Straight up, I've not been very impressed by Nissan's latest offerings from the last few years. Be it aesthetically or emotionally, other than the Z and GT-R, none of their products spoke to me. The cube was eye-opening and I actually enjoyed driving it. Its quirkiness, taut chassis and powertrain made for an interesting experience.
This has got me thinking about Nissan. In the last decade or so, Japan's second largest carmaker has only ever known success with a new model, typically one pushing the envelope. The 2002 Altima introduced king-size to the midsize, the 2003 Murano launched the crossover into orbit, the 2007 Versa hatchback combined room with versatility and driving fun. Otherwise, not much going on.
The Sentra, the Maxima, the Rogue, the Pathfinder, the current Altima and Murano; none are breaking any records. Recently, in North America, Nissan has tried once more to push the envelope but in a very different way. Nearly three years ago, I got my first taste of the cube and I loved it, still do in fact.
This time around, the flavour was Juke and I could not get enough of it. Problem is, like the cube, this is a very niche car and appeals to but a tiny percentage of a portion of the buying public.
The bug-eye is back?
It's not quite the bug-eyed look of the Austin Healey Sprite from the late 50s, but like it, the appearance of the vehicle certainly is original. It is pointless to go over the physical details that make up the Juke as its design is ever so polarizing that you'll have to make up your mind when you come face to face with it.
What I can say is that I fell for the Juke the moment I drove off, forgetting sheetmetal and bug eyes. Let's first begin by stepping inside.
2+2
This is a 2+2, do not be fooled. The specs say “seats up to 5” but I wouldn't submit anyone over 3 feet tall in the middle when corded three-wide on the back bench. Two average not-too-tall adults can take place so long as the trip is no longer than getting from Toronto's Old City Hall to Rogers Centre.
 |
| The Juke deserves a test drive and Nissan needs to inspire all of its future products on reproducing the special feeling one gets when in the Juke. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
This has got me thinking about Nissan. In the last decade or so, Japan's second largest carmaker has only ever known success with a new model, typically one pushing the envelope. The 2002 Altima introduced king-size to the midsize, the 2003 Murano launched the crossover into orbit, the 2007 Versa hatchback combined room with versatility and driving fun. Otherwise, not much going on.
The Sentra, the Maxima, the Rogue, the Pathfinder, the current Altima and Murano; none are breaking any records. Recently, in North America, Nissan has tried once more to push the envelope but in a very different way. Nearly three years ago, I got my first taste of the cube and I loved it, still do in fact.
This time around, the flavour was Juke and I could not get enough of it. Problem is, like the cube, this is a very niche car and appeals to but a tiny percentage of a portion of the buying public.
The bug-eye is back?
It's not quite the bug-eyed look of the Austin Healey Sprite from the late 50s, but like it, the appearance of the vehicle certainly is original. It is pointless to go over the physical details that make up the Juke as its design is ever so polarizing that you'll have to make up your mind when you come face to face with it.
What I can say is that I fell for the Juke the moment I drove off, forgetting sheetmetal and bug eyes. Let's first begin by stepping inside.
2+2
This is a 2+2, do not be fooled. The specs say “seats up to 5” but I wouldn't submit anyone over 3 feet tall in the middle when corded three-wide on the back bench. Two average not-too-tall adults can take place so long as the trip is no longer than getting from Toronto's Old City Hall to Rogers Centre.
 |
| This is a 2+2, do not be fooled. I wouldn't submit anyone over 3 feet tall in the middle when corded three-wide on the back bench. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |