Assessing the originality of the new Nissan JukeNissan Juke has undergone the update: a little changed interior, trim,  excellent audio system BOSE Personal has appeared. But the most important thing in the Nissan Juke is not its change, but its price – from $ 14 thousand! As a result, the model again attracts potential buyers to car showrooms. So should you buy it or not ? the answers are in this article.

Positioning 

The Nissan Juke crossover belongs to the B-SUV segment, where a number of quite popular models already existed: Ford Fusion, Suzuki Ignis, Honda HR-V. However, the Nissan Juke became very popular (in the summer of 2018, the millionth car was released) and drew attention to this segment of almost all well-known car manufacturers. The first and so far the only generation of the Nissan Juke has been produced since 2010, in 2014 the car was significantly updated for the first time (front end and 1,2 DIG-T engine), this spring the Nissan Juke again underwent a number of changes – this update became the reason for the article.

The Nissan Juke crossover appeared in 2010 and was updated in 2014: other LED DRLs, new lights, all-round viewing system, 1,2 DIG — T engine (which isn’t here, we still have the 1.6 liter engine ). Spring 2018 presented a number of minor changes, despite the fact it was the model career decline: dark chrome grille, new color finish packages (blue and orange), and also BOSE Personal audio system.

The article presents the Nissan Juke car in the TEKNA configuration with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and front-wheel drive. There will also be cars in the basic-middle configurations VISIA and ACENTA.

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Assessing the originality of the new Nissan Juke

How is the driving ?

Quiet. This is the first thing to note for the Nissan Juke, taking its price into account.

Nissan Juke drives exactly the way you expect from a crossover with a 1.6-liter engine and an “automatic”-variable speed drive. Initially, acceleration is good for both unhurried and medium driving style, the engine’s response to pressing the accelerator pedal without any delays, and an imperceptible change in the gear ratio. The steering wheel is filled with a neutral background steering force: in a sharp turn it does not become significantly heavier, information about the turn is only from an understanding of the steering angle, but not from the force on it.

The significant remarks – there is  the tendency of the Nissan Juke to scour the tracks. But this is typical of many similar cars with large wheels: take thicker tyres, smaller wheels – and there will be no problems. But there will be more comfort.Though even the test Nissan Juke (225 / 45R18 tires) didn’t annoy with some peculiar problems: moderately heavy suspension, without breakdowns and impacts.

If desired, the driver can slightly change the driving character of the Nissan Juke using the D-Mode buttons (see below): choose a more economical and unhurried pace or, on the contrary, choose a sport mode. It is gratifying that in the latter case, not only the steering wheel becomes heavier, but also the logic of the engine work and the variators change – they provide a more “lively” reaction to the accelerator pedal.

When you drive a turbo-fire-Juke with a 190 hp engine at the price of $ 25 thousand and fuel consumption of 12-15 liters – then you expect dynamics, power, speed from it. But when you drive a usual Nissan Juke at the price of $ 15-20 thousand and with a fuel consumption of 9 liters – then it is just driving which you expect from it. In the long run – let’s say this: here the expectations from the car are better justified.

Assessing the originality of the new Nissan Juke

In spite of its age, the Nissan Juke still looks perky and original: the rear part brings associations with the 370Z coupe, huge wheel arches and plump wings visually make the car higher and more dynamic. I will say nothing about the front. During the update, the car received a tinted chrome trim on the grille, dark “lining” of headlights , new color package – for example, blue.

The full net bumper is needed. The engine and the CVT also allow you to drive “defiantly”, but no more than that: the Nissan Juke “blooms” with a smooth, unhurried drive- when the emphasis is on efficiency and silence, not on dynamic drive. Though for most buyers and usual daily trips – that is the thing, which is  necessary.

The second thing which is important to note is the magnificent sound of the BOSE Personal audio system. And now I’m not talking about the sound of high / low frequencies – I’m talking about the stereo effect that is created around the driver’s head owing to two Ultra Nearfield speakers built into the headrest. Now it is unnecessary to shift the balance of the audio system in the driver zone – you will always stay in your own stereo zone. A simple solution, only two speakers in the headrest – but the effect is “100 %”: much more impressive than the famous audio systems in some premium cars.

