2015 Nissan Juke – What is that thing?

2015 Nissan Juke is a Cartoon Car Made Real

While the main herd of car makers are bought in on the idea of aesthetic looks, Nissan has gone the opposite route with the completely funked out Juke design. It’s no joke either. Despite its juvenile expression, the 2015 Nissan Juke is a fully-operational crossover-SUV employing fierce lines, functional versatility and a lively driving experience.

The Nissan Juke’s got physical talent as well. Not so much in the power output department, but its muscle agility and stamina (fuel economy) is where the Nissan Juke proves its worth. Torque control is governed by Nissan’s unique Dynamic Drive Torque Vectoring System that can not only transfer power between the front and rear wheels, but from left to right as well. Coupled with the ultra light-weight 1.6L DIG (Direct Injection Gasoline) turbocharged engine, the Nissan Juke promises to deliver performance expectations.

It’s like watching that 16 year old stud with the orange mohawk playing in the world cup. Filled with youthful optimism, the Nissan Juke has all the mechanical physique to rightfully compete with the main contenders.

Let’s Get Funky

It’s not the only vehicle Nissan has ever built with out-of-the-ordinary looks. The highly successful Nissan GT-R supercar design inherits the notorious Japanese Gundam science fiction media series. The Nissan Juke brings out the fantasy design element at an even higher level. Front fascia is both exotic and complex with its massive rally style circular projector headlights accommodated by a pair of razor LED accent headlights borrowed directly from the performance oriented Nissan 370Z coupe.

Side panels shows off its massive wheel fenders and unconventional trapezoidal side windows and indicative side skirts. Around back follows the complex trend as the front fascia with the Nissan “Z’ racing inspired tail lights and added spoiler. Its muscular lines and design features is a visual demonstration of aggression and creativity.

Inside Functionality

Driving position in the Nissan Juke is simple and natural. The added leather seats option in our test model provide a good balance for comfort and lateral support. The small diameter steering wheel, miniature dual-display LCD center console screens, and conveniently placed shift stick results in a cozy interior.

Quality and aesthetics isn’t quite up to a level of maturity. Bulk of the interior is built out of lower-grade panels compared to more buttoned-up contenders such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, and Mazda CX-5. The dual infotainment/climate control LCD screens is a clash of visual consistency and there is a lack of sound insulation as well. On that note, the engine tone from the Nissan XTronic CVT transmission is not exactly a music to the ears either.

But it’s all fully functional and that’s what matters most. The classical temperature and fan speed knobs make climate control easy and intuitive . Our specific test model also came equipped with an all-around view camera, which proves its worth under ideal conditions, but degrades in usability under poorer weather conditions mainly due to a low resolution camera and a smaller 5.7″ infotainment screen combination.

In terms of extra passengers, Nissan did a great job integrating rear doors into a coup-like chassis. It’s is a bit tight in the back, but more than sufficient for the occasional four, or even five-passenger city commute. The good news is an abundance of headroom within both the front and rear seating area.

Legitimate Performance

The Nissan Juke proves that you don’t need big horsepower to deliver driving enjoyment. Designed with fuel efficiency in mind, the Nissan Juke (SL AWD) is powered by a miniature 1.6L turbocharged DIG (Direct Injection Gasoline) engine producing 188 horsepower at 5600 RPM.

Steering precision is tightly bound with optimistic handling and cornering capability. Despite the nature of its raised ride height, the Nissan Juke still offers a ground-hugging effect. Don’t be afraid to stomp on the gas pedal with the AWD system either because it works and it works well. Hard acceleration and cornering performed under wet road conditions performed exceptionally well with minimal traction loss.

Thrill factor is a bit attenuated due to the lack of manual gear transmission with the AWD platform. For those that demand full automotive control, the FWD powertrain options can be configured with a 6 speed manual gear box.

Performance enhanced flavors are also offered in the Nissan Juke lineup with the Nismo and Nismo RS series. The Nismo model offers increased spring and damping suspension tuning and paddle shifters while the Nismo RS model boosts its power output to 215 horsepower and includes Recaro bucket seats and vented disc brakes. Also included in the Nismo series is flashier interior and exterior styling, improved aerodynamics, low profile tires and 18″ wheels.

Final Thoughts

Its exterior form remains a minority within the overall population, but a perfect choice for those with a daring and open-minded personality. And when it comes to driving the Juke, the word “fun” generally comes to mind. I must add that the suspensions are stiff-tuned in favor of performance over comfort as driving over bumpier roads easily traverses its way into the cabin area.

Interior traits falls a bit behind in terms of what quality has to offer, but functional wise, it’s all there with an available NissanConnect navigation system, steering wheel button controls with rear and all-around view equipped cameras.

When talking price, the Nissan Juke isn’t exactly cheap. With all said and done, our SL AWD model is priced in at $30,178. More conscious buyers can opt for the base SV FWD model starting in at $20,498. But compared to the SL AWD, the top NISMO RS AWD model can be had for almost the same price at $31,998

The Nissan Juke is a unique car to own, and it truly delivers what it advertises. Sure there is lack of discipline on the inside, but can be easily forgiven and forgotten at the punch on the throttle.

Specifications

Vehicle : 2015 Nissan Juke
Model : SL AWD
Price as Tested : $31,873
Vehicle Type : 5 door cross-over
Seating Capacity : 2+3
Powertrain Configuration : AWD
Engine : 1.6L DIG (Direction Injection Gasoline) turbocharged
Transmission : XTronic CVT
Horsepower : 188 Hp
Torque: 177 lb.ft
Fuel Economy: 8.8/7.5 Km city/highway
Additional Features : 5.8″ LCD touch screen, rear view camera all-around-view camera, SiriusXM, Hands Free TXT Messaging system, Leather Seats, Heated Front Seats, Intelligent Key with push button start, Rockford eco-punch audio system with Powered subwoofer, bluetooth handsfree system.