head Restraints; 3-point front/rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners, load limiters and adjustable upper anchors for front seating positions and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).
Every Rogue also offers child safety rear door locks; Zone Body construction featuring front and rear crumple zones and occupant zone; Nissan Immobilizer system and anti-theft alarm system; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
"Like all of our Nissan SUVs, including Armada, Pathfinder, Xterra and Murano, Rogue is ready for anything life offers," said Castignetti. "Distinctive style, roominess, ultra-functionality, 27 mpg highway fuel efficiency, exhilarating driving performance and outstanding value - Rogue has it all."