What's all this then?
The covers have finally come off the all-new, second-generation Nissan Juke, a nameplate that defined the compact crossover segment when it arrives on the market some nine years ago.
Nowadays, the compact crossover segment is crowded, but Nissan hopes the Juke's de-sign, advanced technology and agility will bring its A-game to the B-segment.
It looks different, but the same...
Well, the first-gen Juke divided opinion with its quirky (odd) looks so the designers have toned some of the features down but tried to keep the Juke's char-acter to help it stand out in the segment.
The front end is sleeker with more integrated features. The 'V-Motion' grille is larger and is flanked by slim daytime running lights with integrated indicators. The large round high/low beams are still there underneath, but they now feature a Y-shaped design, which comple-ments the V-shaped grille.
The double-bubble roof not only looks cool, but it aids airflow and aerodynamics. As does the new integrated rear spoiler. If we stay around the back of the car, you can see the large protruding bumper of the previous model has been replaced by a flusher style. This not only enhances the visual appearance but increases boot space from 354 to 422 litres.
What about interior space?
That has been improved with increased leg-, head- and knee room for all onboard. The previous-generation Juke drew criticism for its cramped rear quarters, but this time round kneeroom in the back has increased by 7.5cm and headroom by 1.1cm and there is plenty of space for feet under the front seats.
That dash looks awful fancy!
It does indeed. That's thanks to a combination of soft touch mate-rials like Alcantara, leather and soft plastics and a new sleeker, neater design. In fact, these nice new plush materials and a redesign of the wing mirrors also contribute to an im-provement in the car's overall NVH.
What about the tech?
There is an eight-inch touchscreen that is all set up for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and has built-in satnav. You can also have a wifi hotspot.
Safety tech includes Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Recogni-tion, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Intervention. The Juke also gets Nissan's ProPilot technology, which is said to help in heavy traffic by offering electronically assisted steering, acceleration and brak-ing.
And can I jazz up the Juke?
You can get as fancy as you like as there are 11 exterior colours to choose from, three contrasting roof colours and three interior options. Alloy wheel de-signs vary in size from 16- to 19 inches.
Tell me about the oily bits.
The new Juke is built on the CMFB platform. This is shared with Re-nault and underpins the new Captur as well. This platform is adaptable for a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but not a fully elec-tric one, though Nissan would neither confirm nor deny a future hybrid Juke offering.
So what does power the Juke?
There is just one engine option from launch and that is the same 1.0-litre, three-cylinder tur-bocharged petrol unit that is in the Micra. Nissan says that the engine is tuned specifically for the Juke.
And the transmission options?
Buyers choose between a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch (DCT) paddle-shift gearbox. The new Juke also has three drive modes - Sport, Eco and Normal.
How much?
Prices for the all-new Juke start from £17,395 on-the-road. The range topping Tekna+ models will cost from £23,895.
Production of the new Nissan Juke begins at the Sunderland plant in October with first de-liveries expected mid-November.
Melanie May - 3 Sep 2019