Nissan Juke Test Drive Review

Shock tactics can prove a very effective marketing tool for a business that wants to make
an impression.

Nissan used the element of surprise back in 2011 when it launched its Juke, and it worked. Today, with 100,000 sold, the striking little SUV now owns 5% market share of the Fiesta class and is the UK’s 13th best seller.

For its mid-life tweak Nissan is keen not to mess with a winning formula, so changes are limited to a pair of 370Z-style upper front lamps that include LED daytime running lamps, the popular Qashqai’s V-shaped grille, and redesigned front and rear bumpers, plus a pair of rear LED tail lamps.

Nissan has also introduced greater levels of personalisation with the revised Juke, with lots of bright colours you can inject into the cabin, bumper inserts, headlamps surrounds and even alloys wheels.

Under the bonnet is where the biggest change occurs. Gone is the old, breathless 117hp 1.6-litre petrol, replaced by the new 115hp turbocharged 1.2-litre lifted from the Qashqai.

The fleet favourite 110hp 1.5 dCi diesel carries over, but, for the first time, the petrol might challenge its dominance for business users. The 1.2 is smooth and punchy with plenty of power low down, but more importantly averages 50.4mpg and emits 129g/km of CO2. For those who don’t do many miles it might prove the more cost-effective choice when it comes to BIK payments compared with the diesel.

Behind the wheel it’s business as usual for the Juke. The top Tekna specification comes with 18-inch wheels that don’t do much for ride quality, but the Nissan is still fun to drive, while for those who
are bored with small hatches, the Juke continues be a cost-efficient way to stand out from the crowd. No shock there.