Looks like Nissan has yet another name to use in marketing their cars – Krom (pronounced “chrome”). You might have heard it attached to the Nissan Cube name. Now, it finds its way to the 2010 Nissan Rogue

The Krom badge is part of Nissan’s Specialty Vehicle Group. It simply adds another trim level to the choices for a particular model. It basically accessorizes the car with either sport packages or, in the case of the Cube, electronics.

For the Rogue, Krom slaps on a sport styl;ing package which include 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels complete with Continental Conti 4×4 Contact tires, a new front fascia with fog lights and a new sport-tuned exhaust.

Powering the Rogue Krom is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with CVT dishing out 170 hp. The car is equipped with ABS and 4-wheel disc brakes.

Source: Nissan

Japanese manufacturers have lately been fussing about their crossover offerings. Honda has its CR-V and Toyota has its RAV4 and both are doing quite well. Nissan joins the fray with one of their latest offering and their latest in the crossover market – the Nissan Rogue.

We’ve seen it debut in the Detroit Auto Show and it does seem like it’s targeted to compete with the CR-V and even the Hyundai Santa Fe (in terms of looks). The Rogue (the base Rogue S and swankier Rogue SL versions) gets a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine (dishing out 170 horses) mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Flappy paddle gearboxes are optional.

But aside from the looks and the specs, it’s the price that really takes a jab at Honda. Initially stated to start at around twenty grand, Nissan announced that the Rogue will start under that price. This competes heavily with the MSRPs of the CR-V ($21,195) and the RAV4 ($21,635) and would definitely give those other crossovers a run for their money. In terms of consumer appeal, it’s the price that would definitely make it one to be considered.

Source: Winding Road