Driveway - Driveway February 14, 2014

Friday, February 14, 2014

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Richmond Review · Page 13

Welcome to the driver’s seat

Visit the 2014 Rogue gallery at DrivewayBC.ca

Roguish luxury at an economy price signals, plus available power lift gate Mont Tremblant, Quebec – The and an optional panoramic moon roof.

2014 Nissan Rogue is the newest entry The dimensions of this new Rogue are to the fastest growing segment in Caa bit of an optical allusion, as it looks nadian auto market – the compact SUV. much bigger than the outgoing model The sales leaders are the Ford Escape, but, in fact, is 25mm shorter. Yes, the Honda CR-V, Toyota RV4 and many, width and height have increased but many others. There is no mistaking this small SUV looks longer because the why these products have become so wheelbase has been stretched to make popular. They offer room for a family of rom for an optional third row of seats. four, with a high seating position that drivers and passengers like, plus plenty Inside of room for cargo and a price that’s not Nissan has done a good job of delivering too outlandish. a pleasant looking dash with the feaThe fact that these station wagon-retures people really want. Just because placements have become so popular this isn’t a mid-sized SUV, doesn’t mean is also the dramatic that Canadians don’t improvement in fuel want the finer things. economy these companies The middle SV trim will have been able to achieve. be the most popular due No longer does a family to 17-inch alloy wheels, have to give up huge fog lights, heated seats, dollars on fuel to drive a power driver’s seat and small SUV. a huge panoramic moon And what makes this roof for $26,748 in FWD new Nissan Rogue so The objective and $2,000 more in AWD. interesting is the level of To get the three-row with this new Rogue refinement and capability version the SV needs for up to seven passengers was to be noticed to be equipped with over three rows of seats. and provide a level the $2,050 Family Tech To test this new entry, Package which might of refinement and Nissan held its launch be worth the stretch event in and around Mont creature comforts that because it really does Tremblant, Que., getting the competition isn’t amp up the goodies. They a real taste of sub-zero, include the third row of providing winter, Canadian driving. seats that makes this a

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Zack Spencer

Looks Last year, Nissan introduced the bigger mid-sized Pathfinder SUV and this smaller Rogue shares many styling cues from its bigger brother. This, in my opinion, is a good idea. It has a sense of purpose, sophistication and commonality that helps define Nissan’s brand. Nissan wants to portray “everyday premium” with this new Rogue, including such nice touches as LED daytime running lights, wheel arch extensions, integrated mirror turn

7-passenger SUV. Granted, the third row is tight but perfect for those occasional times when extra family members are in town. In addition, this package includes navigation, a 7-inch touch screen monitor, power lift gate, blind-spot detection system, and lane departure warning system. These really are premium features found only in luxury SUVs just a few short years ago. Unfortunately, the top SL trim is only available in a two-row 5-seat configuration because

Question OF THE WEEK:

Should winter tires be compulsory on all vehicles during the winter season?

Please explain why you have made that decision.

?

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

it was felt the price would be too high for compact SUV buyers.

Drive As hard as it might be to believe, this new, larger and slightly heavier (49kg) Rogue is actually more fuel-efficient than the last model. They were able to improve the economy by 18 per cent through the introduction of a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), aerodynamic tricks, and letting the carried-over engine breathe a bit better.

Still rated at 170hp, the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine does a good job in city driving, thanks to the gearing of the new CVT but can seam a bit underpowered for higher, passing manouevre on the highway. Overall, the person filling the new Rogue up with fuel will welcome this balance of efficiency and everyday drivability.

As part of the winter driving experience, I drove on an ice course in Macaglisse, Que., to highlight the vehicle’s stability system and the Active Trace Control feature. On the first run, through the twisty, sheer ice roads the entire system was shut off. As I crested a hill, then made a hard right turn, the Rogue slid all

the way out to the edges of the corner, almost hitting the opposing snow bank.

On the second run, with the advanced systems on, the same road was almost uneventful. The stability and traction control kept the wheels from spinning but the Trace Control System provides just a slight amount of brake force to the inside wheels to help the Rogue navigate the sheet ice with confidence.

Verdict The objective with this new Rogue was to be noticed and provide a level of refinement and creature comforts that the competition isn’t providing.

