MOTORING: Nissan Juke Road Test Review
Motoring Journalist Sue Cooke test drives the new, tranquil Nissan Juke Tekna+…
Research by the Royal Society for Public Health has shown that a stressful work commute may be causing you to gain weight, ruin your mood and affect your health. According to over 50% of those asked a long commute increases stress levels.
So this New Year, Nissan is helping drivers of its new compact crossover, the second generation JUKE to enjoy the passing miles. Designers have put together an uplifting collection of tunes which buyers can play on the Bose Personal Plus audio system. There are eight speakers, each precisely positioned to fill the cabin with a full range of treble, mids and bass. Two speakers are even integrated within each front headrest.
The driver and front passenger can even customise the listening experience with the option of frontal staging to simulate a concert or enjoy maximum sound immersion.
The interior of my road test car was luxurious in an energy orange leather with soft-touch materials on the dashboard, door trim and foot-wells. On the Tekna+ model the sporty seats will slide, recline and are heated. The multi functional leather steering wheel has controls for the audio, telephone, intelligent cruise control and speed limiter. The NissanConnect infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard on all Nissan JUKE grades from the Acenta grade upwards. Another feature is the NissanConnect Services app. Before departing on a trip and using the app, I could check the door-lock status of the vehicle and lock or unlock the JUKE, directly from my smartphone. For increased safety, drivers can also check their tyre pressure and oil level.
The cabin of the new JUKE is roomy for both passengers and their belongings, with rear-seat knee room increased by 5.8 cm, rear headroom by 1.1 cm. There is 20% more luggage capacity than the previous JUKE at 422-litres.
The exterior paintwork is gorgeous in two tone gun metallic with a sunset red roof. 25% of buyers ask for this two tone bodywork and there are 15 colour combinations. The hidden door handles on the rear doors give coupe like fluidity. Headlights feature a Y-shaped LED signature which complement Nissan’s trademark V-Motion grille. Stylish 19-inch Akari alloy wheels give an imposing and athletic stance.
As you drive along serenaded in the very comfortable seats, it might be easy to forget about the speed you are doing. The JUKE does not allow you to. The speed of the road is shown in sharp display in front of the driver. Go above the speed and the emblem rapidly flashes. Steering is precise so manoeuvrability and parking are easy, helped by the intelligent around view monitor. Rear cross traffic alert let me know if a car was approaching as I backed out of my drive. Wonderful system.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission has paddle shifters or full auto mode. A “D-Mode” allowed me to switch effortlessly between Standard, Eco and Sport mode.
The right song can certainly transform your day, trigger great memories and boost your spirits. My mood this week with the Nissan JUKE has definitely been uplifted by the lustrous eye-catching presence of the exterior, the very comfortable interior and helpful technology.
Facts at a Glance
Model: Nissan Juke Tekna+
Price: £26,595 otr
Engine: 1 litre three-cylinder DIG-T turbocharged petrol engine with 7 speed DCT
Performance: 0-62mph in 11.1seconds and on to a top speed of 112mph
CO2 emissions: 116 g/km Combined fuel consumption: 44.1 mpg (WLTP)
