Nissan Juke

Text: Tom Phillips / Photos: Otis Clay

September 2010

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• Latest deal price: from £11,907 to £17,593

The Juke gets its name from a move in American football, when a player wrong-foots an opponent. But can Nissan’s new crossover do the same with its rivals?

Auto Express is first behind the wheel to see how the Brit-built contender fares on UK roads. Defined by its eccentric exterior, the Juke’s nose features circular headlights set below a wide grille. The indicators sit frog-eye style either side of the bonnet. In profile, it features short overhangs.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Nissan Juke

Bulbous wheelarches get protruding cladding to fend off car park scrapes, while the rear door handles are hidden in the C-pillars. The rear is no less dramatic, with a bulging bootlid flanked by a pair of boomerang-shaped tail-lights and a bumper which is creased at each side.

These unique looks, coupled with a raised SUV-style ride height, mean Nissan has created a car which looks like no other. On the inside, however, things are less exciting. The lower part of the centre console has a contrasting metallic finish, inspired by a motorbike’s fuel tank. But the creative streak ends there, and you soon forget that you’re driving something that looks so different.

Up front, there’s plenty of space, decent storage and a good view of the road. However, the sloping roofline eats into rear headroom, while legroom is tighter than in the smaller
Honda Jazz. A narrow opening hinders access to the boot, too.

On the road, the Juke rides well, but body roll is pronounced. It’s not as sharp to drive as a conventional supermini, either. The steering feels artificial, while grip is only average. The naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine is sluggish off the line and sounds coarse, even in the Dynamic Control system’s sport mode. The gearbox is precise, although a sixth ratio would make for more refined motorway cruising.

Rival: Kia Soul 1.6
Korean firm Kia has also been brave with the styling of its supermini. The Soul looks distinctive in isolation, but can’t match the Juke’s striking design, either inside or out. However, it is roomier, has a more powerful engine and undercuts the Juke on price