Nissan Juke: A real surprise!

It’s hard to understand why Nissan is always left in the shadows when it comes to buyers looking to purchase a new vehicle. Sure, some of the cars in their line-up are  leaving something to be desired, but for the most part their models are very competitive. And you have to give them props for continuing to offer the 370Z and the GT-R, which may not sell in great numbers but do a lot to enhance the brand’s image. In an era of political correctness, long live feisty vehicles!

The most recent addition to the Nissan family is the Juke, which is also the latest of the company’s bolder vehicles, right after the Cube. Now, I’ll admit that I was a tad sceptical when I first saw pictures of the Juke. But driving it for a week gave me the chance to discover its attributes. Its report card may have a few blemishes, but the Juke is surprisingly good on several levels.

A sub-compact SUV?

Targeting young buyers – though I’m willing to bet that older folks will end up being its biggest clients – the Juke is not really an SUV. It’s actually built on the same platform as the sub-compact Versa. That’s why it’s so small. It’s totally different from the other compact SUVs on the market – the Juke is practically in a class of its own. It truly is a cross between an SUV, a sub-compact and a wagon. And the idea behind is pretty bright, considering that nowadays you can find all kinds of SUV spin-offs, much to the satisfaction of consumers.

According to Nissan, the Juke features several motorbike-inspired parts. Too bad the same can’t be said for its performances. Under the hood is a supercharged four-cylinder 1.6-L engine that produces 180 hp and 170 lbs-ft of torque. This engine, used for the first time in North America, has several high-tech aspects, including direct fuel injection. Although it does the job, it certainly isn’t extremely powerful. Depending on which model you choose, you can get a manual gearbox or a CVT. Without a doubt, Nissan sells  one of the best CVT on the market, as they have successfully minimized the undesirable effects that this type of transmission is prone to.

Bold style

The Juke’s design is radically different from anything we are used to seeing. In fact, it doesn’t take long before you start to find it quite attractive, particularly the rear section featuring 370Z-esque tail lights. Viewed from the side, its plunging roof line adds a touch of sport to the Juke. However, the side windows are very restricted, particularly for the passengers in back. This makes it hard to enjoy the view. The rear doors stretch far back, blending well into the overall style. Many people will be surprised to see that the handle is in the upper corner. Very unusual! This is just one of the style elements that gives the Juke its charm. The front is by far the most original aspect. Let’s face it, you have to be open-minded to appreciate it. The classic Nissan grille is present, but the rest is right out of a cartoon. The headlights are separated into two distinct areas, one of which sits directly on the hood, like a pair of eyes. It’s something else to be behind the wheel and see the lights smack dab on the hood. In short, the style is nicely accomplished and very bold. And the execution is better than what you find on the Cube.

The modern motif carries over to the vehicle’s interior. We’ve seen certain elements before, such as the steering wheel, but the central part of the dashboard is a total departure from the manufacturer’s other products. At the heart of its design is the I-CON system, integrating the controls for heating, air conditioning, sound system and the three driving modes. Very high-tech! Front passengers are treated to plenty of space, though you still feel like you’re aboard a small vehicle. The same cannot be said for the rear passengers, who have to cozy up close and are subject to significantly reduced visibility. But the real victim of the Juke’s style and size is the cargo space. If your kids are into hockey, you can forget the Juke!

On the road

Surprisingly, the Juke will please you on the road. Thanks to its petite frame, it can weave its way anywhere, and Nissan really knows how to deliver driving pleasure. The Juke lets you feel road sensations well, and its steering is precise. To really appreciate the Juke’s abilities, opt for a version with all-wheel drive. This gives you a better feeling of control over the vehicle, and practically renders the Juke failsafe in winter. Its four-wheel drive system can distribute power up to 50-50, depending on the conditions. Plus, its torque vector can independently transfer power to each rear wheel, from left to right, thereby improving the Juke’s performances on corners.

What about the price?

The only thing that could hold the Juke back is its price. Enticingly priced just under the $20,000 threshold, it quickly becomes a lot more expensive when you include an adequate equipment level. Our test model, the Juke SL TI, is the all-dressed version and comes with a price tag of more than $30,000 (that’s including a navigation system and leather seats). This pricing puts the Juke in competition with other compact SUVs that are bigger and consequently more practical.