On the eleventh of February, 2010, the Nissan Juke was unveiled, three weeks earlier than the Geneva Motor Present. Its polarizing design was its fundamental speaking level and for 9 lengthy years, it rolled out of factories in each Japan and the UK.
Lastly, in 2019, the second-generation Juke hit the market and we’re blissful to report that it’s not the eyesore it as soon as was.
Underpinning the brand new mannequin is identical CMF-B platform underpinning the likes of the Renault Captur and Renault Clio. This platform makes use of high-strength metal and if Nissan’s advertising and marketing materials is to be believed, improves the SUV’s efficiency credentials.
All 4 variants of the 2020 Juke out there in Australia include the identical 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine making 112 hp (84 kW) and 133 lb-ft (180 Nm) of torque. Working alongside this engine is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that drives the entrance wheels. Kicking off the Australian vary is the ST, adopted by the ST+, the ST-L and the flagship Ti that we just lately examined.
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Priced from AU$39,490 (US$30,641) together with on-road prices, the 2020 Juke Ti actually seems like good worth for the cash and a fast learn of the spec sheet previous to choosing up our tester actually intrigued me. Customary options embrace a Bose audio system with audio system within the entrance headrests, quilted and leather-based entrance seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite tv for pc navigation, digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a rear view digital camera, adaptive cruise management, LED headlights, and even ambient lighting.
A stunning cabin
I wasn’t left disillusioned when moving into the cabin for the primary time. Actually, I used to be very impressed, particularly contemplating the SUV’s beginning value. The driving place is good and the plush Alcantara inserts throughout the dashboard, door panels, and middle console add a stage of luxurious that you just gained’t discover in lots of different autos like this.
Admittedly, the infotainment system is much from probably the most responsive available on the market and has the identical lackluster UI as different Nissan fashions. Nonetheless, I shortly forgot concerning the touchscreen’s shortcomings once I linked my cellphone and performed some music. The eight-speaker Bose sound system is nice, offering the kind of crisp and clear audio you’ll usually solely anticipate from a extra premium car. The extra audio system within the headrests could appear to be nothing greater than a advertising and marketing ploy to entice audiophiles however belief me, they do add to the audio expertise and aren’t simply there for present – though they do look reasonably cool.
Second row passengers can also be impressed. Rear seat room is sweet, even for taller passengers, and the seats have the identical funky leather-based and Alcantara design because the entrance. Heck, there’s even Alcantara on the rear door panels. There aren’t any air vents, nevertheless, which is a little bit of a disgrace. Cargo house sits at 422 liters (14.9 cubic toes) and with the rear seats dropped that will increase to 1,305 liters (46 cubic toes).
The aforementioned 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine ought to, based on official figures, return a claimed 5.8L/100 km (40.5 U.S. MPG) on the mixed cycle though throughout our week with the automobile it returned 6.9L/100km (34 U.S. MPG), a quantity that’s nonetheless very respectable. It additionally handles on a regular basis driving duties very nicely.
With figures of 112 hp and 133 lb-ft, the Juke Ti isn’t quick however it’s greater than satisfactory to zip round city roads and tackle lengthy freeway jaunts. Many of the occasions, you don’t want as a lot energy in a automobile as many automakers would love you to consider and contemplating the Juke has a curb weight of simply 1,274 kg (2,808 lbs), we by no means yearned for extra oomph.
Throttle response is sweet and like many different three-cylinder engines, this one delivers fairly a nice soundtrack. With that being stated, it could really feel somewhat tough at occasions. Talking of tough, there’s the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
A conventional automated could be higher.
As spectacular because the engine is, the transmission is the Achilles heel of the brand new Nissan Juke. Getting off the road easily shortly turns into a chore because the seven-speed merely refuses to function in a easy and linear method. The jerkiness and hesitancy of the gearbox is most evident throughout low-speed driving, specifically via parking tons and ends in a car that’s irritating to drive at something under 6 mph (10 km/h).
Issues do enhance whenever you’re on the transfer. The Juke has well-weighted and direct steering, permitting you to completely place it via corners. The chassis can also be reasonably keen on sporty driving and gives good suggestions. Whereas some buyers will little doubt be shocked by the comparatively agency experience, we suspect many will prefer it.
It could be remiss of us to not briefly discuss concerning the exterior design of the new Juke. Whereas the outdated automobile had many detractors, the brand new mannequin is an enormous enchancment and appears even higher within the flesh than it does in pictures. The front-end is simply as placing because the first-generation Juke however additionally it is rather more refined and grown-up. The LED daytime operating lights are an particularly good function and in addition add to the premium really feel of the SUV.
Our favourite angle of the brand new Juke is the aspect. The 19-inch black and silver wheels of the Ti variant look good and the sharp physique creases operating alongside the doorways catch the attention. The roofline and squared-off rear haunches additionally swimsuit the enjoyable persona of the Juke.
It’s no secret that Nissan has been struggling in recent times and with the second-generation Juke, it might have gotten away with merely tweaking the unique and calling it a day. It didn’t try this, although, however as a substitute left no stone unturned in growing it. The brand new Juke is an efficient crossover and can little doubt show fashionable amongst youthful consumers.
