The all new Nissan JUKE is here.
Its quirky looks have softened and equipment and technology levels have improved across
the entire range but will that be enough to win buyers in the fiercely competitive world
of the small SUV.
Lets check it out
It’s been ten years since the original JUKE made its debut and this more mature second-generation
offering now blends more seamlessly with other small SUVs – of which there are around 30
to choose from.
With just one engine and transmission across the four models, it’s equipment levels that
really differentiate this bunch.
I’m in the entry level ST model which has cloth trim seats which are really comfortable
and supportive.
Cup holders, good storage.
All models have paddle shifters and I’m glad to say that this eight-inch screen is
common across all of the models.
Also Apple Carplay and Android Auto is standard across the range.
We’ve jumped out of the entry level ST and into the ST-L – that’s two steps up and
this is the car that Nissan thinks will be the volume seller, accounting for around 50
per cent of JUKE sales.
Now its at this level that some key differences creep in as the prices rises and that’s
tings like – push button start, drive modes and the electric park brake.
You’ve also got nice part leather and cloth seating which are really comfortable again.
You’ll find built in satellite navigation, climate control and heated seats, which you’ll
also find in the ST+.
The top spec TI builds on all of that including leather and alcantara seats and alcantara
trim throughout the cabin and then you’ve got the Bose premium sound system which includes
really cool speakers in the head rests.
The Nissan JUKE has a five-star ANCAP safety rating and standard kit includes autonomous
emergency braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist detection, Lane Departure Warning and lane
keep assist, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, rear
view camera and rear parking sensors.
Higher grades gain front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera
and tyre pressure monitoring.
There are no visible badges to identify each of the four variants in the pecking order,
but there are subtle exterior details such as 19-inch alloys (for the ST-L and Ti) and
a shark fin antenna on the Ti only.
The funny thing about small SUVs is that we still expect them to be as versatile as possible
and by versatile I mean as big as possible now the JUKE has grown dimensionally and all
passengers will benefit from that but its likely to be this 422 litre boot that a lot
of buyers will really appreciate.
Now don’t forget there’s only one engine and transmission on offer across all four
models but from the ST+ up to the TI you get drive modes and when you flick it into sport
mode you really can feel it tighten up a bit and response improves and so does the fun
factor.
The JUKE’s nimble handling and frugal engine are city-car perfect, and combine with the
sort of comfort and space that says lets get out of town.
In fact the biggest challenge for the JUKE could be its keenly priced rivals.
There’s around $10,000 separating the entry level from this tops spec Ti so my advice
would be get your pen out and go through that checklist to see what it is you want versus
what you actually need.
Bigger, better and less bruising on the eye, the tech-savvy new Nissan JUKE is a major
step forward in every area.
Whether that makes it more popular among a sea of new rivals … only time will tell.