We test drive the Rogue Sport (used)

If you heard the name Rogue Sport you’d immediately think it were a turbo version of the Rogue. However, it’s more of a little brother to the Rogue. Competing with crossovers like the Honda HR-V and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Does the Rogue Sport offering a compelling reason to sway buyers away from some of the class best?

The sport tagline seems to be just added to spice the name up because the Rogue Sport really isn’t ‘sporty’ in the nearest form. The 2-liter four-cylinder is the sole engine for this vehicle and it only pumps out 141hp. The running costs are very low on this vehicle which should appeal to those who want a crossover but don’t want to break the bank. We just wish that Nissan offered the turbo engine from the Juke in the top of the range trim for those who may want the extra flexibility and well to be honest give the Rogue Sport a reason to call it a Rogue Sport. The engine isn’t bad at all, when you are driving at relaxed speeds and around town there’s plenty of pep in acceleration. It does feel a little sluggish on faster paced roads but it’s class average in horsepower figures and well if you want more power you’ll either have to get the Juke or step up to the more expensive Rogue.

Driving the Rogue Sport is sort of like every other compact crossover. It doesn’t feel as sharp to drive as the Mazda CX-3 and it certainly isn’t as agile either. It is very comfortable as a daily commuter car and we really love the crossover seating position. Visibility outward and around is good and the overall driving experience is more on the blah side, it does feel livelier than the Rogue but that’s mainly because of the size difference. It’s dinky dimensions makes squeezing around tight urban streets a breeze, however nothing beats the conventional hatchback. The driver’ seat and front passenger seats are very comfortable and offer decent support, while those in the second row will find both legroom and headroom is decent as well. The boot is about class average as well, it’s not the best but it does the job good enough.

Standard S trim gets rearview monitor, advanced drive-assist display and Bluetooth for your mobile device. You’ll have to step up to the SV trim to get 17-inch alloy wheels, push button ignition switch, power outside mirrors with LED turn signals and electrically operated driver’s seat with lumbar support. Top of the range SV trim gets 19-inch alloy wheels, navigation system, leather seats and Around View camera with moving object detection. All-wheel-drive is optional on all trims.

The Nissan Rogue Sport isn’t sporty but it does offer a very compelling package. It offers decent kit for the money and is very stylish, we just wish that Nissan induced more fun into the driving experience and also added the turbo engine from the Juke to standout more from the herd. It’s a great crossover with low running costs and should satisfy those who want a crossover but don’t want to break the bank.

Likes: A crossover that’s easy to park and live with in tight urban areas. Plus it has low running costs and decent standard kit; stylish inside out with a decent sized boot.

Dislikes: It’s not sporty and the engine feels anemic.

Devon’s Pick: The SV trim offers the best value for the money here. You can skip the all-wheel-drive as it’s not needed here, unless you just have to have the extra traction.

 If we could change anything: The Rogue Sport is already a decent crossover worthy of being shortlisted, however we wish that we could replace the engine in the SL with the 1.6 turbo from the Juke. Nissan would dominate the small crossover segment as it would be the only option for a turbo engine at a low price point. We know that the Juke exists but why not add an option for those who don’t like the way the Juke looks but still wants a fun to drive crossover that’s flexible and lives up to the ‘Rogue Sport’ name.

Devon tries to see if the Nissan Versa Note is a note worth playing (Used)

Don’t like the classy and well regarded Honda Fit. The Nissan Versa Note will tick all the right buttons; but does it hit all the right notes?

The sole engine on hand is a 1.6 which is pretty much all you’ll ever really need with the Versa. It does offer decent flexibility around town and you may find yourself thrashing the engine on the highway to keep up with faster paced traffic.  Running costs are actually quite good which does help justify the small amount of power the engine produces.

Drive it the way it was intended to be driven and you’ll find yourself in a very comfortable small car. Push it into a corner or bend and you’ll be quickly reminded that this is an economy car. Handling isn’t bad but there is way too much body roll and this is all due to the suspension being set more towards comfort than agility. Plus the steering feedback is just okay. You may want to take a look at the Ford Fiesta if you want a fun to drive small car. Refinement is good but it isn’t as great as the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit.

The driver’s seat does offer plenty of adjustments but the steering wheel only adjusts for height. There is plenty of space for four passengers and the interior feels pretty airy for such a small car. The boot space is decent too but with the seats folded down it’s even more spacious.

The saying goes you get what you pay for and the Versa Note is no exception. Standard S trim comes with air-con, cd-player and Bluetooth for your mobile phone. Sadly this is also the only trim that offers a five-speed manual gearbox. S-Plus trim adds CVT transmission, active grille shutters and dual power outside mirrors. You’ll have to step up to SV trim to get power windows and keyless entry as well as cruise control and USB connection for you iPod. SR trim adds alloy wheels, body-kit and unique interior trim. SL trim adds aluminum alloy wheels, keyless start and class-executive around view monitor.

The saving grace for the Versa Note is that it is cheap to buy and cheap to run. It may not hold its value as well as the Honda Fit, but for those that shop with their wallets won’t mind the somewhat average depreciation of the Versa Note and discounts will not be hard to come by. The interior isn’t anything to brag about but the materials feel very sturdy and long lasting. Plus Nissan consistently scores well in reliability.

All Versa Notes come with six-airbags, traction control and electronic stability program as well as anti-lock brakes and tire pressure monitoring system. Sadly not all versions get an immobilizer system to guard against theft.

The Nissan Versa Note is a great car for those who are on a budget and need a reliable and sensible car. It may not be as flexible as the Ford Fiesta or Honda Fit but it does the job well. Too bad you’ll have to pay for the options you’ll see standard on its rivals and it really doesn’t seem that much of a value either when you look at its standard kit. But for the price and the money you’ll save the Versa Note is a decent choice but not the best.

Devon’s Pick: SV trim adds comfort features such as power windows, keyless entry and cruise control. Buyers who want a manual gearbox are sadly stuck picking the very basically equipped S trim. But at least it offers Bluetooth which is rare in this price segment.

Likes: Overall it’s a decent car with low asking price and low running costs. The interior and boot space are both generous. A commuter car or workhorse this it really does tick the right buttons.

Dislikes: Keyless entry and power windows aren’t standard on all trims and not all trims get a manual gearbox option. SR trim has the looks but lacks the oomph; it doesn’t hit the right notes in refinement and SL trim is pricey for what it is.