The Nissan Juke is one of the most unique vehicles on the road, forgetting traditional design and design entirely and instead focusing on delivering a fun and compact package with individuality in mind.
The Juke slots below the Murano and Rogue in the North American market, offering what Nissan says is a blend of a sporty sedan and SUV - creating what they refer to as a sport cross – designed to give buyers an alternative to the traditional five-door hatchback. Although it sits taller than a traditional hatchback, the Juke is still closer to the ground than a typical crossover.
Juke comes with several drivetrain options starting with the base model Juke S. The Juke S utilizes a CVT transmission and front-wheel drive. The base S trim level model can also be upgraded to all-wheel drive.
The next trim level in the Juke hierarchy is the Juke SV, which starts with a six-speed manual transmission, retaining FWD. A CVT transmission can be specified for a price, and it is also possible to order the SV with AWD, which comes with the CVT transmission.
The range-topping Juke SL begins makes use of the six-speed manual transmission and standard FWD. The CVT transmission is optional.
The Juke packs a potent punch
The Juke will be powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four, direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine with 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The Juke's all-wheel drive also features a torque vectoring system that provides a 50:50 front, rear split.
In addition to an impressive array of powertrain technologies, the Juke comes with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, an independent MacPherson strut front suspension, and either a torsion beam rear suspension (FWD), or a multi-link rear suspension (AWD). The Juke also features both front and rear stabilizer bars. To guide this technologically-equipped sport cross both on and off-road is a vehicle-speed-sensing electric power-assisted steering system.
What's inside counts
Step inside the Juke and you might be surprised to find seating for five along with a cockpit-like feel and arrangement for the front occupants. Nissan says the raised center console and shifter allow for better controllability and quick response. That same center console features a design that mimics the fuel tank of a modern street bike.
Juke also features I-CON, or Integrated Control, which is an air conditioning system with three settings: Sport, Normal and Eco, each with unique settings based on preference. Seats come wrapped in cloth, with an available premium cloth or leather, all of which come with a standard six-way manual driver's seat and four-way manual front passenger seat.
The Juke also features USB and IPod support, along with six speakers and an available Rockford Fosgate subwoofer system. For those looking to drop a little extra coin, Nissan also offers push button start, a five-inch navigation screen, XM satellite radio and a power moonroof.
Key competitors
Competing in a segment filled with fun and new shapes, the compact Juke competes with a wide range of vehicles, including the Kia Soul, Scion xB, MINI Cooper and even the Nissan cube.