WE LIKE
1. Brave styling
2. That crossover sense of space
3. Competent handling
WE DON'T LIKE
1. Cheap dashboard fascia
2. Ride might be a little too firm for UK roads
3. Slightly lifeless steering
With the Murano and Qashqai already in place, Nissan completes its crossover range with the Juke - a car aimed squarely at the crowded small car market.
The competition couldn't be any tougher. The Juke's broad shoulders will have to make some space alongside several household names, and unlike the ultra-successful Qashqai it does not have the benefit of being the new kid on the block - cars like the Suzuki SX4 and Kia Soul have already introduced the nation to the concept of a pseudo-SUV appearance in a supermini mould.
Nevertheless, Nissan - fast becoming a master at finding a gap in the market - believes it has found an unexplored niche to squeeze the Juke into. Rather than positioning the car as a straight crossover, the manufacturer is punting the idea that its new model is a seamless blend of compact SUV looks and sports car character.
The design makes the car seem bigger than it really is. The Juke is built on the same platform as the Micra, albeit a lengthened and widened version. The crossover feels reasonably roomy inside, and there's certainly enough space in the back to carry two more adults. Nissan's adventurous sense of styling also extends to the cabin, where the centre console is reputedly modelled on a motorbike's fuel tank.
The vast majority of Jukes sold will use Nissan's conventional front-wheel drive chassis, but the car will also be available with a slightly more sophisticated all-wheel drive system which includes torque vectoring traction control and multi-link rear suspension rather than the standard torsion beam.
Like most crossovers, the Juke has no off-roading pretensions whatsoever so Nissan has been free to keep the centre of gravity low and concentrate on limiting body roll in fast corners. As a result the car handles with a bit more aplomb than you'd expect from a high-sided model. A sports car it is certainly not, but the wider track and firm suspension do at least make quick progress a reasonable prospect.
Half-decent pace is assured by the brand new 187bhp 1.6-litre DIG-T petrol engine Nissan has introduced with the Juke. The turbocharged lump is specifically designed to jam a finger in BMW's eye and provide the Juke with enough pep to compete with the forthcoming Mini Countryman, the car closest to the Juke in concept, if not price.
A less powerful petrol engine is also available beneath the range topper, as well as the trusty 1.5dCI diesel lump which suits the Juke's temperament better than you might think.
As Nissan has cleverly cast the diminutive crossover into its own little niche, it's difficult to characterise the car in an entirely satisfactory way. It isn't as good to drive or as handsome as a Ford Fiesta or a Mini Cooper or a Citroen DS3, but the Juke's distinctiveness is likely to appeal to people in a way those cars don't.
The Qashqai sold like hot cakes against the Ford Focus and the VW Golf off the back of respectable handling, sensible pricing and unique styling. The Juke enters the fray holding the precisely same trump cards. Bet against it at your peril.
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User reviews (30)
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Ste1022 July 2010
Fifth Gear are right about the 'brave' styling
Report as inappropriatereddy eddy28 July 2010
I have had the use of one of these for a few weeks and it got abuse from passers by when I took it into town. I love Nissan and work for them but this is one ugly car and people dont like it much
Report as inappropriateSteven 10 August 2010
This car looks stunning, vibrant and powerful! Like fiesta many didn't like the looks, now they do! Always the same... the taste of many people must be educated and they need time to absorb and understand beauty; for them the bathtub looking Golf is the paragon of beauty....
Report as inappropriateBadBeat18 August 2010
I just love the styling of this car and actually think it is the best looking car available today...I am not joking I think its great. I can't wait to get my hands on one. Possibly its a 'marmite' car, as people seems to love it or hate it. I think it will be a roaring success. On launch day I went down to Nissan to see it and the buzz around a display model was really interesting, different ages looking at it men and women. Well done Nissan another great car.