On the whole, the Nissan Juke salon has not lost its originality: a bio-design from the “late 90s”, plus a “motorbike fuel tank” instead of the usual central tunnel, a visor over round appliances, blue decor and chrome door handles … Scattered elements suddenly gather in one overall harmonious appearance of the “youth crossover.” It is comfortable to sit in front, before your eyes – a huge “plateau” of the hood (by the way, the DRL horns make better control of dimensions), in your hands – the steering wheel from the 370Z coupe: cool!

Assessing the originality of the new Nissan Juke

Though the driver’s delight is unlikely to be shared by the second-row passengers: it is surprisingly more or less spacious, but the rear doors hold the door too tight and you have to lean too much on boarding. Yes, and the windows are small: you feel like in a confined space. Perhaps someone likes this intimate and cozy atmosphere. A similar situation with the trunk. You imagine something worse, but in reality – everything is quite tolerable: there is another niche of decent volume under the floor panel (the Nissan Juke with four-wheel drive does not have such an underground), due to which the trunk volume increases from the nominal 251 to 354 liters.

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The interior is still original, there are many interesting solutions – a comfortable steering wheel and instruments with a “visor”, a central tunnel.  The BOSE Personal audio system and the dynamics in the driver’s headrest deserves mentioning: super-stereo sound! It is comfortable to sit in front, the seats are wide, distribute the load well. Describing the space in the back, only the word “sufficient” is suitable, but still, even adults can fit here. The problem is not so much in the rear seats, as in having access to them through small doors. The trunk offers a two-level floor: if you lower it , the net volume will increase from 251 to 354 liters with a standard 5-seater saloon.

Assessing the originality of the new Nissan Juke

Is there any innovation?

The car is built on the platform of the Nissan V, which is used for many cars Nissan In-C-classes: Micra, Note, LEAF. I will note such interesting features as double nozzles for each cylinder: this provides a large area of ​​the fuel spot during injection, making it better mixed with air, which means better combustion, increased power, reduced fuel consumption and toxicity. Along with this engine 5-st. manual transmission or V-belt CVT-variator of Jatco company works, where besides the standard position “D” there are also “L” mode (imitation of 1-2 gears in manual transmission) and “S” mode(sport mode, higher engine speed). That’s all.

The vast majority of Nissan Juke cars are equipped with an atmospheric engine 1.6 l 117 hp, front-wheel drive, 5-speed. Manual transmission or “automatic” -variator, front independent and rear semi-independent suspension.

However, even the mass versions of the Nissan Juke have a couple of interesting technological solutions. Firstly, Nissan Dynamic Control System: a complex change of parameters of the car for one of the characteristic driving styles. By pressing the D-Mode button on the “climate” block, a completely different menu is opened and the function of the buttons changes.

You can choose a driving style: “normal” (standard operating parameters), “eco” (economical operation of the engine and air conditioner, the variator to an increased gear ratio), “sport” (sharper responses to the accelerator pedal pressing, a heavier steering wheel). This system cannot fundamentally change the character of a car, but it can slightly add to the sensation of dynamics or make the driving more relaxed to save fuel . Through this menu, you can also track the fuel consumption, monitor the engine recoil, etc.

Assessing the originality of the new Nissan Juke

Button D — Mode opens a separate menu of driving settings in the “climate” block: you can choose a driving mode, track the condition of the car. Please note: when “climate” is selected, the driving settings mode is still visible, when the Nissan Dynamic Control System is activated, the “climate” settings are still visible.

Secondly, the multimedia system Nissan Connect, which was analyzed in detail using the example of Nissan Sentra. Briefly: according to modern standards, only the necessary minimum of functions is presented here – radio and navigation, connecting the phone via Bluetooth. Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay Android Auto technology is not possible. And the 5.8-inch display looks small nowadays. However, in Nissan Connect there is one huge advantage that most competitors cannot surpass during a decade – this is the AVM (around view monitor) system.

Here you can view the picture around the car with a general view, separately in front or at the rear, and also near the wheel when parking to the curb. In addition, there is a MOD (Moving Object Detection) system that detects moving objects in the field of view of the camera – and then gives a warning signal and highlights the image from the camera with a yellow frame.

