First Impressions: Nissan Juke

I was driving my scooter the other day when I passed the Nissan dealer in my town when I saw IT. In bordeaux red a small little hatch stood in front of me . At first , misguided by the sporty boomerang-like taillights and the small back window , I said to
my self : "Wow, the new Micra really looks good !" But then again , when has the Micra looked good?"   At that moment I saw the better-than-a-roadcar-sort-of-an-off-roadish ground clearance and those gigantic wheels and I was astonished that this car is a new smaller than a Qashqai SUV by Nissan. It's called the  Juke. Whether it sounds like a joke to you this little hatchback-crossover-estate-4x4-thingy will take the market by storm.

With the all new Nissan 1.6 liter direct injected turbocharged engine producing 188bhp at 5,600 rpm and 177lb-ft torque from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm the little Juke runs in to Skoda Yeti 1.8 liter TSI territory. The almost diesel-like torque distribution is paired with Nissan's CVT transmission which is basically an automatic with seamless gear changes. The only problem is that you will be driving almost always at around 5,000 rpm which can be quite nervebending and little fun for those seeking the sport note in the small crossover. For those who like shifting gears i would recommend ticking the box with the 6-speed manual transmission in the options list. As always there will be an oil burner version for those who have given up all hope . The 1.5 dCi engine develops 118 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 177lb-ft at 1,850 rpm . There will also be a 1.6 liter engine with 108bhp which I think will be the best seller paired with the CVT transmission and 4x2 wheel drive .

The interior is based on the 370z steering wheel and gauges and the center column can be in the same colour as the exterior and that is quite a good idea in my opinion. Imagine your new VW Passat with the interior trim beige like the exterior . It would be boring-man's heaven! The interior features a real handbrake rather than the, useless for starting drifts, automatic ones. On the other hand an automatic parking brake would be nice for all the lady drivers not knowing how to hill start . Other features include a small navigation screen and a rather iteresting computer game like aircon screen .

The new Juke would certainly steal some of the Qashqai's buyers but more importantly it has the edge in the desigh department over the Mitsubishi ASX . The Skoda Yeti is still my favorite but with those buff wheel arches and that coupe-like silhouette
the Juke can be my next favorite small SUV. Only if Nissan fitted the small crossover with the 3.7 V6 unit from the 370z .