Nissan Juke 2011 Review - International

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Is this another one of those answers to a question nobody asked? A triumph of (dubious) style over substance?

A cursory glance is sufficient to glean that Nissan's oddball-looking Juke is hardly the result of conventional thinking.

A curious mix of bulges, flares and multiple headlights, it's about as understated as a bright orange three-piece suit with a squirting flower affixed to the lapel.

Our first acquaintance with the offbeat Juke was during the regional media launch – the drive programme of which took place in Fujairah, in the United Arab Emirates, where the vehicle elicited no shortage of rubbernecking and double-takes from bystanders and motorists as it jauntily drove into their field of vision.

What is the Juke and who is it aimed at? The simple answer is that it's an entry-level front-wheel-drive crossover designed to slot in below the existing Dualis and Murano. However, Nissan Australia spokesman Jeff Fisher says the Juke is currently a non-starter for the Australian market as the business case doesn't add up here.

The Juke's styling clearly stretches the design envelope and it's fair to say some people may warm to its eccentric visuals, while others might be inclined to reach for a bucket. As for me, I quite liked its individuality.

In terms of physical dimensions, the Juke isn't that dissimilar to the Tiida hatchback, but its jacked-up stance and chop-top roofline stamp it as an altogether different entity. Although positioned below the Dualis, there's a sizeable overlap in pricing (at least in the Middle East), with the turbo variants of the Juke costing the same as a mid-spec Dualis.

The entry-level (non-turbo) Juke comes with a 86kW/157Nm 1.6-litre atmo engine, but the only model available to drive at the media launch was the performance-oriented (at least in theory) turbo variant. The direct-injection turbo powerplant ekes out 140kW and 240Nm, which sounds impressive on paper, but its real-world performance hardly places the force-fed Juke in the fireball category.

Two transmissions are offered with the turbo Juke – a six-speed manual and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that operates like an automatic as far as the end user is concerned, even though its internal workings are quite different.

We sampled the CVT first, and I must admit I don't particularly like these transmissions due to their tendency to keep the engine droning at fixed – albeit optimal – revs. It results in an annoying, incessant drone under acceleration.

You can circumvent this by using the gearlever to shift manually through the six artificial ratios and thereby at least derive some sensation of revs rising and falling; as would be the case with a conventional manual or automatic transmission.

However, after subsequently trying the manual version, the immediate conclusion is that the CVT is the better choice. This is simply because the 1.6 turbo motor is completely lacking in low and mid-range torque. There's simply no urge below 3000rpm, which results in frustratingly slow progress until the turbo spools up.

There's no getting around this unless you furiously work the gears to keep the thing on the boil. The CVT effectively masks the engine's laggy nature by automatically maintaining optimal revs, so it's clearly the right transmission for this application.

Truth be told, the 1332kg Juke never feels quick, despite Nissan's pretensions the turbo-propelled Juke is a sporty proposition. Nissan claims an 8.0sec 0-100km/h and 215km/h top speed.

It's not a particularly poised handler either, as a thrash across some twisty roads yielded ponderous body roll and armfuls of understeer.

It's best suited to leisurely touring, with its compliant suspension at least doing a good job of soaking up road-surface irregularities. It's also a quiet and refined cruiser at highway speeds, making it a relaxed and agreeable long-distance companion.

The unorthodox design philosophy extends to the cabin, the highlight of which is arguably the red (or you can have it in metallic silver) centre console, which is profiled to resemble a motorcycle's fuel tank.

Other novelties include the I-Con (Integrated Control) system, which offers Eco, Normal and Sport modes, with each successive stage sharpening up throttle mapping, steering response and shift points in the CVT. It's more gimmickry than anything else, but PlayStation/Xbox junkies might find it entertaining.

In terms of packaging, the Juke scores quite well as the front bucket seats are comfortable and supportive and even the rear pews are perfectly adequate for anyone under 1.8m.

Despite the smallish side windows, there's no feeling of claustrophobia, especially if you've ticked the box for the optional sunroof.

Luggage space measures a modest 251 litres, but this can be expanded to 830 litres by folding down the 60:40 split/fold rear seats.

The standard kit list in the entry-level Middle East-spec model includes dual airbags, air-con, CD player and ABS with brake force distribution and brake assist, while the higher-spec SL version adds cruise control, front fog lamps, suede-tricot seat trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Sunroof Pack supplements this with a powered sunroof, 17-inch alloys and push-button start/stop.

Those seeking to further customise their Juke can dip into the options list, which offers goodies such as under-body protectors, exhaust finishers, roof spoilers and illuminated door sills. And in case you really feel the need to stand out, you can specify in-your-face roof stickers and stripes.

So, what to make of the Juke? It's fair to say the driving experience and features it offers hardly set any new standards as it's a competent, but by no means outstanding all-round package.

Where the car does deserve credit is in its completely fresh approach to interior and exterior styling. You may or may not like the way the Juke looks, but it's a welcome change from the vanilla-flavoured horde that makes up the vast majority of the small-car segment.

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