What's the news?
It has been announced that the long-awaited Juke Nismo will be priced from £19,995 when it goes on sale in January 2013. The Juke marks the start of many Nismo-tuned models destined for Europe in the near future.
Exterior
Nissan says that the new front and rear bumpers, front grille, bulging arches, side skirts and rear spoiler are all said to improve downforce without increasing drag. The larger wheel arches call for new 18-inch Nismo alloy wheels and the red pinstripe design on the body kit is complemented by the car's red door mirrors.
Interior
The interior layout is largely carried forward from the standard Juke, though the standard seats have been replaced by sportier numbers, finished in suede with red stitching to match the body kit. Suede has also been used to trim the door linings; and the steering wheel now comes in a combination of leather and Alcantara. Nismo has also added extra dials to the dashboard and fitted branded door sills and floor mats.
Mechanicals
The turbocharged 1.6-litre engine fitted to the Juke Nismo produces 200hp and 250Nm of torque. Coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox and in front-wheel-drive format the car has a 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds and a 134mph top speed. In this form, the Juke Nismo also manages 40.9mpg and emits 159g/km of CO2. Four-wheel-drive and a CVT transmission will also be available.
Sports suspension with 10 per cent stiffer springs has been fitted too, alongside a sharper sports steering system.
Anything else?
For those wanting a Juke Nismo but with added exclusivity, the one-off Batman-inspired 'The Dark Knight Rises' Juke Nismo is still available to be won. Visit www.builttothrill.co.uk to enter.
James Giddings - 13 Dec 2012