Vehicle review: Nissan Juke

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

The Nissan Juke is certainly is a peculiar car.

At first glance, it doesn’t appear sturdy, but it is, and it doesn’t give the impression of getting a comfortable car, except it is.

As I create this I still cannot determine whether or not I like the Juke on not.

Lack of space

It’s entertaining to drive – mostly since it pulls away from a standing commence effortlessly, albeit in an edgy manner.

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

The car is a hotchpotch all round actually.

It has a lumpy, but oddly wise 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 vehicle I can imagine a creative sort liking.

Indeed it could work for someone with their own organization who wants a madcap motor to stand out from the crowd.

The Juke is also a handy car to have around 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 obtainable which will, in wintery or muddy rural surroundings, give plenty of added traction.

But, whatever the reason for driving it, you will discover the Juke turns heads.

So what is the nutty Nissan all about?

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

SUV appeal plus sports vehicle charm

It is what’s recognized as a “Crossover” due to the fact 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 modest car segment, offering an option to the standard, humdrum hatchback.

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

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

-62mph in 10.8 seconds

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

Furthermore, the tech adopts distinct displays, colours and functions based on the mode chosen.

It all adds to the enjoyable of getting behind the wheel of this maverick motor.

With 108 horses beneath 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 much more quickly than the black and white figures recommend, and you can inform Nissan meant this automobile to have a sporting character.

50.4mpg

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

On best 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

Quick details

• Max speed: 111 mph


• -62 mph: 8.8 secs


• Combined mpg: 50.4


• Engine: 1197cc 4 cylinder 16v petrol turbo


• Max. power (bhp): 113 at 4500 rpm


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


• Max. towing weight (braked) 1250 kg


• CO2: 129 g/km


• Value: £17,670 on the road

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Vehicle review: Nissan Juke