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Trend setter

If you have a compact SUV parked outside your door at home, it’s actually because of the Nissan Juke. After Nissan introduced the world’s first crossover in 2007 – the Qashqai – they released the very first compact crossover, the Juke, in 2010. The quirky mini-SUV became an instant hit. Other brands jumped on the bandwagon of the crossover trend and rushed to market a B-segment SUV as well. By now, every brand – from Dacia to Lexus – has a small crossover in its showroom.

Common wasp

In 2019, the second-generation Juke entered the market and it has now received an update. On the outside, there is little new to report. Still, you can tell from a mile away if an updated Juke is coming. In fact, it is now available in a new, bright yellow color, making the Juke stand out even more. The N-Sport variant is also equipped with numerous black accents – such as a black grille, mirror caps and a black roof – giving the Juke a tough, almost aggressive look, like some kind of vicious wasp.

Luggage space Nissan Juke

A Hybrid logo on the tailgate reveals which engine variant we are driving during our first introduction. Behind the lid lurks 354 liters of luggage space. More than enough for daily shopping or a weekend getaway. Need more space? Then leave the hybrid and opt for the regular gasoline version. Almost 70 liters more goes in there: 422 liters total. The rear seat can, of course, be flattened in both versions, in 60/40 split.

Large screen

The biggest changes are found in the interior. The dashboard has been completely redesigned and the infotainment system has been replaced by a larger screen, familiar from models such as the Qashqai and X-Trail. In large SUVs we find such a hefty screen quite normal, but in the compact Juke the hefty size stands out. There is plenty of processing power available, allowing you to move smoothly through menus. With the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connectivity is now a seamless experience. In addition, new upholstery options, including faux leather with striking yellow accents in the N-Sport trim, offer a higher level of interior style and comfort. So inside, the Juke is back up to date.

Practical

The interior not only looks more stylish, but is also more practical. With a larger glove box and a redesigned center armrest, it offers more storage options and comfort for the driver and passengers. All models feature an electric handbrake and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. The easy-to-use physical buttons for climate control have fortunately remained.

Two powertrains

Two powertrains are available for the Juke. As mentioned above, we are testing the Hybrid – which we have previouslyput to the test in the Netherlands. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and two electric motors, resulting in a total output of 143 hp. Thanks to a 1.2 kWh battery pack, the Juke can drive small distances (up to 55 km/h) purely electric. It generates its own energy while braking and shifting gears is always through an automatic. A 114-hp 1.0-liter gasoline engine without electrification is also on the menu.

Impressive feat of engineering

The Juke Hybrid offers a very smooth and responsive driving experience. The hybrid powertrain, developed in cooperation with Renault, is an impressive piece of engineering that we are very pleased with. There’s always plenty of power available, and it almost feels like you’re driving electric all the time, thanks in part to the powertrain’s whisper-quiet operation.

Sporty

Thanks to responsive steering and a well-balanced suspension, there is also fun to be had. In fact, the Juke is among the nicest driving crossovers in the B-segment. What do we say? Perhaps the most fun! In Sport mode, an extra powerful regeneration mode provides more energy. This gives you extra power from the electric motor when accelerating. All the while the car remains economical with an impressive fuel economy of 1 in 20.

Conclusion

With its updated style, advanced technology and enjoyable driving experience, the Nissan Juke remains a top choice in the compact SUV segment. Whether you are looking for a quirky city car or a versatile companion for adventures abroad, the Juke stands its ground with its quirky character and performance. In the video below, we tell you more about the updated Juke: