Guernsey Press

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.

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Picture by Sophie Rabey. 09-01-20. Nissan Juke from Freelance garage. February DRIVE.. (26853865)

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.