Nissan's range-topping Juke delivers surprising driver fun, though it could do with fewer bells and whistles.
In the Metal
Unlike its forgettable Micra relative you can't ignore the Nissan Juke's looks. It's a strange amalgam of Nissan styling, with the rear lights reminiscent of the 370Z's, the front sharing similarities with the Murano and the front lights and bonnet sharing some elements with the old Micra. It's an unusual mix that seems to work. There's no denying it won't be for everybody though.
The interior tries to convey the same flair as outside, but it's not quite as dramatic in reality. There's a motorcycle-inspired centre console, which depending on how you specify it can be finished in bright contrasting paint. There are too many hard finished plastics inside though, and the boot isn't particularly well packaged.
What you get for your Money
Sitting at the top of the Nissan Juke range, this 1.6 DiG-T 4x4 CVT model comes pretty well loaded as standard. There's a colour reversing camera, USB port and aux-in socket, 'intelligent' key, climate control, leather upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and Nissan's Dynamic Control System. Four-wheel drive is only offered in this specification too, which brings a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and, sadly, a CVT automatic gearbox. There's a manual transmission offered with the same engine, but you have to have to make do with front-wheel drive should you want to shift gears for yourself.
Driving it
With its wide stance the Nissan Juke corners decently enough. The 17-inch alloy wheels don't upset the ride as much as we'd anticipated. The suspension's actually nicely judged, being on the right side of firm for sportiness without ever getting to the harsh stage. The 187bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine drives all four wheels through a torque vectoring system much like that on Porsche's 911 Turbo. The Juke's 8.4-second 0-62mph time isn't quite in the same league as the Porsche, but it's respectably fast for the class.
The steering is quick if a little light on feel, though body control is decent. The engine is smooth enough, but the weak link in the entire driving experience is the CVT automatic. Like all CVTs it holds onto revs to work the engine efficiently. Use the Juke's Dynamic Control System in Sport and the CVT holds the engine at the redline when accelerating hard. It's not a pleasant experience; it sounds like you've got your foot jammed to the floor and you're slipping a clutch. The Dynamic Control System is overkill too, the choice of three modes of Normal, Eco and Sport little more than a gimmick in reality.
Worth Noting
This range-topping four-wheel drive model is something of an anomaly in the Nissan Juke line-up and will sell in tiny numbers. There's a 116bhp naturally aspirated model on offer too, while the 1.5-litre turbodiesel makes the most sense.
Summary
Nissan won big time with its genre-busting Qashqai and it's hoping that the Juke will sparkle with some of the same magic in the supermini sector. It might just do that, as it's easy to drive, comfortable and - depending on your opinion - a good looker. Forget this bells and whistles range topper though, as it brings little but pace over less powerful versions.
| Performance: 4Star Engine & Transmission: 3Star Ride & Handling: 4Star Fuel Economy: 3Star Tactility: 3Star Appearance: 4Star Interior: 3Star Safety: 4Star Value for Money: 4Star |
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Price: £19,995 on-the-road
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Top speed: 124mph
Combined economy: 37.2mpg
Emissions: 175g/km
Kerb weight: 1441kg
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