A thoroughly competent SUV offering from Nissan. So when then, will it arrive in Malaysia?
Nissan has just unveiled a new iteration of its Rogue crossover in the United States.
Essentially an X-Trail that is renamed for the North American market, this mid-sized Nissan SUV is the latest in the long line of new vehicles under the company’s Nissan NEXT global transformation plan. Much like the announcement of the Ariya e-SUV and the Z Proto sports car, the new Rogue is launched in a bid to revitalise the automaker’s flagging fortunes and ageing lineup globally.
That said, it would appear that desperation really suits the Japanese automaker as this new Rogue looks to be a thoroughly decent mid-sized SUV. Enough to put up a challenge to the traditional stalwarts in the segment like the equally ageing Honda CR-V, or other more contemporary alternatives like the Mazda CX-5 or Volkswagen Tiguan.
From the outside, the new Nissan Rogue a relatively decent looking SUV. Starting at the front, the corporate V-motion front grille is flanked by multi-level LED headlights. There may be a strong resemblance to Mitsubishi’s design language here, especially in the lighting arrangement. However that is to be expected, as there are strong rumours that the next generation Mitsubishi Outlander will share its underpinnings with the Rogue.
Moving down the sides meanwhile, the new Rogue takes a more squared-off stance than the rounder current generation. Featuring a boxier side profile along with chunkier black plastic trim around the wheel arches and side sills. With sharper taillight clusters and a chunky black bumper, the rear design too is more aggressive than the outgoing iteration.
Stepping inside the new Rogue, three screens are now the new normal within this mid-sized SUV. Not only is there now a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, but also a 10.8 inch head-up display and a 9.0 inch floating central infotainment touchscreen with integrated wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Elsewhere in the interior, Nissan’s famously comfortable zero-gravity seats remain, complemented this time by a segment-first trim-zone climate control. Convenience features like Nissan’s Divide-n-Hide cargo organiser, keyless-go, a hands-free tailgate, and rear sunshades are standard across all variants, not to mention the active safety features like Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking and a 360º Surround View Camera.
Continuing on the topic of safety, the new Rogue is available with Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist. Combining steering assist and its radar-guided Intelligent Cruise Control, it essentially means that the Rogue can assist with acceleration, braking and steering inputs in both heavy traffic scenarios and out on the open highway. Moreover, on higher trim levels equipped with Nissan’s Door-to-Door Navigation System, the data from the navigation map can allow the Rogue ‘to proactively reduce speed for upcoming freeway curves or junctions and also help the driver slow for freeway exits’.
As for the powertrain, curiously however while other manufacturers are downsizing and turbocharging, the Rogue instead is only available with a naturally-aspirated 2.5 litre DOHC four cylinder. Saying that, this power plant does feature some clever engine innovations like direct injection and Nissan’s Mirror Bore Coating technology. Resulting in a respectable power figure of 181 hp and 245 Nm of torque. Drive is sent through a CVT gearbox to all four wheels through an enhanced Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system with five selectable drive modes: Off-road, Snow, Standard, Eco and Sport.
Thus far, the Nissan Rogue is only available in the left-hand drive market of North America. However what you see here will most likely be the next iteration of the Nissan X-Trail. The only thing now is when will it ever come to Malaysia? Nissan’s local lineup desperately needs a refresh, and while the Almera Turbo is set to change that, a new mid-sized SUV in this ever-booming segment locally should bring Nissan back into contention with the other big boys in the local car market.
PRESS RELEASE: The all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue crossover will arrive in showrooms across the U.S. later this month, marking the latest new model launch under the company’s global transformation plan, Nissan NEXT.
In the U.S, Nissan is looking to the future with dramatic new models such as the upcoming Ariya electric crossover SUV and the just-announced Z Proto. The company is updating its model lineup with fresh, exciting and innovative vehicles designed and engineered to thrill customers.
The all-new Rogue is one of the most advanced Nissan SUVs ever and represents one of the most comprehensive model redesigns in the company’s history. In addition to the bold new exterior style and refined, family-focused interior, the 2021 Rogue has the most standard safety technologies in its class. It features Nissan Safety Shield 360 standard across the entire lineup. The car’s all-new platform offers premium-level driving dynamics and robust passenger protection.
The 2021 Rogue was designed to meet the needs of a broad range of families and their needs, and it comes with dozens of new available Nissan technologies. A more powerful 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and new Vehicle Motion Control system make the Rogue more thrilling to drive. The new ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link provides assistance to reduce the stress of a crowded commute or a long highway drive. By linking ProPILOT Assist with navigation map data, the hands-on system can optimize vehicle speed for upcoming freeway curves, junctions and exits.
The exterior and interior design of the 2021 Rogue reflects the spirit of the vehicle – versatile, fun, adventurous and always rogue. The adventure-ready exterior combines athletic strength with a premium appearance. For the first time, the Rogue will be offered in five two-tone exterior color combinations.
