EXTREME MAKEOVER

2014 NISSAN ROUGE

NASHVILLE — Despite its popularity in Canada, the Rogue was due for a makeover, and got an extreme one. In a big market segment where every mainstream manufacturer offers at least one model, Nissan has ambitious expectations.

The old Rogue’s cute- ute look was ditched in favour of a far more sophisticated design. Nissan’s artists created a crossover that boasts an organic shape, with sleek and dynamic sheetmetal as well as elegant stylistic touches. The new Rogue looks much bigger than the old one, but marginally is; it gained about a hundred pounds, but its aerodynamic drag is said to be reduced by 10 percent.

Although the 2014 Nissan Rogue’s 2.5L four- cylinder engine is virtually unchanged, the continuously variable automatic ( or CVT) gearbox has been reworked for smoother operation and providing the feel of a conventional automatic. The engine still isn’t very melodious, but its output of 170 hp and 175 lb- ft is sufficient for the everyday grind.

As before, front- drive and all- wheel- drive versions will be offered, and every version now includes some new electronic aids destined to make the drive safer and easier. Active Trace Control can gently pinch the inner or outer brakes during hard cornering to help smooth out the vehicle’s trajectory, while Active Ride Control uses engine torque and brake pressure to improve ride comfort when the vehicle’s body is in motion at speeds over about 40 km/ h.

In addition, the 2014 Nissan Rogue is much more efficient. All- wheel- drive models are rated at 8.2/ 6.2 L/ 100km city/ highway, respectively.

The Rogue’s cockpit is a much nicer place to spend time, thanks to richer materials, more comfortable seats and a classy new design. Cargo space is up, reaching a maximum volume of 1,982 litres which places it among the class leaders, and a new cargo organizing system called Divide ‘ n Hide enhances versatility.

The new Rogue will still offer three trim levels: S, SV and SL. Compared to the outgoing model, all trims gain a few standard features, while a NissanConnect infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, a blind- spot monitor and lanedeparture warning are newly available commodities.

A third- row seat is now optional in the mid- level SV trim; unsurprisingly, climbing in and out is a challenge, and there just isn't any room back there.

Nissan Canada hasn’t yet announced how much the 2014 Rogue will cost when it goes on sale in December. All they could tell us is that the crossover’s base price will be “compelling.” We’ll guess that means a slight price drop to about $ 23K, while a loaded SL would go for about $ 31K.