Our reviewer takes SUV-sports car crossover Nissan Juke for a spin
At first glance, you're left wondering where to place the Nissan Juke — is it an SUV or is it a sports model? You can't really tell. Nissan calls it an SUV-sports car crossover — whatever that is. Considering it's not a four-wheel-drive and the car's speedometer clocks 220km (with a 1.6-litre engine, touching 170kmph is a challenge), the Juke fails to fall into either category.
Targeted at the youth or "college-going kids" as the showroom executive describes it, the design of the Nissan Juke looks like a cross between the Nissan Qashqai and the Porsche Cayenne (due respect to the Cayenne)!
When compared to other small cars with a 1.6-litre engine, the Juke shows a lot of strength, which it owes to its turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Andy Palmer, Nissan's Executive Vice-President for Product Planning, feels that it is this engine that will break new ground for the future. "Our new turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine shows the way ahead. Although displacing just 1.6-litres, it has the power of a much larger engine, but with none of the drawbacks in terms of economy, emissions and weight," he says.
Indeed, the technology will probably go on to be used in future cars. However, if you push the Juke a little harder than usual, the engine gets a bit shrill, leaving you wondering if you've just overdone it; not a good feeling to get from a sports car or an SUV for that matter.
Due to its high ground clearance (17-inch wheels), a good wheel gap and flared fenders, the Juke handles reasonably well. Even on sharp bends and curvy terrain, the Juke does well to maintain its control and composure, staying firm on the ground without any signs of skidding or sliding.
The steering is well weighted and very accurate, offering drivers a smooth, safe ride. However, in order to stay grounded and safe, you might have to struggle a bit to stay in your seat; it definitely isn't the most comfortable ride.
But — you win some, you lose some — and the Juke wins here with its newly integrated control (I-Con) system that allows drivers to switch to the sports mode with the click of a button, or tone it down to eco-mode to save on fuel.
The interiors of the Juke could appeal to the college-going, with its red-stitched black leather and deep red, glossy central console adding to the young and energetic look. Due to the car's low roof, the passenger cabin does cry out for more space and the hatchback boot won't really hold much unless you drop the rear seats down.
However, with the sort of ‘King of the Road' mentality that exists in the Middle East, the Nissan Juke will most likely only be bought by teenyboppers and be driven to school by the girl next door.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox