Nissan Juke 1.0T test: Targeted upgrades

It may not look like it, but this is the facelifted Nissan Juke, with a slight change in the bodywork but a major improvement in the interior

Since its first generation, Juke's unique appearance has been a controversial feature: as they say, "love it or hate it", there is no in-between. Of course, its sales show that most people like it, contrary to the opinion of some "keyboard gladiators" on the Internet. Of course, it makes sense: in a segment where pedestrian safety regulations force all models to look almost identical, the Juke stands out and breaks with the typical crossover design.

The aesthetic enhancement to the exterior of the facelift is limited to minor changes to the front and rear lights. At least the personalization options have been strengthened with a new alloy wheel design and 3 new body colors, one of which is yellow, as this is an option on the first-generation Juke, and buyers are pressuring Nissan to bring it back! The gray color on our test car looks beautiful, though, especially with the black trim and 19-inch aerodynamic wheels.

But the changes are limited, and even the bumpers have the same design. This seems to be a clear statement from Nissan, which is completely satisfied with the presence of its own Juke, as it has not fallen into the "trap" of a facelift, changing the lights and bumpers. Instead, it listened to the audience and focused on improving the interior, upgrading the technology, and the comfort it provides.

So we have a very different interior. The central vents are no longer circular (like those on the edge of the dashboard), but larger and simpler, while the overall design of the dashboard has changed, with curved plastic details separating the useful parts of the console (the one with the screen and treatment), as well as the rest of the fabric lining. Of course, there are more subtle changes, such as a larger passenger glove box and redesigned armrests, as all Jukes are now equipped with electric handbrakes. The all-new look is completed by the new seats, which change according to the equipment package.

Of course, the infotainment system's touchscreen also reaches 12.3 inches, while also tilting slightly towards the driver for ease of operation. The buttons and switches have been reduced, but luckily we still have physical controls for air conditioning and music. The infotainment features have also been improved, and it is now possible to personalize the home screen according to your wishes using widgets. When we drive an entry-level model, the system does not have a map, but at least it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can use the map on your smartphone (just like the rest of the world, ie). Overall, the upgrade of the interior is a success, and you will immediately understand it, both in terms of comfort and design and in terms of the technology it now offers.

The Juke offers three different engine options, and in our tests, we drove the entry-level version, with a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It could produce 114 horsepower, but the gearbox saved the day: up to 2,000 rpm. It's almost non-existent, but at least the first three gears are fairly short, allowing you to stay in the higher rev range and go pretty fast. The next three gears are longer to improve fuel economy when cruising. So, it can be low consumption when traveling, but ...... in the city It is thirsty, 10 liters per 100 km.

The driving feel has not changed from the previous Juke. As a result, we have an agile and pleasant car with strong brakes and a direct and light steering wheel without much feedback. At the same time, it is particularly comfortable, thanks not only to the suspension system, even if it is a little stiff, but also to soft springs, which absorb well even in a noisy three-cylinder. Of course, a good level of sound insulation and excellent ride quality also contribute greatly to comfort.

Previous Jukes may have been beautiful on the outside, but on the inside they looked ...... It's old from the day it was launched. Nissan's goal with the facelift upgrade is very clear, only improving where Juke really needs it. As a result, it now offers a complete proposition in the crossover category and is a favored model for those who want to stand out without compromise (now!). ）

Technical features:

motor

Three-cylinder inline

Turbocharged, gasoline direct injection

Capacity: 999cc

Engine power

Maximum power: 114 hp / 5,000 rpm

最大扭矩：200 Nm 扭矩/3,000 rpm

Front-wheel drive

6-speed manual gearbox

Maximum speed: 180 km / h

Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 10.7"

Manufacturer (WLTP): 5.8-5.9 l/100 km

Tested: 9.8 l/100 km