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Nissan Juke Turbo vs MINI Countryman

They both dare to be different, but which of the Nissan Juke and MINI Countryman Cooper S is the wiser buy?

Nissan Juke Turbo vs MINI Countryman

Photos: Pete Gibson July 2011

Is the writing on the wall for conventional hatchbacks? The two crossovers in this test suggest it could be, with their trendy looks, distinctive cabins and sporty turbos.

Nissan’s Juke has captured buyers’ imagination with its head-turning looks and competitive pricing. It is UK built, and small family models don’t get much more boldly styled...

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

 

Plus, if you want strong performance, too, the firm has it covered as the 1.6-litre DiG-T engine offers 187bhp and 240Nm of torque. The initials stand for Direct-injection Gasoline Turbo, and this unit puts the Juke within range of MINI’s Cooper S Countryman.

It has a price to match its premium image, and is bigger than the Nissan. However, its 1.6-litre turbo delivers hot hatch pace to go with its fun styling and five-door practicality.

As the biggest car ever to wear the British company’s badge, the Countryman isn’t universally popular with purists, but it still shares the unique appeal that makes modern MINIs so desirable.

Will all this justify the price of our ALL4 model? Or will the smaller Juke paint itself into fashion-conscious, go-faster folklore...?

For an alternative review of the latest Nissan Juke visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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9 Comments

But which is uglier? There's only one way to find out...

Having now seen both these monstrosities in the flesh, the Juke looks like it was made from bits of different cars, while the Countryman resembles a MINI that has been given an overdose of human growth hormone.
The combined effect is a pair of cars that appear to have fallen from the very top of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down.

By snappyuk on 7 July, 2011, 8:17am

I agree entirely... how either car got from drawing board to metalwork is a mystery to me. And what's the point? Cramped interiors with little load space, and no off-road ability. Why not buy a conventional saloon/hatchback, and avoid the compromises in practicality and looks?

By hotbulb on 7 July, 2011, 9:34am

I agree entirely... how either car got from drawing board to metalwork is a mystery to me. And what's the point? Cramped interiors with little load space, and no off-road ability. Why not buy a conventional saloon/hatchback, and avoid the compromises in practicality and looks?

By hotbulb on 7 July, 2011, 9:36am

Ho-hum. You sound like a bunch of arch-conservatives. It's no wonder car manufacturers won't make interesting cars. We see great concepts at shows turned into the most excruciatingly boring models to suit conservative tastes. The Juke is a fantastic looking car and is a hoot to drive. I've had more people stop and ask me about mine. The mini is a bit ugly and doesn't go far enough to make it truly interesting. And just not worth the extra money.

By plip07 on 7 July, 2011, 10:12am

Ho-hum. You sound like a bunch of arch-conservatives. It's no wonder car manufacturers won't make interesting cars. We see great concepts at shows turned into the most excruciatingly boring models to suit conservative tastes. The Juke is a fantastic looking car and is a hoot to drive. I've had more people stop and ask me about mine. The mini is a bit ugly and doesn't go far enough to make it truly interesting. And just not worth the extra money.

By plip07 on 7 July, 2011, 10:15am

Nissan Joke, sorry Juke - great styling concept, lousy realisation, at least at the front. Just looks unbalanced, top heavy, a mess. Could've looked so much better, without being boring. The Mini - now that just looks angry, perhaps it's stretching the styling concept of the 1950s just a bit far. I'm sure they're both fun to drive and well put together though. Mind you I had a Toyota Yaris for a few months, which was meant to be both of these things. Most awful car I've ever owned!

By steve647 on 7 July, 2011, 12:44pm

British?!?

Please, please, please stop calling MINI British! The Juke was at least designed/engineered here (not Germany) making it more British than any MINI.

By LarryH on 7 July, 2011, 5:09pm

Dont you mean Mini Joke

The Mini in black looks looks like a herse, what were they thinking, like a Chrysler 300C Touring shrunk, the most ugly car on the market with its little brother. At least the Juke has some style. Top marks for putting it into production, most concept cars look nothing like the production model.

By philthunder on 10 July, 2011, 9:17pm

I think the Mini is becoming a bit of a joke with all the stupid variants and this countryman is the daftest yet, and I really wonder about the type of person that buys one of these - what do they think they are buying - a BMW or a Mini? plus they overpriced and unreliable. The Nissan Juke is a fresh and original piece of design and is the one I'd take.

By cousins11 on 14 July, 2011, 11:21am

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Full Car Reviews

MINI Countryman Cooper S front

1st MINI Countryman Cooper S ALL4

Cooper S offers sharp handling and all-wheel-drive ability - but will premium price tag cost it this test victory?
Nissan Juke 1.6 DiG-T front

2nd Nissan Juke 1.6 DiG-T

Powerful turbocharged engine provides pace to deliver on promise of Nissan's wild looks
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

Do the cars in this test repaint the family car landscape? No, but they are both interesting alternatives to established mainstream models. Their unique looks will attract or deter buyers in equal measure. However, their ability to turn heads and to place you above the surrounding traffic is key to their appeal. So which is the better choice?

The Nissan has price on its side, and more standard kit. Its punchy DiG-T engine also ensures performance is lively – if only it had the chassis to match. The Countryman provides more passenger space, a bigger boot and is far better to drive. Superior refinement and better quality also help to justify its hefty price premium. It is a stronger family choice than the cramped Nissan, and the ownership experience strengthens its appeal. Solid residuals and low running costs ensure the Cooper S Countryman is our victor.

 
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