Nissan Juke (2024): Test; Price; Configuration

Nissan Juke is a special case in the crossover / SUV family of things. Launched in 2010, this city SUV was one of the top performers in its segment. To commemorate the occasion, Nissan then gave it a bold face surrounded by two round headlights. The trademark passed on to the second generation discovered in 2019 and available in the hybrid in 2022. In 2024, this second Juke number is already five years old on the clock. So it’s time to give them a little refresh.

Anti-boilerplate

We’re not talking to you about the first generation Nissan Juke to please your sweet side. When the first Juke was updated, its paint color was enhanced with a bright yellow color. With the excitement of the second generation, it’s the same song!

This is the main stylistic evolution planned for the harvest season of 2024 Because apart from this new color, you have to choose the press release to get the changes. Fortunately there are also redesigned 17- and 19-inch rims added to the new N-Sport line, otherwise we’d be afraid of a blank page. So this little guy keeps his round face, and round eyes and taut lines. Like it or not, it’s obviously hard not to be recognized…

Still yellow?

In the passenger compartment, the changes are more marked. At first glance, we see that the Japanese have not painted yellow. It’s simple: we find them on the seats, on the door panels and on the dashboard. Fortunately, there is also a combination of gray and black if you prefer. It should also be noted that the interior of the Juke is now leather-free. So all these accents are in PVC imitation leather on the seats and in Alcantara on the dashboard.

In addition, the ending has been completely redesigned. It now takes the shape of a boomerang, has new air vents and has a wireless charger located below the climate controls.

Two screens

You will have understood: the dashboard has been redesigned to accommodate the new standard infotainment system. Straight out of the Qashqai and X-Trail, it has a large 12.3-inch touchscreen and a series of shortcut buttons. Its use requires only two or three minutes of adaptation. In addition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are part of the basic equipment!

The on-board instruments have also been digitized, using a 7-inch panel as standard or 12.3 inches from the second level of equipment. And then… it’s all about improvement! Finally, without forgetting the active safety devices imposed by Europe. So the Juke also has an audible warning for exceeding the speed limit, changing lanes and alerting the driver. Fortunately, you can turn them all off via the menu in the instrument.

Always “Riki”

Given that this is a mid-career development, you shouldn’t expect the Juke to evolve into a more practical vehicle. Small crossover Nissan still wants to attract small city dwellers … without children! Therefore, the space in the rear seats remains a little tight, while the trunk volume does not change at 422 liters (354 l for the hybrid). It is better than the first generation, but the loading threshold still remains very high.

Petrol or hybrid

A little confidence: in our opinion, this update is coming at some time, but it originates from Europe and its security laws. Under the hood, therefore, Nissan does not make any changes. There is still a small 1.0 liter 3-cylinder petrol engine which, with the help of a turbo, produces 114 hp and 180 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox as standard, but a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is also available as an option.

The second engine option is a hybrid. According to Nissan, it is the gold medal winner in sales. Straight from Renault’s work benches, this unit combines a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 94 hp and 148 Nm of torque. It is a little strange, but it is supported by an electric motor with 49 hp and 205 Nm of torque placed in a 6-speed gearbox that Union calls “Multiple Modes”. In doing so, the whole produces 143 hp with an average certified consumption of 4.9 liters and 111 g/km of WLTP CO2.

It can do better

It is also this hybrid engine that we have managed. As before – and as in the Renault Clio, Mégane and Captur, among others – we can’t help but be left wanting more. Indeed, in the urban cycle, this hybrid engine works wonderfully, using its electric motor most of the time. As soon as it needs juice, the fuel unit starts. The problem is that there are only 4 out of 6 reports posted on it. So we always have the feeling of being between two speeds, too low on revs…or too high!

On a mixed route, we saw an average of 6.9 l/100 km displayed on the dashboard. In other words: Nissan makes the best hybrids, with its e-Power technology. Apart from these “details”, the Juke still shines with its powerful chassis. Although a small crossing it may be, the winding road is not afraid of it. The front end is precise and body movements are well controlled.

Prix Nissan Juke (Hybrid) 2024

Although this is an update that mostly affects the onboard technology and safety features – not to mention the color palette! – Nissan is too good not to touch the price. The entry-level Juke 1.0 DIG-T therefore still costs €26,500 and the automatic gearbox still includes an additional cost of €2,000. For hybrids, you still have to go up one level (N-Connecta) and take at least €33,000 out of your pocket. The new Juke N-Sport is available in DIG-T from €30,300.

Our decision

This update refreshes the Juke a bit. Nissan’s smaller crossovers are better equipped, in terms of infotainment and on-board safety. For others, his friendly face which is his biggest selling point doesn’t change one iota! Except it’s also now available in… yellow. Have we already told you that?