Get to know Nissan’s smallest SUV     

The Nissan Juke may look futuristic and cutting-edge, even by today’s standards, but it is actually one of the segment’s elder statesmen, so old in fact that when it debuted, the term “crossover” wasn’t as popular as it is now.

It was 2010 when the it officially debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. The name is a verb that means “to dance” and that’s exactly what the Juke did at dealerships around the world when it hit the market a year after its launch.

Nissan Philippines has it grouped under SUVs but as the Juke uses the Nissan B platform designed for subcompacts, both cars and SUVs, it is technically classified as a subcompact crossover.

Due to its design and compact dimensions, it was such a hit in Japan, US, and Europe at the launch, selling 10 to 30 times more than Nissan expected in the first five months alone.

Its design is a watered-down version of the Qazana concept from 2009. The thin lighting elements on top of the hood are the DRLs (daytime running lamps) and turn indicators, while the bug-eyed headlamps are poised lower on the bumper. It has muscular wheel arches, a high waistline, and was one of the first models to position the rear door handles on the C-pillar. Another quirky feature are the boomerang taillights.

Probably the most compact of subcompact crossovers, the Juke measures just 4,135mm in length, 1,765mm in width, and it 1,580mm tall. Even if it was launched a decade ago, it’s still small compared to today’s standards. Wheelbase is 2,520mm.

A modestly redesigned second-generation unit came out in 2019 but that model has yet to make its Philippine debut as we currently only have the first-gen unit.

There are two trims available locally, the 1.6 Upper CVT priced at P1.021 million and the Juke Nismo Edition that goes for P1.239 million.

On the chassis is an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam axle at the rear, ventilated disc brakes (front and rear), and 215/55 R17 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels.

Under the hood is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with CVTC (Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System) that handles the timing of a valve lift to improve performance, fuel economy or emissions. Other features include neutral idle control achieved through the coordinated control of the engine in tandem with the Xtronic CVT; introduction of an alternator regenerative control mechanism; reduction of engine friction by machining the cam shaft to a crowning mirror-like finish and application of a fluorine coating to the chain guide; delayed valve closure timing of the intake, achieved through the increased conversion angle of CVTC and superior timing management, thus reducing pumping loss when idling; and lower idling speed.

Output of 116hp and 154Nm of torque is driven to the front wheels via Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that has an expanded gear ratio range between low to high gear. This allows it to attain a top-of-class final gear reduction ratio of about 6 with its pulley and steel belt improvements and the use of high-performance ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). This ratio spread is among the world's widest for a CVT that lets the Juke get outstanding acceleration and fuel economy.

Exterior features include automatic halogen projector headlamps with LED (light-emitting diode) clearance lamps, front fog lamps, electronically-adjustable and power-folding outside door mirrors, and variable and intermittent front wipers and intermittent rear wipers.

To get into the cabin, Nissan offers an “intelligent key” that allows you to lock and unlock the door just by pressing a notch on the door when you are carrying your key on you. Inside, it gets an overall black color scheme, fabric seats, a 60:40 split rear seats, power windows, power door locks, full automatic climate control system, a 2-din display audio system, six speakers, Nissan’s I-CON (Integrated Control System on the lower dashboard that manages the aircon and the vehicle's drive modes), and a push-to-start system.

 

Safety features include a rear camera, dual front airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking system) with electronic brake Force distribution and brake assist, two three-point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) with pretensioner and load limiters in front , three three-point ELR at the rear, an anti-theft system with immobilizer, a high-mount stop lamp, and an Isofix system with tether.

Everything is pretty standard between the two trim save for the fact that the Nismo Edition gets unique Nismo bumpers, re-sculpted side sills, a built-in rear diffuser, red side mirror caps, fender lip moldings, unique rear spoiler, a new instrument panel with a red-faced tachometer, a three-spoke Alcantara and leather-wrapped Nismo steering wheel, a sporty shift knob and a sporty shift knob, front sport bucket seats with suede side trim and a black headliner, and for safety, side and curtain airbags.

Body colors for the Juke 1.6 Upper CVT are Black Obsidian, Pearl, White, Solar Yellow, and Red Alert.

The Juke Nismo Edition coms in Black Obsidian, Pearl White, or Brilliant Silver.

Photos from Nissan, Eric Tipan