Over a decade ago, I recall the Juke concept car being unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. It was shockingly different but, as a showpiece and precursor for an all-new class of SUV, it was either loved, or loathed, but one aspect was certain, nobody seeing it forgot it. Revealed in production form nine years ago, the Sunderland built Juke rose spectacularly fast to the top of the sales charts, where it has remained since.
Yet, it has presented Nissan with something of a problem…creating its replacement. As well-received as it was, like the original, angular Ford Focus, being different makes redesign and redevelopment a monster undertaking. When you pore over the pictures of the all new Juke, I think it would be fair to state that Nissan has performed an exemplary task. Its evolution looks truly amazing!
With its identity safe, Nissan has used the opportunity to respond to a demand for more space, more technology, more style and even more character, even losing 23kgs in the process. It remains eye-catching but it has grown in almost every direction; not much, but enough to create a significantly roomier cabin, a better driving position and a larger boot (422-litres). The hard plastics have been ditched in favour of stitched leatherette, although several body-coloured trim highlights remain, the Juke’s interior now being altogether more welcoming, more tactile and luxuriously appointed.
For the moment, the only engine option is a much-revised, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol unit that produces a healthy 117bhp, allied to low CO2 and high-MPG figures. It is matched to a choice of either a slick 6-speed manual, or 7-speed, twin-clutch, automated-manual transmission, complete with paddle-shifts. A driving mode selectable, three-position (Eco, Standard, Sport) switch allows drivers to dial-in the most appropriate chassis setting to meet their demands.
Available on Juke for the first time is Nissan’s advanced ProPilot technology that offers electronically assisted steering, and semi-autonomous acceleration and braking. Designed for use on single carriageways, it is part of a suite of driver empowering soft and hardware that enhances both safety and convenience like never before. The same applies to the enhanced standard of connectivity, with ‘mirror-link’ for mobile devices, an on-board wi-fi hotspot, Google Assistant, an improved sound system and a NissanConnect app for good measure.
Re-valving the dampers and adjusting the spring rates ensures that the larger but marginally lighter Juke gives a better account of itself in the daily cut and thrust. Crisper handling, smoother ride quality and a more balanced dynamic envelope guarantees that the new Juke exceeds class expectations and hikes itself onto a new, elevated platform that is much better suited to the raft of improvements that it introduces. Orders are being taken now for a car that is sure to captivate the market, just as the original version did nine years ago (pre-discount prices start at £17,395).
