Review
Nissan Juke SUV
Price: £13,395 - £21,495
/5
- Pros:
- Unique styling
- High-driving position
- Good value for money
- Cons:
- 4WD only with automatic gearbox
- Short on space
- Not exciting to drive
reviewed by Carbuyer
"The Juke looks like nothing else on the road... if only it could be a little more exciting to drive."
At a glance
- The greenest
- Acenta + Premium Pack 1.5 dCi 5dr
£16,895 - The cheapest
- Visia 1.6 5dr
£13,395 - The fastest
- Acenta + Premium Pack 1.6 DiG-T 5dr
£17,095 - Top of the range
- Shiro 1.6 DiG-T CVT-M6 4x4 5dr
£21,495
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Nissan's Juke looks like nothing else on the road and its high-driving position and chunky off-road looks make it a quirky alternative to a supermini. Buyers can choose from three different engines – a 1.5-litre diesel engine, a 1.6-litre petrol and a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine. Most models are front-wheel drive only but the automatic 1.6-litre turbo Jukes come with a clever four-wheel drive system offering impressive straight line speed and plenty of grip. While the Juke is good to drive, it's not as exciting as rivals like the Ford Fiesta or the MINI Countryman. Buyers looking for space may want to look elsewhere too. Despite its big SUV looks, the Juke only has the boot space of a supermini.
Drive
Good to drive but avoid the 4x4 version
Despite its compact dimensions, the Nissan Juke has a big car feel - offering a great view of the road ahead and proving easy to drive around town. Three engines are offered; and both the 1.5-litre turbodiesel and 1.6-litre turbo petrol deliver ample pace. Only the 115bhp 1.6-litre petrol option feels a bit underpowered. The steering is light and lacking in feel, but the Juke is still good to drive. Nissan's Dynamic Control System (standard on Acenta models up) offers sport and eco settings that promise to change the way the car drives. In reality, you'll be hard pushed to notice any difference between the two modes. Unless you plan to tow heavy loads across slippery surfaces, we would also recommend avoiding the 4x4 model, which costs more, and is less fuel efficient than an equivalent front wheel drive car.
Comfort
Not as comfortable as it should be
Soft suspension means that the Juke tends to lean on its springs in the corners. That normally means the ride is very comfortable over rough roads, but for some reason the Juke still feels a little uncomfortable. At motorway speeds the cabin is well isolated from wind and road noise but if you work the engine hard, you do begin to hear it from inside the cabin.
Reliability
Safe and reliable, but cabin can't match visual flair of exterior
Nissan's reliability record is sound, with the British built Juke's bigger Qashqai relative scoring highly in a range of reliability surveys. The standard safety equipment list is generous, with even the Visia entry-level cars coming with anti-lock brakes, six airbags, active front head restraints and Isofix child seat anchoring points. During stringent Euro NCAP crash testing the Juke scored the full five star rating. Watch the Nissan Juke crash test video here. Inside it looks smart, but can't quite match the eye-catching looks of the exterior. Some plastics do feel a bit cheap to touch too.
Practicality
Don't be fooled by its looks, the Juke is still a small car
Nissan's Juke offers supportive front seats, yet rear headroom is limited thanks to the sloping roofline, and access through the back doors is tight. The boot offers 251 litres of space which is reasonable for this segment. There's also an under floor compartment to secure valuables. The 60/40 split rear seats easily fold flat for larger loads. Inside there are two big cup holders in the centre console and a deep glovebox. Don't let the Juke's SUV-looks fool you, it's still as small inside as a supermini.
Value for money
All models well equipped as standard
The Juke represents decent value for money. All versions come with desirable alloy wheels and air-conditioning, with the range-topping Tekna model fitted with leather upholstery, a reversing camera and keyless go. The mid-range Acenta model offers a hands free telephone connection, a USB port for music, plus climate and cruise control - all as standard.
Running costs
No particularly efficient engines
None of the engines are particularly efficient compared to regular superminis'. The diesel is best, offering 55mpg on the official combined consumption cycle. Relatively high CO2 emissions will push up tax bills, with no Juke falling below the 120g/km CO2 rating that so many superminis do.