The pricing is fantastic, especially the middle SV models. The larger interior dimensions will always be welcome, as buyers like to get more for their money, but it is still small and efficient enough for city buyers.

The Lowdown Power: 2.5L 4-cylinder with 170hp Fill-up: 8.2L/6.2L/100km (city/highway AWD) Sticker price: $23,498-$33,098 zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca

Go to drivewayBC.ca to submit your answer.

Safety Tip: Distracted driving is the third leading cause of car crash fatalities in our province, which is why police are out in full force this month as part of a province-wide distracted driving campaign. According to one recent study, texting while driving makes you 23 times more likely to be in a crash.

Find more online at

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Page 14 · Richmond Review

Friday, February 14, 2014

driveway

Adventures in leaving Detroit and trusting your GPS Keith hitched a ride, honest.) My wish was not yet coming true.

The digital road sign Finally, we were on above warned: “Changing some sort of highway.

Roads Ahead. Do not rely But no signs to a border solely on GPS.” popped up for miles and I felt like it was speakmiles. We even pulled ing directly to me as I had over a couple of times suffered anxiety ever since After the in the all-new 2014 Jeep Driveway editor Keith Cherokee Limited to Morgan climbed into the excitement of the Jeep Cherokee and we left 2014 North American check our smartphones to see if we were heading in downtown Detroit, head- International Auto the right direction. ing north to Toronto.

Show, I was looking We were, but I guess North, ahem, yes. The forward to the long I was just looking for tunnel to Canada was a a sign. A sign that said stone’s throw away from and painfully boring “Canada” on it. our launch point. drive back . . . my But no, we got this I was thinking it would instead: “State Prison route me the same way I wish was not yet Nearby. Do NOT Pick Up got down to Motown, via coming true.

Hitchhikers.”

Windsor and through the Alexandra Straub Gulp. tunnel.

Keith and I looked over at each other Why the GPS didn’t? – I’m not sure. and laughed nervously.

Clearly it knew something we didn’t.

Oh gosh, what have we gotten ourNeedless to say, the mechanical selves into? – Regardless, we were in it woman’s voice echoing through the together so it was bound to be eventful. premium speakers certainly did give us I forgot to mention, my fuel was geta scenic tour of the area. And by scenic ting low, too, and I had a flight to catch I mean, she guided us through some out of Pearson. No need to panic, I think. rather dodgy areas, characterized by When you’re in these kinds of situapoorly maintained roads, broken down tions, you say things that you normally buildings and dejected looking people.

After the excitement of the 2014 North wouldn’t say.

“I will be so happy when we are back American International Auto Show, I was in Ontario,” is a phrase not often uttered looking forward to the long and painby a B.C. resident. But it fell from my fully boring drive back. (That’s before

by Alexandra Straub

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NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS

WITH THE PURCHASE OF SELECT NEW VEHICLES

2014 Jeep Cherokee. lips.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, right?

The one thing that remained steadfast and calm throughout the craziness was the Jeep Cherokee.

The leather-trimmed seats were plush and comfortable to sit in for hours on end.

When I started veering off the straight

and narrow – aka out of my lane – the lane departure warning would gently lead me back into place.

And since it was frigid outside – Ontario and Michigan in January is anything but tropical – features like a remote starter, heated seats, a heated steering wheel and dual climate zone controls keep occupants toasty warm.

Not to mention there was a generous

amount of power being delivered from its 3.2L, Pentastar V6 engine, which is rated at 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. It’s then linked to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

And with 4x4 capabilities, I was ready to brave the winter conditions, on bare roads or not.

Luckily, it was a beautiful day, with few clouds in the sky and clear roads.

Things were looking good.

Then it happened. A sign. A sign to Canada nonetheless. Looks like we’d been routed through Sarnia. I was doing a little happy dance on the inside.

Did I doubt the GPS’s ability to lead?

I sure did. Then again, it’s not out of my character to question authority. As we handed the CBSA our passports, all I could think about was finding a fuel station before we got stranded.

And yes, I was very happy to be in Ontario. But I’d be happier when I knew I was on a plane to Vancouver. Yet, I was thoroughly enjoying my time in the Cherokee, quirky styling and anxiety aside.

