Nissan Juke 1.6 DiG-T Tekna | Expert New Car Review

“Following on from the Murano in
2005, Qashqai in 2007 and its
stablemate Qashqai +2 a year later,
the Juke is the latest in Nissan’s
Crossover series — and it’s
sufficiently different and dynamic
to make you think again about
what you want in a traditional super-
mini hatchback...”

CREATED IN NISSAN'S LONDON DESIGN CENTRE, the Juke is built in Sunderland and Nissan anticipate selling 25,000 of them in the UK in a full year. There are Visia, Acenta and Tekna grades with 115bhp 1.6-litre petrol, 109bhp 1.5 diesel and 188bhp 1.6 DiG-T direct injection turbocharged petrol engines on offer with two- or four-wheel drive, five- and six-speed manual 'boxes and a CVT auto, all depending on the chosen model.

Two-wheel drive Juke models have fairly conventional strut and torsion beam suspension but the range-topping 4WD version is fitted with the Qashqai-developed multi-link set-up. The CVT package includes the handling enhancement of torque-vectoring; a simple but nevertheless sophisticated way to transfer drive not only from front-to-back but side-to-side when sensors detect it is needed to optimise handling and grip.

“The Juke is aimed
squarely at style-
conscious motorists who
want the practicality
of a family hatchback
but looks which set them
apart from the crowd...”

Clever design makes the Juke's flowing coupe-like profile resemble a three-door shape but within it's really a more practical five-door design. All models have ESP electronic stability, six airbags and air conditioning.

Acenta versions gain climate control, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and a multi-purpose central command and display module, while the top Tekna models have leather upholstery, Nissan Connect telematics, remote key and a reversing camera.

Nissan is predicting that 80% of buyers will be new to the brand — meaning the Juke is expected to make significant conquest sales. Prices range from Ł12,995 to Ł20,345 and to help things along there's a 5.9% APR finance scheme available.

With its noticeable ground clearance and high waistline, the Juke looks like an off-roader but the top model's multi-link suspension serves up a surprisingly smoothly ride. Even five-speed manual models, with either the 1.5 dCi diesel or 1.6-litre petrol engine, have adequate power available for keeping up in the urban rat race; gear changes are easy and the Juke responds very well to steering and braking inputs. The more potent turboed models will hit 62mph from standstill in a crisp 8 seconds.

Visibility is not brilliant but the Juke is comfortable enough thanks to figure-shaped seats and the compliant chassis; this will also be useful in mild off-road situations where good wheel-travel and ground clearance is needed. The room in the back is fine for two but it would be a squeeze for three. Boot space is very good — with a maximum 830 litres available.

On the road, the Juke 1.6 DiG-T direct-injection turbocharged 188bhp petrol unit was surprisingly sporty in feel — for what is intended to be a family car — thanks to its car-like suspension set-up.

The Juke is aimed squarely at style-conscious motorists who want the practicality of a family hatchback but looks which set them apart from the crowd.

About the only real complaint is the limited rear-side and rear-quarter visibility. Outweighing that are the 'fors': stylish, distinctive, a practical family crossover and good to drive. Not only is the Juke one of the most distinctive models on the market, it's also very good where it matters to drivers. — Robin Roberts

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