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Although auto sales have taken a huge plunge over the past few months, including some of Nissan’s most-popular models, the company’s new Rogue crossover has been one of the exceptions.

In January, one of the worst months for auto sales in the past 30 years, the Rogue posted a 6.8 percent gain in sales over the same month last year.

That’s really no surprise to me, especially after my week spent driving the 2009 Rogue recently.

Introduced in fall 2007, the Rogue quickly became one of the top sellers in its segment. It competes against the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the top two import brands in the small-crossover market, as well as against such entries as the Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Escape and Saturn Vue.

But unlike most of its competitors, the Rogue doesn’t have a boxy SUV-style design; it’s more like a sleek wagon. Clearly, though, the Rogue’s exterior is a break from the shape of the typical SUV. That’s also true for the midsize Nissan Murano crossover, which appeared six years ago with breakaway styling similar to that of the Rogue.

Although the soft exterior isn’t exactly masculine like that of the Nissan Pathfinder or Xterra SUVs, the Rogue’s styling, along with its sporty handling characteristics, give it a broader appeal than vehicles such as the RAV4 and CR-V, which have a predominance of female buyers.

The Rogue comes only with a four-cylinder engine, while most of its competitors have available V-6s. That could have been an issue in attracting male buyers, but with the gasoline price craziness of the past year, everyone has been looking for smaller, more fuel-efficient engines.

On our test vehicle, the 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder was more than adequate for everyday use, even on some mountain roads. Rated at 170 horsepower and 175 foot-pounds of torque, the engine is the same one used in the sporty version of the Nissan Sentra compact sedan, upon whose chassis the Rogue is based. The engine and transmission are the same used in the base Altima midsize sedan, as well.

The engine is on par with the 166-horsepower four-cylinder in the CR-V, the leading import compact crossover. As with the Rogue, no engine upgrade is offered in the Honda.

Rogue’s EPA ratings are 22 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway with front-wheel drive, and 21 city/26 highway with the optional all-wheel drive.

Rogue prices begin at $20,220 (plus $780 freight) for the front-drive S model. But our test vehicle was the uplevel SL front-wheel-drive version (base price $21,810). With options and freight, the sticker price totaled $26,120.

All-wheel drive versions start at $21,420 for the S model, and $23,010 for the SL.

The Rogue has just two rows of seats, with a capacity of five people. Some in this class now have an optional third row, such as the RAV4 and Outlander.

The all-wheel drive isn’t a big seller here in Texas, but it has its advantages even in the Sun Belt. It’s great for wet roads, but it also helps the vehicle hold the road in tight curves even on dry pavement.

And even though it doesn’t have low-range gearing for serious off-road use, it will allow the Rogue to operate very well on most unpaved state and national park roads. If you’re into serious trail driving, though, you’ll want the Xterra, which has a true off-road four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case.

All Rogues come with a continuously variable automatic transmission. No manual gearbox is offered, which is another clue that Nissan really is targeting this vehicle as a family vehicle. Some consumers looking for a sportier vehicle are more likely to want a manual transmission, although traditionally the takers for manual gearboxes are few – usually under 5 percent.

The Rogue is 182.9 inches long and has a 105.9-inch wheelbase. That compares with 181.5 inches long for the RAV4, and 178.7 for the Xterra. It’s one of the longest in the compact crossover segment, which translates into the roomiest interior.

Electronic stability control is standard, along with four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Stability control helps prevent the vehicle from going out of control and into a potential rollover situation.

Also among the safety features are seat-mounted side air bags for the driver and front passenger, and roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for all outboard passengers.

Standard are 17-inch alloy wheels, power windows/mirrors/door locks with remote, tilt steering wheel, and a four-speaker AM/FM/compact-disc audio system.

Inside, the Rogue features large, easy-to-read instruments with reddish-orange illumination. There is a large center console, and a very large glove box.

A 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat allows for expansion of the cargo area.

There is a cargo organizer in the rear that pops up from under the floor with the push of a button. It has a washable bin that is designed for wet or dirty items such as bathing suits or muddy boots.

Our vehicle came with the premium package ($1,930), which added a Bose audio system with seven speakers and six-disc CD changer; trip computer; steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; XM satellite radio; Bluetooth hands-free phone system; keyless entry and pushbutton start; front fog lights; xenon headlights; foldable cargo organizer; and a cargo cover.

We also had the moon roof ($950) and floor mats ($110).

The window sticker for our tester said it also came with a Garmin/Nuvi portable navigation system ($540), but it was nowhere to be found, so we didn’t get to try it out. But there was this odd-looking black plastic connector for it that stuck up about an inch and a half out of the top of the dash, a few inches left of center, on the driver’s side.

Also available, although not included on our vehicle, is a leather package ($1,950), which brings leather seats, heated front seats, six-way power driver’s seat, universal garage/gate opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and heated outside mirrors.

A roof-rail system with detachable crossbars is available for $230, and a towing package is $450.

The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Star-Telegram since 1995. Contact him at 210-250-3236; chambers@star-telegram. com.

2009 Nissan Rogue

The package: Five-door, five-passenger, front- or all-wheel-drive, four-cylinder, compact crossover utility vehicle.

Advantages: Nissan’s first compact crossover has edgy styling, a roomy interior, and a long list of standard amenities.

Negatives: No V-6 engine upgrade offered for more power, or manual transmission for better fuel economy.

Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder.

Transmission: Continuously variable automatic.

Power/torque: 170 HP./175 foot-pounds

Length: 182.9 inches.

Curb weight: 3,267-3,460 pounds.

Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.

Side air bags: Front seat-mounted; side-curtain for both rows.

Electronic stability control: Standard.

Cargo volume: 28.9 cubic feet (behind 2nd seat).

Fuel capacity/type: 15.9 gallons/unleaded regular.

EPA fuel economy: 22 mpg city/27 highway (front-wheel drive); 21/262 (all-wheel drive).

Major competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Outback, Chevrolet Equinox, Saturn Vue, Pontiac Torrent, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, Mazda Tribute, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson.

Base price range: $20,220-$23,010 plus $780 freight.

Price as tested: $26,120 including freight and options (SL front-drive model with premium package, moon roof and more).

On the Road rating: 8.4 (of a possible 10).

Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.