The name may be different, but the North American Nissan Rogue is the same auto that we see in Australia with X-Trail badges.
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Buyers in the United States snapped up 287,190 examples last year, making the compact SUV the second most popular model after the Altima in Nissan’s fleet, and this year’s tally is on track to be even higher. The design tweaks include a fresh approach to the V-Motion grille that gets the crossover very close to the refreshed Murano as it’s wider and also dips into the front fascia. It comes with new rectangular fog lamps as opposed to the circular ones in the outgoing version.
On the inside, the 2017 X-Trail will feature a brand new flat-bottom steering wheel, which made its debut with the India-bound Kicks. Safety is also paramount to Nissan, with new additions including the Forward Emergency Braking system with Pedestrian Detection and standard Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The previous lane departure warning also adds lane departure prevention. Combining a 30-kW motor and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine, the little SUV can record a consumption number of about 6.9 litres per 100 km. It also features a CVT and is available with front- or all-wheel drive.
Rogue Hybrid front drive models are estimated to have an EPA fuel economy rating of 33-mpg city/ 35-mpg highway and 34-mpg combined.
No confirmation has been given yet as to whether the cosmetic and drivetrain changes will be seen in Australia. As the American version is also manufactured in Japan, from where Nissan India will be importing the X-Trail through CBU (Completely Built Unit) route.
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Nissan’s Rogue has been huge hit for the automaker. Given the relative unpopularity of hybrids on local shores, it’s unlikely that the hybrid would be offered in South Africa. We’ve contacted Nissan Australia for clarification and will update this article with its response.
