It’s a Micra-sized crossover with more curves than a Botticelli model. Nissan’s unconventional Juke hits the local scene
It’s a widely-held notion that Nissan has the most schizophrenic model line-up around. From half-tonne NP200 through Micra, Navara, Tiida, Qashqai, Patrol, 370Z to GT-R and many more in between. Who else has a single brand covering that wide a spectrum? And now, just to keep every other manufacturer on its toes, Nissan brings us the Juke.
But what exactly is the Juke? According to Nissan, it’s a B-segment crossover. More accurately, it’s a tall-riding, front-drive hatchback with a footprint only a little larger than a Micra and very unconventional styling. It may not be the first in the fledgling segment, Mini’s more expensive Countryman also fits the bill, but at a starting price below R200k, the Juke certainly looks like being the dominant player.
I’m not going to go on about the polarising exterior design other than to call it purposefully distinctive. The youth-centric interior is well-equipped in top-line Tekna + leather trim, but even the entry Acenta model has the full safety complement, manual aircon, multi-function steering wheel, MP3/CD/Aux/USB/Bluetooth audio system and electric windows and mirrors. Acenta plus spec adds things like the I-CON interface, cruise control, automatic aircon, 17in alloys, a rain sensor and a stop/start button.
Apart from all the kit, the interior displays unusual touches of creativity like the glossy motorcycle fuel tank-like gear lever surround, door armrests shaped like scuba diver flippers and the cleverly switchable I-CON driver control interface. I-CON uses the same set of buttons to operate either the climate controls or the three drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport. Swapping between say Eco and Sport changes the throttle mapping and amount of steering assistance. It’s fitted to all Jukes apart from the entry-level model.
Out on the road, the Juke feels firmly sprung, though also well-damped which lends a decent ride to handling compromise. Acenta-trim Jukes are fitted with an 86kW naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine closely related to the unit powering base model Qashqais. All the launch cars we drove were turbocharged six-speeders with 140kW of power on board. The engine is peakier than most of today’s down-sized turbos, with maximum torque arriving at 5000rpm. It’s loads of fun for point-to-point blasts, but relatively short fifth and sixth gear ratios mean it’s not the most relaxed of cruisers. Actual gear changes are slick enough and the steering offers a competitive amount of weight and feel for an all-electric set-up. There could be more differentiation between the Eco and Sport modes, but that’s a minor gripe.
Juke rides on a 2530mm-long wheelbase offering up a fair amount of rear cabin space, though access via the narrow rear doors isn’t the greatest. 60/40 split rear seats fold down to enlarge a 251-litre boot that should just about handle the weekly shop. There’s a useful cavity beneath the boot floor with a space saver spare wheel beneath that.
With the Juke’s higher driving position, abundance of toys, distinctive style and a fair measure of sportiness, Nissan should, in theory, have no trouble meeting its 5000-unit annual target. In theory.