Nissan’s brand new crossover targets Gen X couples and urbanites, and to do so, the automaker is boldly going where no front-end styling has gone before.
Big-wheel stance
Standard 17-inch alloy wheels, with aggressive Goodyear Eagle RS V-rated rubber. Wheels pushed to extreme corners of the vehicle for agility and aggressive stance. Same B platform as Versa and Cube. Shorter than Versa, but taller and wider.
Breaking news: It’s a turbo
The cheapest car you can buy to offer more than 100 horses per litre of engine displacement. A New 1.6-litre direct injection turbo I4 that’s good for 180hp and 170 “torques.”
Two transmissions: Six-speed manual (FWD models only); CVT “automatic” with a “manual” shift mode. Driver can dial in three throttle/transmission/steering settings. I drove it almost exclusively in Sport Mode, the fun mode. With a high power-to-weight ratio and lots of traction, the Juke is one quick and entertaining little crossover.
Motorcycle inspirations
Centre console mimics the profile and metallic shine of a motorcycle. Very cool, but cupholders only take one-size cups, and there’s not much storage space. The shifter is nice and high and easy to reach from steering wheel. Long list of features, including navigation and heated seats.
Is that a coupe?
A four-door that looks like a two-door. The rear door handle is at the top of the door. The roofline eats up headroom, but the backseat is still quite useful.
Where machine meets human
Juke introduces a new system for switching and accessing information. It features one main display with two main modes — climate and driving.
In-your-face facelift
The Front turn signal/parking light lamps actually rise above hood surface, like crocodile eyes. Low-mounted headlights inspired by auxiliary lamps fitted to rally cars.
