Nissan Juke Hybrid Review: Breaking the Mold in the B-SUV Market
In the highly competitive world of compact crossover hatchbacks, the Nissan Juke has been a trailblazer. Its commercial success paved the way for the emergence of the B-SUV market segment, which has become Europe’s largest automotive growth area. Now, with the introduction of the second-generation Juke, Nissan aims to maintain its position as a leader in this rapidly evolving market.
One of the key changes in the new Juke is its platform. Unlike its predecessor, which had a specially adapted chassis, the second-generation Juke is built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-B platform. This platform is shared with other popular models like the Dacia Sandero, Renault Clio, and Renault Captur. By utilizing this platform, Nissan has been able to improve the Juke’s performance, efficiency, and overall driving experience.
Another significant change is the powertrain options. The new Juke has moved away from diesel and four-wheel-drive powertrains in favor of a more modern petrol unit. The sole engine choice is a 1.0-litre turbo petrol three-pot, producing 112bhp. This engine delivers power exclusively to the front wheels and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This setup ensures a responsive and engaging driving experience.
Inside the cabin, the new Juke offers several upgrades. The boot capacity has nearly doubled from the previous generation, now offering 422 litres of space. Additionally, there is more passenger room and the use of higher-quality materials, giving the interior a more upmarket feel. These improvements enhance comfort and practicality for both drivers and passengers.
However, with an increasingly crowded market, the new Juke faces stiff competition from rivals like the Ford Puma, Skoda Kamiq, and Vauxhall Mokka. To see if the Juke can hold its own against these popular models, let’s delve deeper into its features and performance.
The Nissan Juke range offers a variety of trims and engine options. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine is the standard choice, producing 112bhp. It can be paired with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. In 2022, Renault’s E-Tech hybrid powertrain was introduced, combining a four-speed unsynchronised dog ‘box with a 48bhp electric motor, a 20bhp starter-generator, and a 93bhp naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
The trim levels range from Visia to Tekna+, with an unusually large mid-range offering three intermediate steps (Acenta, N-Connecta, Tekna). Each trim level adds more features and upgrades, with Tekna+ being the range-topping option. This trim includes 19-inch alloy wheels, two-tone paint, and part-leather seats as standard. N-Connecta cars come equipped with sat-nav, a rear parking camera, cruise control, and LED headlights.
In conclusion, the Nissan Juke continues to break the mold in the B-SUV market. With its innovative design, improved performance, and upgraded features, it aims to stand out among its trendy rivals. Whether it can maintain its position as a leader in this competitive segment remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the Nissan Juke is a force to be reckoned with.