Nissan Juke: prices and specifications
3 generations Country of origin: Japan
Nissan Juke
Nissan Juke became the fourth crossover of the Japanese brand and started the segment of compact urban B-class SUVs. The model name translates from English as "to bypass obstacles" or "to overcome barriers." The car is produced at the Nissan plant in Sunderland, UK.
The public debut of the production Nissan Juke took place in 2010 at the Geneva Motor Show. A year earlier, the Nissan Qazana concept car was shown there, which formed the basis of the production version. The design was developed by the brand's European technical bureau in the UK.
The car is built on the global Nissan B platform, which is used for all modern compact models of the brand. The exterior features rounded body shapes, high front pillars, non-standard headlights, a heavily sloping rear window, and muscular fenders. Inside, the center tunnel is styled like a motorcycle fuel tank.
In 2012, Nissan introduced the "charged" version Juke R, which was equipped with an engine from the GT-R sports car.
For the European market, the Juke was offered with two petrol engines (1.5 and 1.6 liters) and one Renault diesel engine with a volume of 1.5 liters.
Two 1.6-liter engines were supplied to the Ukrainian market: naturally aspirated and turbocharged. The naturally aspirated engine was paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, the turbocharged one with a six-speed manual. Both engines could optionally be combined with a continuously variable transmission Xtronic CVT. The base version is front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive All-Mode 4 could be ordered for an additional cost.
History
The production Nissan Juke debuted in 2010 at the Geneva Motor Show. The appearance almost completely repeated the Qazana concept car shown a year earlier. The design of the prototype was considered bold and futuristic, but Nissan decided to put it into production with minimal changes.
The Juke is built on the same Renault-Nissan alliance platform as the Renault Clio, Nissan Micra, and Nissan Note. The main difference is the increased track width (1525 mm).
In 2012, Nissan began developing the Juke R model. Initially, the car with a 545-horsepower engine from the GT-R was planned as a show-stopper for the Dubai Motor Show and was not intended for sale. However, the company later launched small-scale production of 20 units. The price of each started at 500,000 euros. Production took place in the UK. Buyers were found.
To fuel interest in the Juke as a base for customization and tuning, Nissan involved the sports division Nismo. In 2013, the Juke Nismo entered the market with a sporty body kit, corresponding interior, and a 200 hp engine.
At the end of 2013 and beginning of 2014, a factory customization program was launched for the Nissan Juke. The buyer could make the car brighter by choosing contrasting colors for mirrors, wheels, and other body elements.
In March 2014, the updated Nissan Juke was shown at the Geneva Motor Show. The appearance changed, new equipment and fresh body colors appeared, and the engine range expanded.
Exterior
The appearance of the Nissan Juke evokes either strong sympathy or rejection — it leaves no one indifferent.
The updated 2014 version received a different radiator grille, modified front and rear bumpers. For an additional cost, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights could be installed.
Turn signal repeaters appeared in the side mirrors. The rear lights also changed.
The 2014 Nissan Juke received three new body colors and new alloy wheels. For customization, exterior mirrors, sills, spoiler, and door handles could be ordered in a different color.
Interior
The interior of the updated Juke is almost no different from its predecessor. The same front panel, instrument cluster, and center tunnel shaped like a motorcycle fuel tank.
A panoramic roof appeared in the options list.
Despite unchanged dimensions, Nissan specialists managed to increase the trunk volume. Changing the shape allowed the useful volume to reach 564 liters.
The interior looks modern and stylish. The plastic is hard but looks decent. There are enough compartments for small items. There are almost no complaints about ergonomics — only the audio system control buttons on the steering wheel require getting used to.
The front seats have pronounced lateral support and are moderately soft. Up front, the Juke feels quite large and high — this is facilitated by the seating position and the headlights that "flow" onto the hood.
There is little space in the back. With a tall driver and front passenger, rear passengers will feel cramped — their legs will press against the backs of the front seats.
Engine and Transmission
The first generation Nissan Juke was equipped with 1.6-liter petrol engines with 117 and 190 hp. A 1.5-liter diesel was available for Europe (not supplied to Ukraine).
After the update, the engine range became similar to that of the 2014 Nissan Qashqai. The naturally aspirated 1.6-liter 117-hp engine was replaced by a 1.2-liter petrol turbo engine DIG-T (115 hp, 190 Nm). The 1.6-liter turbo engine remained — it is based on the previous 190-hp unit but with increased torque.
A 1.5-liter turbo diesel with 110 hp (previous unit) is also available. The diesel version is not supplied to Ukraine.
The 2014 Nismo version develops 217 hp (previously 200 hp).
Transmissions — manual or continuously variable CVT. Drive — front or all-wheel. Juke Nismo — only with all-wheel drive.
Safety
The Nissan Juke underwent the Euro NCAP crash test about six months after the start of European sales, when it had already become a bestseller. The result — a maximum of 5 stars.
For adult occupant protection, the Juke scored 87 out of 100, for child safety — 81 points. Experts particularly highly rated the protection of three-year-old children.
The number of airbags ranges from 4 to 6 depending on the trim. Standard equipment includes ABS, ESP, and brake force distribution system.
Features
The Nissan Juke is especially popular among women and young families. In general, this compact SUV is aimed at young people.
Thanks to its compactness and ground clearance, the Juke is convenient in the city — it easily overcomes curbs and bumps. The interior is not the most spacious, the trunk is not record-breaking, but for parents with a small child, the car is sufficient.
Popularity in Ukraine
Until 2014, the Nissan Juke sold well in Ukraine — there was occasionally a shortage, cars were brought in on prepayment.
In 2014, demand decreased due to currency fluctuations and price increases in hryvnia. Nevertheless, the model remained among the most popular compact crossovers.
Our Verdict
If you want to stand out or need an economical and practical car, you should consider the Nissan Juke. The ground clearance of 180 mm allows you to drive on Ukrainian roads without problems. Compactness will come in handy in the city, which is especially important for women.
