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2014 Nissan Juke Preview

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Guillaume Rivard
Pros: This oddball crossover offers many attractive features and benefits including a spirited turbo engine, optional all-wheel drive, nifty handling, comfortable seats, and a firm suspension. All in all, the 2014 Nissan Juke kind of feels like a sports car.



Cons: You don’t go out and grab a Juke for its roominess or practicality, which turns out to be rather limited. Moreover, the manual transmission is available only with front-wheel drive, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is noisy. The engine also proves thirsty when pushed.

2014 Nissan Juke Price: Similar to last year, the Juke SV starts at $19,998. It includes 17'' alloy wheels, an auxiliary audio input jack, hands-free Bluetooth, power windows, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, high-end cloth seating, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob. The same model is offered with all-wheel drive for $23,478.

At $29,678, the better-equipped Juke SL is now much more expensive since the Leather & Navigation Package has been added as standard equipment, along with all-wheel drive.

Nissan Juke 2014
Photo: Nissan

2014 Nissan Juke Fuel Economy: With FWD models you get 8.2L/100km in the city and 6.4L/100km on the highway when using the manual transmission or 7.5L/100km in urban driving and 6.1L/100km on the highway when the CVT is selected. Meanwhile, the AWD-equipped 2014 Nissan Juke boasts ratings of 8.0L and 6.6L/100km, respectively.



Improvements and Changes: Aside from the trim changes mentioned above, the big news for 2014 is the introduction of the NISMO RS, which was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. This model stands out with a more explosive engine, a helical limited-slip differential (manual transmission), extra structural rigidity, larger brakes, genuine Recaro front seats, carbon fibre-look accents, and a special red-and-black colour theme with suede, Alcantara, and leather appointments. The NISMO RS is available in Sapphire Black, Brilliant Silver, and Pearl White.



Powertrain: The 2014 Nissan Juke exploits a 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed manual transmission or the optional Xtronic CVT.

The NISMO special edition bumps output to 197 horsepower, while the new NISMO RS cranks it up even higher to 215 horsepower (with 210 lb-ft of torque).

Cargo Capacity: You'll find 297 litres of space in the trunk. When you fold the rear seats down, the cargo area increases to 1,017 litres. Several configurations and compartments are available.


Safety: The 2014 Nissan Juke comes with six airbags. The automaker also offers active front headrests, ABS, stability and traction control, as well as the priority braking system, which reduces engine power when drivers simultaneously apply the brakes and throttle, thereby slowing down or immobilizing the Juke in complete safety.

Comparing the 2014 Nissan Juke: Alternatives to the Juke are as plentiful as they are diverse. The Scion xB, Kia Soul, Toyota Matrix, Chevrolet Trax, Mitsubishi RVR, Subaru XV Crosstrek, Volkswagen Golf, and MINI Cooper Countryman are just a few examples.


Guillaume Rivard
Guillaume Rivard
Automotive expert
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