The Juke is Nissan's smaller, sportier crossover. The small crossover segment is one of the largest in the US. And one of the fastest growing. It will go on sale this fall and the 2011 Juke will have plenty of competition from other new models when it launches. The Juke is based on the same B platform as many of the Nissan small vehicles are. This platform is the same used on the company Cube and Versa.
The Cube is powered by a new model engine. A 188 HP and 177 Ft. - lbs. torque engine, featuring four cylinders and displacing 1.6 liters. This new engine benefits from both direct fuel injection and turbo charging. Nissan chose to use a Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT as the standard transmission, with a 6 speed manual available as an option on the front wheel drive models. The all wheel drive system utilized on the Juke is an advanced drive train, offering torque vectoring; this can split the power in both front and rear directions, but can also direct power from one wheel to another on the same axle.
The Range
Bodystyle: Crossover SUV
Engine: 1.6L I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Models: S, SV, SL
What's New
The Juke is brand new for 2011, giving Nissan a standout player in the burgeoning small-crossover segment. Both the Juke's power plant -- a direct-injected 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 making 188-horsepower -- and its available torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system are firsts for a Nissan crossover in the U.S. Both inside and out, the Juke boasts audacious design -- styling Nissan hopes will attract young males.
Exterior
Inspired by the Qazana concept, the Juke features exaggerated, arched fenders, curvaceous, Volvo C30-esque taillamps, and a rally-style front end with bumper-integrated headlamps. The rear door handles are "hidden" for a coupe-like appearance, and 17-inch wheels are standard.
Interior
Juke's bold exterior theme carries over inside, where a motorcycle-inspired center console adds spice to standard five-passenger seating, 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth phone, and USB/iPod connectivity. Options include navigation, power moonroof, and a back-up camera.
Performance & Handling
An all-new direct-injected 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 scoots the Juke quickly down the road, thanks to 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable automatic (CVT) comes standard, with a six-speed manual available on front-drive models. All-wheel-drive models get a multi-link rear suspension (FWD gets a torsion beam) as well as a torque-vectoring system that helps rotate the rear end.
Safety
Driver and passenger front airbags are standard, along with front side bags and front and rear curtain bags. Additional safety features include front-seat active head restraints, electronic stability control, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
EPA Fuel Economy
FWD (CVT): 28 mpg city/32 mpg highway
FWD (manual): 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway
AWD (CVT): 25 mpg city/30 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Standout styling
- Turbo power
- Torque-vectoring AWD
- Standard Bluetooth
- Available nav/back-up camera
You Won't Like
- Standout styling
- Tight back seat
- No AWD with manual trans
- Limited cargo
Sum Up
Fun, feature laden, and a real looker
If You Like This Vehicle
- Kia Soul
- Mini Countryman
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- Scion xB
- Suzuki SX4