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Tom curen 20 September 2010
Absolutely amazing car, test drove one just yesterday and havent ever been in such an exciting, invigorating car, the looks are drop dead gorgeous, and the drive and handling are just amazing, the steering is slightly light and suspension could be improved, also when heavily turned, a wheel or two can lift off the ground which sometimes is very very concerning to the driver, although these problems are quite large, it is a beautiful mid size, mid priced beauty, and for those reasons i pre ordered the acenta sports pack, red all around! now i just cant wait for it to arrive!!!!
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Tomas Robles27 December 2010
Over the past 10 years or so, i did not pay much attention to cars, they were more or less the same: boring, uninspiring. One day saw a different car, Qashqai, rented one for holidays and I liked it. It was a bit too big for the city and just one person, and i thought would be nice a smaller version, and now it´s here Juke. Finally an anusual car that fits my necesities. Prediction: Huge success.
Report as inappropriateWelland Dowd06 March 2011
This is the ugliest car i have ever seen the girlfriend wanted a test drive , i felt i was gonna get tipped over in corners, its a mechanical Quasimodo those hideous bulging fron fogs eeeeagh!
Report as inappropriateJenny arnold29 March 2011
I have had my Nissan juke since November when they were first released, and I am absolutely thrilled with it. Not only does it look mean yet handsome, it is a great ride, and it certainly turns heads. It has plenty of room, is economical to run and all my friends are envious. Of all the different cars I have had the juke is by far the best of all. I love it.
Report as inappropriateSally Freeman18 April 2011
I test drove a Nissan Juke yesterday, and loved it so much I am going to order one in the next few days! It's so unique to look at, and I agree that it's probably a "love it or hate it" car, but personally, I LOVE IT! Some cars are just boring, and the Juke is anything but! I'm ordering the Acenta.
Report as inappropriatebrad29 April 2011
I got my juke on the 8th of january, I am absolutely in love with it, its like nothing else on the road and I think its very handsome, I dont care what other people think let them get on with there boring cars, I think it is quite well made remember it isnt much more money than a normal supermini and comes with big car gadgets, cruise control climate control etc, I think its very good value when compared to other superminis it isnt much more money , and should protect you better in a crash, it is good to drive, nice comfortable ride and grippy handling, a lot more agile than i thought it would be, I just love it.
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Paul sampson08 May 2011
My wife got her Juke a couple of months ago, 1.6 Visia and loves it. I have driven it and my opinion is that its a good car, but the gearing is too low. It needs a six speed box with higher ratios, which would reduce engine noise and improve economy. You would think Nissan would have picked up on this in the development of the vehicle. Anyway I have recently driven the diesel Acenta sport pack model, and was so impressed I bought one! Pick it up at the end of the week. By the way, make sure if you buy one that you get the free servicing offer thats ongoing at the moment.
Report as inappropriateLiz Thacker16 May 2011
Thinking about getting grey Juke Acenta with the Sport Pack although Nissan said that there was a waiting list and it doesn't surprise me!!!. I went on a test drive last week and loved it but wondering about it losing value. But it's very handsome yet bold, just a shame that i'd have to wait quite a long time to get it.
Report as inappropriateAlex10 June 2011
I walked into the Nissan showroom, called a sales person and ordered the acenta with sports pack. I didn't even test drive it. I have had it for almost 2 months now and I haven't looked back. When it first made its appearance on the roads I was in two minds about it, but it grew on me very quickly and I now love it. I have the 5 speed manual and I do think it could do with a 6th gear, but other than that its great. Drives and handles well for me. No regrets, best car I've owned.