It had an ability to somewhat calm my woes due to its temperate nature. The quiet cabin allowed for wonderful conversations, whether it was with myself, with the GPS or with Keith.

In addition, I managed to learn a lot from road signs. I will not wholeheartedly rely on the GPS and will not pick up hitchhikers in Michigan.

Alexandra.straub@drivewaybc.ca

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Friday, February 14, 2014

Richmond Review · Page 15

driveway

Juke is extraordinarily out of the ordinary

by Bob McHugh Nissan Juke 2011 to 2013 If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, then check out a Nissan Juke.

It was described by Nissan as a sport cross-utility vehicle, when introduced for the 2011 model year.

The Juke is not big or pricey; it has (let’s say) distinctive styling lines and it packs a hot little engine under hood that also provides excellent fuel economy.

It is short in length yet tall in stature and has a wide stance with short front/rear body overhangs.

The round headlights were rally car-inspired and are topped by distinctive “crocodile eye” light combinations. From a side view, the Juke has a two-door coupe look with “hidden” rear door handles.

Even a base SV trim level of Juke comes surprisingly well equipped with alloy wheels, keyless entry, air conditioning, 4-wheel disc brakes, stability control, steering wheel audio controls, heated side mirrors, a security system, Bluetooth and audio connectivity.

The sweetest part of the package is the turbocharged (with intercooler) 1.6-litre direct injection, 16-valve engine. Power peeks at an impressively high 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. While its fuel economy ratings are a super-frugal 7.3/6.1 L/100 km (city/highway), this engine does prefer pricier premium fuel.

An optional all-wheeldrive (AWD) system comes with a torque-vectoring feature on the rear axle.

Under normal driving conditions, it directs all drive power to the front wheels for best fuel economy. It can (automatically) vary drive up to an equal split between the front and rear axles.

An I-Con display with a drive mode selector, which offers different throttle/ transmission/steering response settings, comes with the higher SL trim level. This trim also includes fog lights, a power moonroof, push-button start and climate control air conditioning. A 6-speed manual transmission was standard with the front-drive models and the automatic is a CVT type.

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The Juke is not big or pricey; it has (let’s say) distinctive styling lines and it packs a hot little engine under hood that also provides excellent fuel economy.

Bob McHugh

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Despite Juke’s compact exterior dimensions, there’s seating space (with a bit of a squeeze) for five adults on the inside. The rear seat is a handy folddown 60/40-split bench that folds flat to provide an extended cargo floor.

Juke’s centre console is a motorcycle-inspired design that has a high-gloss (colour-matched) painted finish. The design and slope of the roof at the back, however, does limit rear vision from a driver perspective.

Juke carried-over into the 2012 model year virtually unchanged and had only minor alterations for 2013. The Navigation package includes a rear view monitor and a stereo upgrade (that was standard on Juke SL).

The NHTSA overall crash test safety rating (front/ side/rollover) for Juke was 4 out of 5 stars, with a 3 out of 5 stars in its frontal impact test. It received a coveted “recommended” buy rating from Consumer Reports and an overall “average” rating for reliability.

Daring to be different, the Nissan Juke is a fun vehicle to drive and an interesting vehicle option for those bored with conformist compact sedans.

Price Check: 2011 - 2013 Nissan Juke (January 2014) •2011 SV $15,000 to $18,000 •2012 SV $17,000 to $21,000 •2013 SV $19,000 to $23,000 Prices vary depending on a used vehicle’s condition, mileage, usage and history. A complete mechanical check should always be performed by a reliable auto technician prior to purchase.

Safety Recalls: 2011 to 2013 Nissan Juke: 2011: A weld at the boost sensor bracket may fail, allowing the bracket to separate from the air inlet tube. If this occurred, the engine would enter fail-safe driving mode with reduced motive power. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the air inlet tube assembly.

2011/2012: The fuel pressure sensor connected to the engine fuel delivery rail may not have been sufficiently tightened dur-

ing vehicle assembly and could leak. Dealers will inspect for fuel leakage from the pressure sensor, tightened to specifications or repair as necessary.

2012: The rear seat latch strikers (which secure the seat backrest in the upright position) may be faulty and could deform during a frontal vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury to rear seat occupants. Dealers will replace defective rear seat latch strikers. bob.mchugh@drive-

Nissan Juke.

TM