Whether or not you like the design of the nissan juke , this was the main sales argument for his successful and long career — one million units in Europe, 14,000 of which in Portugal.
Even today, nine years later, its unique lines are still up-to-date and I believe it wouldn't take much more than a restyling to keep it fresh for a few more years. But the segment for which he was mainly responsible for today being one of the most popular and one that has the greatest potential for growth in the coming years, could not be much more different.
If in 2010, when it was launched, it only had to deal with a couple of rivals, Nissan now recognizes more than 20 — it's a relentless war. More extreme measures would have to be taken to remain relevant in a boiling segment.
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And the results are in sight: the new Nissan Juke still looks like a Juke, but after getting to know it better, statically and dynamically, it's as if the kid I met a few years ago had suddenly grown up, physically and beyond — he is now someone more adult, mature, responsible.
Perception that I had been left with after the first static presentation of the model, which also took place in Barcelona a month ago, and which has now been reinforced and cemented when driving it.
At the front, the highlight is the reinterpretation of the split optics, which now flank a much larger "V Motion" grille.
The growth in all directions seems to me to have also been one of the factors for the better-resolved design overall — dare I say the new Juke is now more consensual? The proportions are visibly higher and it looks better “planted” on the asphalt — all the units available for testing came with the larger 19″ wheels, which also helps —; and displays more sophisticated-looking surfaces and details, a quality absent from the coarsest original.
space, the last frontier
But the benefit of having grown on the outside — it uses the CFM-B, the same platform as the new Renault Clio and the new Captur — can be seen inside. From a somewhat tight creature, one of the consequences of its design, to one of the most spacious models in the segment — the internal dimensions are close (too close) to those of the Qashqai.
The wheelbase grew 105 mm (2,636 m), reflected in the greater available space. At the back, the space for the knees has grown 58 mm and for the head 11 mm. Access has also improved, with 33mm wider openings.
Compared with the first generation, the interior of the new one is also more conventional, tending towards the sporty one, but with the playful aspect becoming somewhat forgotten. However, thanks to personalization, one of the strong arguments of the new model, the interior easily gains greater attraction. The N-Design version, for example, has two distinct interior environments: Chic, more refined and elegant with applications in Alcantara and leather; and Active, much more vibrant, with a mix of black and orange skin.
This more conventional aspect in the interior and even the familiarity of the controls (multi-function steering wheel, for example) and its layout guarantees, at least, a quick adaptation in its use. The assembly is solid, and the materials, in general, of better quality, intersected by others less pleasant to the touch.
Multi-function steering wheel, where we can access, for example, the Nissan ProPilot. Highlight also for the paddles present in the version with double clutch box.
Absolute novelty are the sporty-looking Monoform seats, with integrated headrests, which proved to be quite comfortable over long distances, and with very reasonable support — in the more equipped versions they can even be heated. And if you opt for the BOSE sound system, a pair of speakers are added at head level, reminiscent of headphones — an original touch.
where did the fun go
I've been driving a Nissan Juke for some time now. It surprised me by its promptness and agility - the Sport mode gave it a rather addictive effervescence. Then, as now, if I had to choose between a Juke or a Micra, I chose Juke more quickly, precisely because of the injection of fun that it put into driving.
Not anymore… The kid also grew up in this department. If before its behavior was characterized by a welcome agility, inviting a more enthusiastic driving, the new Nissan Juke proves to be more stable and efficient, but also more… boring — not even the Sport mode helps in this chapter, little different from the Standard ; better leave it in this one.
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The steering (with some weight, but not communicating much) is precise and the front axle obedient, but reveals a more inert, less organic attitude and calls for play, with efficiency being its main argument. However, the new Juke surprised in one chapter, the comfort. The new generation turned out to be comfortable, quite even, elevating its estradistant qualities — a quality unknown to the first generation.
All this acquired maturity is complemented by the only engine available (for now): the 1.0 DIG-T (debuted on Micra) with 117 hp and 180 Nm (200 Nm in overboost), linear and progressive (it's best to keep above 2000 rpm), but without much “growing” — like the chassis, more effective than captivating.
The 1.0 DIG-T is associated with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch (DCT7). There was opportunity to experience both broadcasts extensively, but which would you choose?
The manual gearbox adds an additional layer of interactivity, despite the somewhat long stroke and some difficulty in shifting to sixth; but the DCT7 seems to be more in keeping with Juke's new character — there are paddles behind the steering wheel that support its circular motion, in case you want to change gears for yourselves, but automatic mode has proved more than enough.
Manual cashier needs, but somewhat long course and a sixth somewhat reluctant to enter.
For those who are unsure whether the small three-cylinder has more eyes than a belly to move the Juke — larger but lighter by 23 kg than its predecessor — fears are unfounded. It's no rocket (10-11s at 0-100 km/h), but it does its job with panache. And despite abuses on the right pedal on these occasions, consumption promises to be moderate: I got around 7.5 l/100 km on a varied route with mountain road, highway and city.
technology concentrate
If design was the main selling point of the first generation, Nissan hopes that the technology built into the new Juke will also become a strong reason to choose its crossover. The units we tested were equipped with the well-known ProPilot system (Level 2 autonomous driving), in addition to various assistants, which were increasingly common.
But the technological highlight refers to the connectivity that the new Nissan Juke allows, an increasingly requested requirement.
In addition to the NissanConnect infotainment system, with an 8″ touchscreen as standard on all versions, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the new Nissan Juke can have Wi-Fi on board, in addition to having the application as a complement. NissanConnect Services, for our mobile phone.
The NissanConnect app allows you to control a series of parameters in Juke.
The application has several possibilities. It allows you not only to have a history of the trips made, but also to remotely control various vehicle functions (locking/unlocking, lights, horn, tire pressure, oil level).
If we lend the Juke to someone, or even if it is part of a fleet, we can define usage parameters (travel area or speed) which, when exceeded, we are alerted. It's even compatible with Google Assistant, and it even lets you send navigation destinations to Juke remotely.
Okay?
No doubt. More than a compact crossover, the new Nissan Juke reveals itself as an alternative to small family members, such as the Volkswagen Golf or the Ford Focus. Even occupying a smaller area on the asphalt, the use of space is equivalent, if not superior, as what we saw in the trunk.
In the European context, with only one engine available at this initial stage, despite covering 73% of sales in the segment, we doubt that it will regain its leadership in the segment, as the Juke will be accompanied by weighty rivals who are also new: the "brother" and leader Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008 and the unprecedented Ford Puma. As I mentioned at the beginning, this segment is boiling.
Looking for the best angle…
In Portugal, Nissan expects to sell 3000 Juke in Portugal in the first year of sales, which will allow it to regain the 3rd place in the segment. Prices start at €19,900 , but for more detailed information on the national range, see our more detailed article with that information.