Vehicle evaluation: Nissan Juke

The Nissan Juke is like Marmite: you either really like it or you loathe it, writes automobile reviewer Tim Barnes-Clay.

The Nissan Juke is definitely is a peculiar automobile.

At 1st glance, it doesn’t appear sturdy, but it is, and it doesn’t give the impression of being a comfortable auto, except it is.

As I create this I still cannot make a decision whether I like the Juke on not.

Lack of space

It’s entertaining to drive – primarily because it pulls away from a standing commence very easily, albeit in an edgy manner.

In contrast, I do not like the lack of load space because, as a parent of 3 tiny youngsters, I want a boot which is bigger than the Juke’s.

The auto is a hotchpotch all round truly.

It has a lumpy, but oddly sensible look and the 2-wheel-drive Tekna 1.2 DIG-T version I tested looked like a wasp with its yellow and black paintjob.

Madcap motor

It is a car I can think about a creative sort liking.

Indeed it could work for somebody with their own enterprise who desires a madcap motor to stand out from the crowd.

The Juke is also a handy vehicle to have about in your totally free time.

For instance, if you are into towing, the 1.2 petrol turbo powered motor I drove will manage to pull up to 1250kg.

4-wheel drive version

And there’s also a 4-wheel drive version offered which will, in wintery or muddy rural surroundings, give a lot of additional traction.

But, what ever the purpose for driving it, you will locate the Juke turns heads.

So what is the nutty Nissan all about?

Well, the idea is that it brings all the advantages of the well-known Qashqai into a much more compact package.

SUV appeal plus sports vehicle charm

It’s what’s recognized as a “Crossover” since the Japanese motor manufacturer has fused the rugged appeal of an SUV with the charm of a sports car.

And there’s no denying the Juke injects some dynamism into the tiny vehicle segment, offering an option to the traditional, humdrum hatchback.

Standard equipment on all models contains LED daytime operating lamps, CD radio with an AUX-In socket, gearshift indicator to promote a much more efficient driving style and tyre pressure monitor.

Behind the wheel, you are greeted with the Nissan Dynamic Manage Method.

-62mph in 8.8 seconds

This is a central command and display module that enables you to alter the drive settings as nicely as control functions such as climate manage.

Moreover, the tech adopts diverse displays, colours and functions depending on the mode selected.

It all adds to the fun of being behind the wheel of this maverick motor.

With 108 horses below the bonnet, the Tekna 1.2 DIG-T manual model will do -62mph in 10.8 seconds and has a best speed of 111mph.

It feels a lot more rapidly than the black and white figures recommend, and you can tell Nissan meant this automobile to have a sporting character.

50.4mpg

At occasions it does feel slightly skittish but that just adds to the entertainment.

On leading of that, the petrol turbo unit officially returns up to 50.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

The Juke is manufactured alongside the Qashqai and Note at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Sunderland.

The Nissan Juke Tekna 1.2 DIG-T manual will set you back £17,670 on the road.

Pros & cons

• Quirky √


• Nippy √


• Kit √


• Divisive looks X


• Load space X

Fast information

• Max speed: 111 mph


• -62 mph: 10.8 secs


• Combined mpg: 50.4


• Engine: 1197cc 4 cylinder 16v petrol turbo


• Max. energy (bhp): 113 at 4500 rpm


• Max. torque (lb/ft): 140 at 2000 rpm


• Max. towing weight (braked) 1250 kg


• CO2: 129 g/km


• Cost: £17,670 on the road

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Vehicle evaluation: Nissan Juke