When the Juke was unveiled in 2010, following an ecstatic response from the world’s motoring press, it would have been hard to imagine that it would still be immensely popular almost eight years later. Equally, having introduced a ground-breaking styling stance, one that has changed the face of the compact crossover sector, it would have been very difficult for Nissan to have modified it, without losing some element of its phenomenal character and no less than 150,000 examples have found homes all over the UK.
It is Juke’s bold design, which reflects almost a comic-book image of what an adventurous SUV should look like, that has carried its success forwards. Revised (only slightly) in the summer of 2016, the model range includes entry-level Visia, the middle-ground Acenta, N-Connecta, N-Connecta with exterior Plus pack, the very popular Tekna and Tekna with Plus pack and the sporting Nismo RS trim levels, although the latter is virtually a model in its own right, influenced heavily by Nissan’s Motorsport department.
Whether viewing the car’s interior, or exterior, Nissan’s talented design team has always been highly aware of colour enhancement and personalisation forms an intriguing aspect, when placing an order for a new Juke. Contrasting, or even body colour, accents are available on the car, dependent on level of trim ordered. It extends to the stitching of the upholstery (cloth is standard but Tekna includes leather), the centre console, air-vent surrounds, alloy wheel trims, door finishers and even the stitching on the gearknob and steering wheel. While not without limits, the choice is large.
The cabin is close-coupled and cosy, aspects that are in agreement with the car’s zesty appeal. Yet, the split-height boot space (354-litres) is class-leading and the cockpit has plenty of small item stowage slots, where you can park a mobile, refreshments and toll monies, all of which are easy to access, should you need to. Unsurprisingly, Nissan has always led the field with its attention to detail and connectivity is high on its list of priorities, which means that whatever apps are carried on your mobile can be accessed readily, using voice control, from within the car. NissanConnect means that a platform is provided for sat-nav and multimedia settings at the touch of a button.
Tekna is one of the most popular choices of Juke trim and it incorporates a suite of semi and fully-autonomous features, as well as the 360-degree Around-View cameras, which are accessed via the 5.8-inch full-colour screen in the centre of the dashboard. Included within Nissan’s ‘Safety Shield’ are: lane departure warning, blind spot warning and moving object detection, which has applications whether on the move, or when making parking manoeuvres. Should the rear-view camera become dirty and obscured, a remarkably intelligent wash and blow-dry system ensures that safe vision is restored immediately.
Powering the Juke is a six-wide choice of frugal, or performance-orientated small capacity engines. Power starts at 91bhp and rises through several versions to 215bhp (there is also a 107bhp turbo-diesel option). Two of the biggest sellers are recognisable by their DIG-T nomenclature, the 1.2-litre unit developing a cool 112bhp, while the 1.6-litre alternative promises a wholesome 187bhp. In both cases, they punch considerably above their weight (engine capacity). The 1.2i version emits 129g/km CO2 but sips fuel at an excellent 51.4mpg. The bigger unit manages CO2 at a rate of 139g/km, while returning 43.5mpg on the Official Combined test cycle.
With a choice of 6-speed manual, or Nissan’s constantly variable (automatic) transmissions, even the least potent engine delivers a 0-60mph time of around 12.1 seconds and a top speed of 112mph.The 187bhp version provides lukewarm hatch performance, while the 215bhp Nismo sports model will give most GTis a run for their money, despatching the 0-60mph sprint in 7.0s (8.0s with the auto-box) and maxing out at 135mph. As the most focused and most expensive model in the range, its bolstered sports seats and additional features, such as larger brakes and aerodynamic enhancements, ensure that its performance edge is supported by signature sporting elements. Four-wheel-drive is an option, although the handling of the front-driven Nismo version benefits from a limited-slip differential, for added traction.
Justifying the acquisition of the less powerful alternatives is somewhat easier and the well-judged blend of precise, electrically-powered steering and compliant suspension serves the comfort and normal safety demands of most Juke customers. They benefit from the slightly higher, SUV-class ride height that makes entering and stepping out of the cockpit a more elegant proposition, while affording a commanding view of what is outside the car.
All models boast high equipment levels, with LED running lamps, a CD-radio, on-board computer, shift indicator (that helps to maximise on-road efficiency), alloy wheels and air-conditioning. Move up to Acenta and larger alloys, remote audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and chassis control, as well as privacy glazing are factored into the deal. By definition, N-Connecta receives the touch-screen and infotainment centre and colour reversing camera.
Specify the 187bhp engine and the technologically advanced ‘torque vectoring’ feature gifts the Juke impressive levels of chassis dynamics commensurate with the power hike. Tekna adds folding door mirrors, light and rain sensors, hide upholstery with heated front seats and both the AroundView monitor and Safety Shield. As is typical these days, the more you invest, the more equipment is installed, but the stepladder is an easy one to negotiate and the price premiums are actually value-orientated. The Juke range list prices start at £14,880 and rise to £23,395, although some phenomenal savings can be made through FCD.
