Review: 2020 Nissan Juke

The Nissan Juke had gained a fresh new look for its second generation. It is now bigger & better - and still just as bold. With new technology and more grown up looks, it's ready for the future.

INITIAL IMPRESSION

Where the previous generation of the Nissan Juke could be best described as 'quirky', with it's round forms and eccentric headlights. The 2020 Juke still boosts a dynamic and sports-inspired design, but now with sharper lines that catch the eye from any angle. Instead of a choice, Nissan has decided to fit all of the four variants with a lightweight turbocharged engine.   Cmbined with precise, agile suspension, it gives you a comfortable and an exhilarating ride.  LED headlights and tail lights - the first thing you notice when looking at the new design - come standard across all variants. The Nissan Juke ST and ST+ ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, while the ST-L and Ti, move up to 19-inch wheels, the latter giving the new Juke even more street presence.

When driving the Juke, it becomes quite clear that the target market would still be those who lead an active lifestyle.  From the exterior design, colour options, and performance orientation, the Juke aims itself to be an alternative to vehicles in the hot hatch segment. So if you have an active lifestyle, this could be a very fun car for you.

DRIVEABILITY

All variants of the new Nissan Juke are powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with paddle shifters. Unlike the previous generation, Nissan will not offer an all-wheel drive variant for the new generation Juke. The power figures for the new model are close to that of it's predecessor: 84kW of power and 180Nm of torque. Because the Juke is bigger than before, with a 75mm increase in length, 35mm increase in width, and a 30mm increase in height, the performance figures are slighty less, but few will notice when driving it around town or on the highway.

The Juke has a range of different personalities - from its sedate and relaxed side, to its aggressive nature, unleashed by the different driving modes. Keep it in Eco or Standard - and there will be little excitement.   Put it in Sport - and you can definitely have some fun, yet it still holds a very competitive fuel economy of 5.8L/100km.

Considering the new Juke comes a comprehensive safety suite that includes features like Forward collision warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking for pedestrians and cyclists, Lane departure warning and Lane-keep assist, Rear cross-traffic alert, and a Rear-facing camera and Parking sensors as standard, it's no wonder the 2020 Nissan Juke scored a five-star ANCAP safety rating.   Add to that the Adaptive cruise control, Moving object detection, 360 degree camera and Electric parking brake (with an auto-hold function), and you know everybody inside, as well as outside, is in safe hands.

LIVEABILITY

Though you can carry four passengers, if they're tall they won't be too comfortable on a long road trip - it is perfectly fine for short trips however.  This is in part due to the heavily sloping roof and small rear doors. It was great to see how easily the rear 60/40 seats do fold down, allowing you to squeeze slightly larger objects into the rear of the Juke. Perfect if you’re packing for a small camping trip for two. Plus, the addition of remote keyless entry and push button start, getting in and going, is quick and easy.

There is plenty of storage for phones, drinks and items large and small around the cabin, plus front and rear USB sockets, to keep everybody's devices charged. The new Nissan Juke is also fitted with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice recognition. A 4.2-inch digital display in the instrument cluster of ST and ST+ is upgraded to 7.0-inches in the ST-L and Ti.

In the ST and ST+, you'll get cloth seats, while the ST-L's gain leather accenting, and the Ti’s are wrapped in quilted leather with Alcantara trims. This top-level Ti also gets a tyre pressure monitoring system, illuminated scuff panels and an eight-speaker Bose sound system. With speakers in the headrest - not something you'll see (or hear) every day!

COST

The new Nissan Juke will be available in four trim levels – up from two on offer in the previous generation. The entry model ST sits around the $28,000 mark, with the ST+ and ST-L increasing to just over $30,000 and up to $34,000 respectively. The range tops out with the Nissan Juke Ti, which will set you back about another $2500, plus on-road costs. Like all new Nissan's, the Juke comes with 5 year unlimited kilometre factory warranty.

CONCLUSION

There a few cars on the road as distinctive as the Nissan Juke.

Where it's predecessors looks were 'controversial' there is little doubt that most will like the new styling. It's sharper, sleeker and more modern. The same can be said for it's upgraded technology and safety features, which make the 2020 Nissan Juke a complete package for every kind of driver. With just one engine available, the only choice you'll have to make it which one of the trim levels you want, depending on wants, needs and budget.

Speak to our team at Motorama Nissan in Hillcrest who are more then happy to help you out and take you for a test drive!