2012 Rogue compact SUV adds unique safety feature

The 2012 Nissan Rogue compact SUV returns with upgrades from 2011 and a new limited edition model along with a big safety upgrade.

“The 2012 Rogue is the first non-luxury vehicle in the United States to offer the unique, Around View Monitor feature, which utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras – mounted on the front, side and rear of the vehicle – to provide a virtual 360-degree view of objects around the vehicle, helping to maneuver it in tight spots,” said Al

Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

Under the Hood

Standard Rogue models come with a 2.5-liter dual-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine that puts out 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The engine is rated with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

All-wheel drive is available and adds to vehicle performance in off-road and slippery driving conditions. All-wheel drive models get an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission is standard on all models. The “Sport Mode” switch is new for 2012.

Every Rogue model comes with fully independent suspension on all four wheels. The front suspension is handled by independent struts with coil springs, and rear suspension is a multi-link setup.

Comfort and Convenience

New for 2012 is the Special Edition model, which in

cludes steering wheel-mounted audio system controls, a rear-view camera, a 4.3-inch audio display, USB connectivity, satellite radio, and fog lights.

Optional comfort and convenience features include Xenon headlights, power sliding glass moonroof, heated seats, leather-appointed seating surfaces and a six-way power front seat.

Drivers can haul plenty of cargo with the Rogue’s 57.9 cubic feet of space. Optional roof rails can add to the storage capability.

Drivers can choose an available seven-speaker Bose audio system, and other optional features include a navigation system with a 5-inch color touch-screen display and a rear-view monitor.

A standard computer lets drivers know how long they can travel on their current tank of gas, average fuel economy, average speed and outside temperature.

Safety

All Rogue models come with Nissan’s advanced airbag system with two-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and roof-mounted curtain airbags. Also standard are front-seat active head restraints and three-point seatbelts  with front-seat pretensioners and LATCH system for lower mounting of child seats.

Vehicle dynamic control and traction control are standard on all Rogue models. Standard safety equipment also includes electronic power-assisted steering and all-wheel antilock disc brakes with power assist and electronic brake force distribution.

In addition, tire pressure monitors, front and rear crumple zones and rear-door child locks are standard safety features.