Finally, the rear-view camera is connected with the function of traffic lane control: it tracks the marking lines behind the car. If the driver accidentally began to move along the rows without switching on the direction indicator, if he was distracted or sleepy – then the system recognizes the displacement and will give a warning signal by squealing along with a blinking of an indicator.

Multimedia Nissan Connect looks simple, but it pleases with the convenience of operation (physical buttons and handles- “twists”), as well as a well-thought-out implementation of a circular view. Nissan Juke can also offer traffic lane control, monitoring of “blind zones” of rear-view mirrors, xenon headlights, engine start with a button – a decent equipment for its price.

Prices and competitors

The Nissan Juke is available with a 1.6-liter atmospheric engine (94 hp or 117 hp), a 1.6-liter turbo engine (190 hp), with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, manual transmission or CVT- “Automatic” in six configurations. Different intersections give 11 options. For Nissan cars, the standard price and the special price have already been traditionally established – I give the latter , since special prices for Nissan are actually full time.

The model range is opened by Nissan Juke with a 1.6 liter engine 94 hp and 5 st. Manual transmission, in VISIA Base configuration: six airbags (including side curtains), power windows, power mirrors with electric adjustment and heating, ESP and ABS systems, audio system, heated front seats. The price is a little more than $ 14 thousand. The VISIA package offers a wider selection of power units – 1.6 liters per 94 hp. or 117 hp, there is a choice between 5-st. Manual and CVT- “automatic”. Plus, the equipment is better: added air conditioning and 16-inch alloy wheels. The price depends on the engine and transmission – from $ 15-17 thousand.

The next step is the ACENTA package. Here you can see cruise control, chrome door handles in the cabin, climate control, the Nissan Dynamic Control System, an improved audio system with Bluetooth, LED fog lights, etc. With a 1.6-liter engine 117 hp and 5 st. Manual transmission or CVT- “automatic” car is estimated from about $ 17.5-19 thousand. There is a 1.6-liter turbo engine 190 hp: a variant with front-wheel drive and 6-speed. Manual – from $ 20.7 thousand; A variant with all-wheel drive and an MCVT variator – almost $ 25 thousand.

Assessing the originality of the new Nissan Juke

N-CONNECTA is available only with a 1.6-liter engine 117 hp, front-wheel drive, a CVT, and offers an extended range of equipment. Here the following is added: light and rain sensor, keyless access and engine start with a button, 17-inch alloy wheels, NAVI package (Nissan Connect multimedia system and navigation), rear-view camera, color trim (center console, air vents, armrests). Price – about $ 21 thousand.

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A special version of BOSE PERSONAL EDITION adds an audio system of the same name and a package of color trim on the body (lining the front and rear bumper, doors, mirrors). Price – from $ 21.6 thousand. Finally, at the top of the model range – TEKNA equipment: all-round visibility by means of four cameras, traffic lane control, monitoring of blind zones of rear-view mirrors, xenon headlights. The price of a car with a 1.6-liter engine is 117 hp, front-wheel drive and a variator – from $ 23 thousand.

The Blue car – VISIA version: usual air conditioning, steering wheel without buttons, no fog lights, black door handles. But there is a branded audio system, “automatic” -variator, light-alloy wheels. But the most important thing is the price: $ 17.5 thousand for a complete option. The white car – the average configuration ACENTA: added the little trifles mentioned above, there was a “climate” and the button D-Mode. Price – $ 19.6 thousand.

Nissan Juke is a car that has to compete with Mazda CX-3, Citroen C3 Aircross, SEAT Arona, which are estimated at $ 22-25 thousand for optimal-average versions. Yes, on their background, the Nissan Juke may look “already in years”, it is not as spacious as the C3 Aircross , is inferior in the dynamics to Mazda CX-3, simpler than the SEAT Arona in technology. But still, this is a car from this class – equipment, safety, build quality – while it costs much cheaper than similar competitors.

