Preview by Justin Pritchard, photos courtesy Nissan
After the original captured the hearts of auto reviewers and the dollars of countless Canadian shoppers for years, the next generation of Nissan’s spunky little Rogue compact ute has officially been revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
The original Rogue replaced the X-Trail in Nissan’s Canadian lineup, enjoying a successful sales jaunt from 2008 and on and earning plenty of awards and praise in the process.
   2014 Nissan Rogue. Click image to enlarge |
As promised, Nissan has just unveiled the next-generation Rogue ahead of its sales launch at the end of the year. The location? The Frankfurt Auto Show – where the production-ready model wore an X-Trail badge as it does in numerous global markets.
The new Rogue leverages global design and engineering resources and rides a Common Module Family (CMF) platform that was jointly developed by Nissan and Renault. This architecture allows for easy implementation of global best practices and will allow the new Rogue/X-Trail to be available in some 190 countries. Rogue is the first new Nissan model to be built on the CMF platform architecture and more models will likely follow.
“There is growing demand for compact SUVs around the world due to their user-friendly combination of right-sized exteriors, flexible interior utility and low environmental impact,” said Brian Thomas, Director of Marketing at Nissan Canada.
“With this exciting, innovative, all-new design, Nissan is aggressively targeting increased sales and share in every market, including Canada. By sharing development costs while adapting powertrains, designs and equipment offerings for each specific region, Nissan has been able to add features and technologies while keeping prices affordable, it’s a guaranteed winner.”
Styling is now Pathfinder-esque, with a pronounced centre grille garnish in chrome drawing the eyes inwards. A deep and tall lower bumper vent works with integrated grille openings to suggest performance breathing and airflow management, while chrome trim on the fog lamps and front lip dial up the classiness. Designers specified exposed wheel-arch covers for a rugged and capable look, too.
Standard LED running lights and available LED headlights bring the Rogue’s illumination offerings to the front of the pack, and an available panoramic moonroof and powered tailgate allow for easy access to sunshine and cargo loading, respectively.
On board, Rogue’s interior boasts plenty of contrasting colors, textures and surfaces accented by metallic trim and numerous displays and interfaces. Interior styling language is markedly similar to that of the new Sentra and Pathfinder—upscale and inviting but easy-to-use and understated all at once.
   2014 Nissan Rogue. Click image to enlarge |
Numerous thoughtful touches abound, and shoppers can expect a cabin that hits above its weight where design and feature content is concerned.
In fact, when the new-for-2014 Rogue goes on sale, those shoppers will be presented with optional three-row seating and an extensive array of connectivity and safety technologies that bring it in line with other new Nissan models. Nissan Connect, the goof-proof Around-View parking monitor, Blind Spot Monitoring and text-message read-out functionality are among some of the feature highlights.
Premium touches include Fine-Vision electroluminescent gauges, cabin microfilter, LED interior lighting, dual-zone climate control and a new heated seat system that instantly sets tootsies ablaze before warming the rest of its users hindquarters.
At launch, there’s nothing revolutionary under the hood – the 2014 Rogue will remain motivated by a 2.5L four-cylinder with 170 horsepower. Engineers say revisions to the XTronic CVT transmission make it about 10 percent more efficient than the unit in the currently available Rogue, though final fuel consumption figures are yet to be confirmed. Front- or all-wheel-drive variants will be available. Sorry stick-shift fans –looks like this Rogue will come automatic only. No surprise there.
No mention yet of a hybrid-powered variant, perhaps using the 2.5L supercharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor combo that’s coming for the Pathfinder and Infiniti Q50.