Report as inappropriatejohn ward13 June 2011
Got my 1.6 T in feb.Cosidering I,ve had over 50 powerful cars including 5.7 Corvette, 3 nissan 300 Zx,s,Merc 190 2.6 16v etc etc Iliked the Juke UNTIL last week on the M1 in a 5 mile jam the engine cut out,we were creeping at the time but with no power or power steering I managed to get to the hard shoulder 4 hours later and with A A lowloader we got back to the Dealer in Kettering.The A A cuold not sort it as it kept blowing fuses on the fuel line.A week later they have narrowe it don to"somewhere in 6ft of wiring loom.I have lost faith in this car. What would have happened if I d been doing 70.in the centre lane.As ther are only 2000 on the clock I think it should go back to Nissan for a complete rewire and they should replace it with a new one.I would like your opinion and support Regards John Ward/born 20.01.1935
Report as inappropriatejohn ward14 June 2011
Re my e-mail 13/6/11 regarding nissan Juke I would appreciate a reply
Report as inappropriatearcher234616 July 2011
DRive a Murano at present . Test drove a Juke a month ago with my wife and she is getting the top of the range 4x4 in October. Great little car with lots of ooomph and fun to drive - excellent
Report as inappropriatejohn ward08 August 2011
Refer to my comments 6 june 2011 the dealer found the wiring loom had burnt out on the turbo heat shield bolt they repaired it It went fine until today when it cut out again ,this time with my grandchildren in the car,It could be the same fault.Nissan refused to chang the car last time This time I hope they face reality and make sure they avoid a disaster waitihg to happen.Watch this space
Report as inappropriateGB12 August 2011
I picked up my new Juke a week ago. Its a white Acenta with the sports pack, 1.5 dci and I love it!! Driven a focus for the last 10 years that I loved and spent hardly any money on it, so needed a new car that had some living up to do. Saw the adverts last year for the Juke and fell in love with it. The fact that it looks different was part of the appeal to me. Yet to prove that it will be as good as my focus, but so far looking good. The driving position and height are great, the interior (red) is really classy and looks the business. Averaging about 40mpg so not quite as good as advertised. Just taking a bit of getting used to the large front end regarding judging the distance when parking etc but will get used to it. The car is funky, new and exciting. Really pleased I went for the Juke.
Report as inappropriatespotty dog20 September 2011
Ive owned Juke 1.5 visia and very impressed..after 1 year im upgrading to top range 1.6digT Tekna what a flyer 0 to 60 in under 7 secs..full red leather in a black car, fully loaded. cant wait and Im 65yrs old ps Im also buying a snooper 3 zero
Report as inappropriateClare22 October 2011
I have had my Juke in. Heptic Blue 1.6 Acenta with the sport pack for about 5 months and love it! Very spacious in cabin, good size boot and brilliant quirky styling. My only criticism is the lack of 6 gears but I don't do much motorway driving so it isn't a huge issue on a day to day basis.
Report as inappropriatejen09 November 2011
picked up my nissan juke from dartford dealership after a test drive nearly 6 weeks ago. im in love! just converted from Audi and was the best decision ever, comfort and quirky. fun to drive.
Report as inappropriateLen16 November 2011
I collected my new Juke 2 weeks ago It's a 4wd 1.6 with all bells and whistles and I love it. Spacious, very quick and a real head tur)ner. This is the first "small" car I have had (previously big mercedes and Jaguars) and I think I made a good decision. It cost about a third of my last car and has everything I want. Filled up today for £52.00 last time I filled my Merc it was over £100 Can't wait for the snow!!!
Report as inappropriateDiane Lloyd20 November 2011
Been for a test drive today in Juke acenta with sports pack. Loved them for ages so ordered one for March 1st 2012. Counting the days!!!
Report as inappropriateŽac24 December 2011
it s ugly car and stupid car.
Report as inappropriateDave01 January 2012
I've had my Nissan Juke for under a month and absolutely adore it. It has all the toys inside I wanted (sat-nav, bluetooth, iPhone connectivity) at such a reasonable price. Added a spoiler and urban pack to mine. Such a fun drive and unique looking car, didn't want boring "Golf" style that all friends have.
Report as inappropriateTim Barker15 January 2012
My wife has the 1.5DCI model. The mechanical build quality is appalling its 6 months old, front breaks have been binding, bad vibration from engine, engine mountings have been adapted, but now worse then ever, seriously thinking about rejecting.
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