Nissan JUKE adds sparkle

In an effort to keep the uniquely-designed, British-built Nissan JUKE fresh, the pint-size SUV is now available with three customisation packages, each priced at just $800.

However, they're only available for the most expensive JUKE variant, the Ti-S, although all models come with subtle design updates for 2018.

The Tokyo Glossy Black, Power Blue and Energy Orange option packs — dubbed myJUKE — add more eye candy via uniquely coloured front and rear bumpers, mirror caps and alloy wheel inserts, plus colour matched interior parts including air-vents, door panels, centre console and stitching.

But while the myJUKE extras are only offered on top-shelf JUKE Ti-S models ($30,140 manual and $33,840 auto, plus on-road costs), the entry-level manual-only Nissan JUKE ST ($23,490 plus ORCs) also gets a few new bits and bobs as part of a range-wide update.

That means a slightly different shade for the grille, while the headlights, tail-lights and indicators now have a street-savvy look with smoked lenses and the fog lights are now LED.

Inside, all models also get white (rather than orange) instrument panel backlighting and JUKE Ti-S models also get new glossy black 18-inch alloy wheels. There are also two new exterior paint colours — Vivid Blue and Arctic White — on top of the five regulars.

The entry-level Nissan JUKE ST is powered by a compact 1.2-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine (85kW/190Nm) with claimed fuel consumption of just 5.6L/100km.

Standard features on the ST include LED daytime running lights, leather-accented steering wheel and gear shifter and climate control. But there is no autonomous emergency (AEB), even for the top Ti-S version.

The JUKE Ti-S gets more fruit, with push-button engine start, a 5.8-inch touch-screen display, sat-nav with real-time traffic updates, auto-folding side mirrors, heated seats, digital radio, lane departure and blind-spot warning, and a 360-degree surround view camera system.

The pricier JUKE Ti-S also gets a higher-performance 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine (140kW/240Nm) shared with the Renault Clio RS hot hatch. It uses fuel at the rate of 6.0L/100km, claims Nissan. The automatic (CVT) JUKE Ti-S also gets all-wheel drive, while the manuals are front-drive.

Like every new Nissan, all JUKE models come with a three-year/100,000km warranty, which is less than the five- and seven-year warranties now offered by the majority of mainstream brands in Australia.

Nissan Australia managing director, Stephen Lester, said the updated JUKE "…attracts a buyer that wants something that is a little different.

"An assortment of subtle but stylish updates will make the Nissan JUKE more contemporary in look, while the myJUKE personalisation pack options are designed to help the vehicle stand out from the crowd," said Lester.

How much does the 2018 Nissan JUKE cost?
ST manual — $23,490
Ti-S manual — $30,140
Ti-S auto — $33,840

Options:
Premium paint — $550
myJUKE Personalisation — $800