At the same time, with the prices of $ 15-23 thousand, the car moves down half a step lower and enters the competition with Renault Duster, Suzuki SX4 and Vitara, the initial versions of SEAT Arona. And here a completely different story begins. Yes, the Nissan Juke is comparable in spaciousness to any of the listed competitors . Yes, it is not as prepared for dirt as the Duster (ground clearance, overhangs) and cannot offer all-wheel drive with locking of the center differential (Suzuki).

However, it has many other advantages. Firstly, wonderful design of the exterior and interior – there is no need to explain to your relatives and friends that you bought a car because of the price, you can use the word “originality”. Secondly, the soundproofing and sound system , as if from another world of cars, is much better than its competitors’. Thirdly – it is equipped with various auxiliary functions: name another crossover with traffic lane control , monitoring of “blind zones” of mirrors, all-round view (Duster offers  similar function, but only a review from each camera separately, and Nissan gives an opportunity to see a picture from above). Finally, the fourth – well-known brand means good build quality and profitable resale.

But originality, build quality, soundproofing, equipment remained with it. As a result, if you are looking for a relatively affordable crossover for city driving, then the Nissan Juke turns out to be one of the most successful offers: it is more interesting and more original than simple crossovers for $ 18-23 thousand, at the same time – it is much cheaper than the “advanced” modern B-SUV models.

 

Cost of maintenance

In the city of Nissan Juke consumes 9-9.5 liters per 100 kilometers. To get the promised “passport” 8-8.5 liters per 100 km is possible only on weekends, with empty roads and a smooth driving. But I am glad that even with a large number of traffic jams and / or dynamic driving, the fuel consumption does not surpass 10-10.5 liters per 100 km. On a highway at a speed of 80-90 km / h, the car consumes about 5.5 liters of fuel, at a speed of 110-120 km / h, the consumption increases to 6.5-7 liters per 100 km of track.

The total warranty for the car is three years or 100 thousand kilometers. Service should be carried out once a year or 15 thousand km.

Prices for the car and maintenance are indicated as of October, excluding additional discounts and promotions when buying a car or servicing it.

 

Security

The Nissan Juke crossover passed the standard EuroNCAP crash test perfectly, getting “5/5 stars”, but this was back in 2011, when the rules were simpler than now. At the same time, the general body power structure has not changed since then, and even then the model proved to be good: for the driver, front passenger, children, the ratings are either good or average – there are no dangerous areas in the car.

 

Eventually

Is the Nissan Juke a revelation? Of course not: the model is already “in years”, and there is no sense  to look for radical technological changes and new class standards here – we are waiting for this from the new generation of the car. But the strength of the Nissan Juke is in the level , it offers (high) and in its price (relatively low). As a result, now for the money of a “budget crossover” you can buy a “compact crossover” – and it will be Nissan Juke.

Advantages:

+ Great price for the famous brand / model and originality.

+ Soundproofing and audio system from higher class cars

+ A lot of useful equipment: traffic lane control and blind zones control, all-round visibility, D-Mode

 

Disadvantages:

– There is no desire to drive dynamically – moreover, it seems that CVT-variator is to blame

– Far from being a model of practicality: space at the back, narrow doors, a small trunk

Specifications of Nissan Juke 1,6 2WD CVT

Body – crossover, 5 seats

Dimensions – 4,135 x 1,765 x 1.57 m

Wheelbase – 2.53 m

Clearance – 180 mm

Trunk – from 251/354 liters (5 seats) to 830 liters (2 seats)

Load capacity – 460 kg

The minimum equipped weight – 1 255 kg

Engine – gasoline, atmospheric, R4, 1.6 l

Power – 117 hp at 6,000 rpm

Torque – 157 Nm at 4,000 rpm

Power density – 93 hp per 1 ton; 125 Nm per 1 t

Front-wheel drive

Transmission – “automatic” -variator (stepless CVT-variator)

Dynamics 0-100 km / h – 11.5 s

Maximum speed – 170 km / h

 

Fuel consumption (passport), city – 8.3 l per 100 km

Fuel consumption (passport), highway – 5.2 liters per 100 km

Test Car Tires – Michelin Pilot Sport 3 225 / 45R18

The minimum price for a car is about $ 14 thousand.

The price of the test car – about $ 23 thousand