If you want to use a big word these days, say small. Automakers are heading into the small vehicle segment in large numbers.

For the first time, Nissan enters the small crossover SUV segment with the all-new 2008 Rogue, which rolled into dealerships in September.

There are two trims available, the S and the SL. I test-drove the base S model with a starting price of just $19,250. The vehicle looked a lot more expensive than its price tag. In terms of visual styling impressions, I could see much of the familial DNA in the Rogue that is found on the Nissan Murano.

I think it's smart of Nissan that the Rogue is so competitively priced in a segment that is flooded with lots of competition. Nissan's pricing strategy for the Rogue could give the compact crossover vehicle a leg up. But the thing that will really attract attention is the high-class look of the Rogue. Nissan's general manager said the Rogue needed to be an overachiever in this regard because the field is so crowded.

With its dynamically arched roof and bodylines and powerful shoulders, I could see right away the kinship to the Murano. The Rogue is a front-wheel drive car-based sport utility vehicle, hence its crossover designation. This small five-passenger vehicle does not compromise on utility. The Rogue is capable of fulfilling most all kinds of utility and functionality requirements that drivers in the SUV segment desire. A cargo organizer pops up from a hidden place under the cargo floor. A washable, removable tray is an available option that holds wet or muddy gear or tools.

The new Rogue has an electric power-assisted steering system and I found this vehicle to be surefooted and highly maneuverable with a curb-to-curb turning circle of 37 feet. Rogue sits on standard 16-inch wheels with 17 inchers offered as options.

The Rogue is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that is rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission.

The CVT looks like the automatic transmission layout with park-reverse-neutral-drive functions, but the driver will not feel or hear gear-hunting or shifting with the CVT. It's a smooth, linear acceleration. Since a manual transmission is not equipped on the Rogue, Nissan offers drivers who are looking for a level of sporty driving paddle shifters as an option. The EPA has estimated the fuel economy at 22 miles per gallon city and 27 mpg highway.

The driver-focused cockpit allows the operator of the vehicle to stay in command with easily accessible control functions highlighted by sporty red-orange illumination. The driver's seat can offer exceptional visibility with an available seat lifter than adds up to 2 inches of height adjustability to the seat. For drivers who want to upgrade the interior comfort and appearance of the Rogue, Nissan makes available several options, such as steering wheel-mounted redundant controls, Bluetooth hands-free phoning, leather-appointed seating, as well as heated seats and sideview mirrors.

The Rogue S and SL come standard equipped with anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, traction control and electronic stability control. Safety equipment includes active head restraints, roof-mounted curtain airbags for rollover head protection, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and dual-stage front airbags.

The uplevel Rogue SL starts at $20,670, and both Rogue models are offered with optional all-wheel drive. With the all-new Rogue, Nissan has a big chance to capture the small SUV segment.

SPECIFICATIONS

VEHICLE TYPE: 5-passenger CUV

BASE PRICE: $19,250

ENGINE: 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder w/SMPFI

DISPLACEMENT: 2.5-liter

HORSEPOWER (net): 170 at 6000 rpm

TORQUE (lbs.-ft.): 175 at 4400 rpm

TRANSMISSION: CVT

WHEELBASE: 106 in.

OVERALL LENGTH: 183 in.

OVERALL WIDTH: 71 in.

HEIGHT: 65 in.

TURNING CIRCLE: 37 ft.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,267 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY: 16 gal.

MILEAGE: 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway