Nissan JUKE arrives in Australia
Japanese brand challenges mainstream design aesthetics with the shape-shifting JUKENissan’s small JUKE crossover, launched this week in Australia, is set to polarise the market with its aggressive styling and keen pricing, from $21,990.
The JUKE is offered in three models – the entry-level JUKE ST, mid-spec JUKE ST-S and range-topping JUKE Ti-S. The ST is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, while the ST-S and Ti-S up the ante with a different turbocharged 1.6-litre engine.
The JUKE ST and ST-S are offered in front-wheel drive only, while the Ti-S switches up to torque vectoring all-wheel action – matched to Nissan’s X-TRONIC continuously variable transmission (CVT). The JUKE ST is offered with a five-speed manual gearbox or optional CVT and the ST-S grabs the six-speed manual gearbox.
The 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine delivers 86kW of power and 158Nm of torque and the direct-injection turbo-petrol four – shared with the Pulsar SSS hatch – gains and extra 54kW and 82Nm, producing 140kW of power and 240Nm of torque.
Exploiting the burgeoning SUV segment in which it already offers the Dualis, X-TRAIL, Murano, Patrol and Pathfinder, Nissan believes the quirk-factor of the JUKE will attract a diverse market “from young funky hip teens, to 50-year-olds,” says Peter Jones, Managing Director and CEO, Nissan Motor Company Australia.
He went on to add that Nissan was “heading towards another record year”, but cautions the brand remains focused on “sustainable growth”.
When asked about the possibility of performance-inspired Nismo variants in the JUKE line-up, we were told no – there are “no immediate plans” to do that.
Standard features on the entry-level JUKE ST include Bluetooth audio streaming, a multi-function steering wheel, cruise control and speed-limiter, a tilt-adjustable steering column and remote keyless entry.
The ST-S and Ti-S turbo variants pack a five-inch colour screen, satellite-navigation, six speakers, Bluetooth- integrated navigation and push-button starting, a rear-view camera, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights.
The normally aspirated JUKE variants gain a five-star ANCAP rating while crash test results for the turbo variants are yet to be tested.
We put the JUKE thorugh its paces this week and will post a first drive shortly.
Nissan JUKE pricing:
JUKE ST 2WD -- $21,990
JUKE ST 2WD CVT -- $24,390
JUKE ST-S 2WD -- $28,390
JUKE Ti-S AWD CVT -- $32,190
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