The Juke
THE original Nissan Juke was the one that started the boom in the compact crossover segment. Introduced in 2010 and selling more than 1.5m. units, it was a hard one to beat. But times move on – and there’s now a new generation on the streets because it’s had a makeover.
It’s striking. Very. The first thing that took my eye was its lights – both front and rear. I also loved the front grille and the lines of the car. Smart alloys add to the feeling that this is a car that’s grown up to meet the new decade – and all those crossovers that emulated it – head on.
Its aerodynamic design also adds to its efficiency, something not to be dismissed lightly. Add to that a comprehensive safety package including autonomous emergency braking, cruise control, high beam assist, hill start assist and lane keep assistance, and you’ve got a great package.
It’s grown a little longer, a little wider, a little higher from the original model, but that gives more space inside. That means it’s great for a family, easily fitting two adults in the front and two or even three children in the back. Seats are comfortable and stylish and that oh-so-important infotainment system is top-notch. The eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a Bose sound system (including headrest-integrated speakers on both front seats) as well as Nissan’s suite of ProPilot semi-autonomous technology.
Visibility is a dream and for anyone needing to fit in the weekly shop, the school bags or holiday luggage, the boot – a generous 422 litres (an increase of 68 litres from the old Juke) – swallows everything in style.
The proof, as they say, is in the pudding, and this pudding is one sweet and tasty morsel. Driving it is a sheer delight.
A turbocharged 1.0 litre engine sits beneath the bonnet and powers the Juke phenomenally well. It seems especially suited to Guernsey roads as it’s not pretending to be a sports car, but does have that bit of extra power when needed. Steering is light, parking a delight – what more do you need?
u Available to test drive from Freelance.
