Nissan JUKE 2020 Review
Forget the original’s weird styling; the all-new Nissan JUKE is bigger, better and still stands out from the small SUV crowdThe Nissan JUKE has emerged from its gawky adolescence and evolved into a less polarising, more accomplished and far more grown-up small SUV. The new 2020 Nissan JUKE’s looks are no longer the focal point and the more matured second generation is larger and more user-friendly in character, inside and out. Extensive standard equipment and a peppy three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are the headlines for Nissan’s smallest SUV, priced from $27,990 (plus ORCs).
One powertrain, four variants
The new 2020 Nissan JUKE leads the charge of new models from the Japanese giant with improved equipment levels across a simplified four-grade model range. But price increases from entry level to flagship take the shine off an otherwise compelling package.
In keeping with Nissan naming conventions, the JUKE’s local line-up comprises ST, ST+, ST-L and Ti grades, ascending in equipment levels and price. All are front-wheel drive only.
All four variants of the 2020 Nissan JUKE are powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (84kW/180Nm). Gone are the manual or continuously variable transmission options of the old JUKE. A seven-speed dual-clutch auto is the single transmission offered.
The entry-level 2020 Nissan Juke ST is priced from $27,990. It rides on 17-inch wheels and feels like the best value for money in a package that favours safety and driver assist technology above creature comforts and soft-touch surfaces.
If you’re buying the JUKE for your child, the incremental price increases deliver little other than extra ‘goodies’… Although that doesn’t mean they won’t want them.
Common to all front-wheel-drive JUKE models are idle stop/start technology and paddle shifters. Same goes for the new 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, voice recognition, AM/FM radio, CD player and Bluetooth streaming.
From $30,740, the 2020 Nissan Juke ST+ adds LED fog lights, satellite navigation, heated front seats and front parking sensors. Auto climate control and heated seats feature in all but the entry-level ST.
The 2020 Nissan Juke ST-L is the model Nissan expects to be the volume seller. It is priced from $33,940 and should account for up to 50 per cent of all new JUKE sales.
At this level, your JUKE gets 19-inch alloys, ambient lighting, leather-accented steering wheel and shift knob, and cloth/leather seat trim. Drive modes come into play here, as does an electric park brake with auto hold.
A 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster is front and centre on the ST-L and a rear USB port and six-speaker sound system are also standard.
The top of the range 2020 Nissan Juke Ti is priced from $36,490 and builds on its siblings’ offering adding even flasher 19-inch alloys, quilted leather-accented with Alcantara seat trim, shark-fin aerial, dark glass, tyre pressure monitoring and an eight-speaker BOSE audio system.
All grades of JUKE have improved in most areas, but it’s the interior fit and finish that impresses this tester. The best display of this is found in the ST-L and Ti, where there are soft-touch finishes aplenty and the part-leather and Alcantara trim comes into play. It feels like a premium, well-finished interior – unlike the Nissan JUKE of old.
Tech-savvy crossover
Safety and technology have been a focus for the new Nissan JUKE.
The 8.0-inch touch-screen common to all models is home to the JUKE’s entertainment and in-car information. Standard inclusions are a reversing camera and voice recognition, while the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will make up for the lack of embedded satellite navigation on the entry-level ST.
Safety and driver assist technology is great on all models with the top spec gaining only a few extras over its stablemates.
Standard kit across the JUKE line-up includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward collision warning, lane departure waning, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, speed limiter, emergency stop signal and traffic sign recognition.
ST-L and Ti models add adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera with moving object detection.
The JUKE Ti’s eight-speaker BOSE Personal Plus audio system is likely to pique the interest of many with 'UltraNearfield’ speakers integrated into the head restraints. These deliver a cool surround-sound experience and should drown out any rukus from those annoying second-row occupants!
The 2020 Nissan JUKE has six airbags and comes with a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Three-cylinder hustle
The 2020 Nissan JUKE is offered exclusively in front-wheel drive configuration with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that develops 84kW and 180Nm, paired only with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Not surprisingly, the JUKE is down on power compared to its bigger-engined rivals such as the Mazda CX-3 (110kW/195Nm) and the Mitsubishi ASX (110kW/197Nm) -- both of which also undercut the JUKE’s entry-level pricing and offer greater choice where engines and transmissions are concerned.
However, there’s no denying the JUKE’s new turbo-petrol/twin-clutch powertrain is a good combo.
Power and torque outputs are the same across the line-up, but the ST-L and Ti feature three drive modes: Standard, Eco and Sport. Sport mode provides noticeably punchier throttle response, quicker shifting and a more engaging feel at the wheel.
Fuel economy is gazetted at a very competitive 5.8L/100km on the ADR Combined cycle. We’ll know more about how accurate that claim is in the real world after our upcoming seven-day test.
The 2020 Nissan JUKE has a kerb mass of 1251kg and, if anyone cares, it’ll tow 1250kg (braked)!
Fit-for-purpose fun
Easy and fun to drive, the 2020 Nissan JUKE retains the first generation’s playful character and peppy performance but combines that with increased levels of comfort and refinement.
The suspension set-up is via conventional MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear and there's plenty in common here with the new Renault Clio, which is a top-notch front-drive hatch handler.
Nissan says the latest JUKE’s lateral stiffness has increased by 22 per cent and the new car features a 10 per cent quicker steering ratio. On the road, that translates into a sporty but very composed and nicely balanced drive.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is a great fit for the JUKE and its paddle shifters bring prompt response. I can’t imagine anyone mourning the lack of the manual gearbox or CVT.
Good brakes bring this lightweight SUV to standstill with ease.
The new Nissan JUKE is bigger than the vehicle it replaces – it’s 30mm taller, 75mm longer and 35mm wider and you can feel that in all five seating positions. The JUKE also now rides on a longer 2366mm wheelbase (up 106mm). Its footprint is now close to its QASHQAI sibling, with which pricing now also overlaps.
Accommodation is good – albeit compromised for the middle second-row passenger. New ‘mono-form’ seats look great (best in Ti quilted leather) and offer good support.
Passenger space and comfort improvements being what they are, the real winner is anyone packing for the weekend away. The 2020 Nissan JUKE’s boot has grown by 68 litres to a very respectable 422 litres, extending to a sizeable 1305 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
It’s a usable space, too. Prams, scooters and suitcases are easily accommodated.
Improvements all round
It might be officially categorised as a light SUV, but the pricing and appeal of the 2020 Nissan JUKE mean its competitors are likely to be many and varied, including the myriad small SUVs, hatches and other choices offered in the current market.
The original Nissan JUKE was a late arrival to Australia and struggled for sales in a market spoilt for choice. While its all-new replacement has not completely turned its back on its quirky predecessor’s left-field character, it seems to have found a happy compromise.
Without doubt, the 2020 Nissan JUKE will attract more buyers. Look beyond its exterior and you’ll find a compact SUV that punches well above its weight. Whether it's city-car duties or small family needs, it delivers the right level of space, comfort, equipment, safety and technology.
How much does the 2020 Nissan JUKE cost?
Price: $27,990-$36,490 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 84kW/180Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 5.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 136g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)
Tags
- Once-polarising look has been softened but remains interesting in a sea of mainstream small SUVs
- Substantial wheelbase increase and bigger body make more space for people and luggage
- Spritely turbo-petrol three-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch work well
- New JUKE range is pricey compared to its rivals
- Rearward vision is obscured by low roof and large C-pillars
- Temporary space-saver spare tyre only – but that’s better than nothing
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
