The overall layout actually mirrors the main rivals listed by Nissan Canada’s marketing experts, namely the Mazda3 Sport, Toyota Matrix and Volkswagen Golf GTI. Considering the price range ($19,998 to $29,248) and versatile interior of the Juke, I tend to agree. However, those same criteria would also include a couple of other radically-styled crossovers like the Kia Sportage and Soul as well as the Hyundai Tucson.
Nissan is using an unorthodox styling approach both inside and out. Why else would designers have come up with a bright red or silver center console that looks like a motorcycle fairing? And what about the front door panel inserts, which the company refers to as "Bullet Fin" trim, or the instruments behind the steering wheel that reportedly suggest the work of a skilled clockmaker?
Yet the unique cabin is also generously equipped. The menu includes air conditioning, multiple airbags, power windows and heated front seats. Sadly, though, the steering wheel tilts but does not telescope.
Attractive technology
Potential buyers surely won’t let this niggle turn their attention away from cool features like the GPS-based navigation system, rearview camera (a must-have), push-button start and Nissan’s Advanced Integrated Control (I-CON).
The latter utilizes a small color display in the lower part of the center stack (away from the driver’s sight) to adjust climate control or driving parameters. Three separate modes are available: Normal, Eco and Sport. Each one alters fuel delivery, transmission ratios and steering response.
Plenty of power under the hood
Further setting the 2011 Juke apart is a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine with direct injection. This is Nissan’s first force-fed engine application in a small vehicle since the Pulsar NX of the late 1980s.
Producing 188 horsepower and 177 pounds-feet of torque, it allows the 1600-kilo Juke — and newest member of the 100hp/litre club — to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in under 9 seconds.
Nissan is using an unorthodox styling approach both inside and out. Why else would designers have come up with a bright red or silver center console that looks like a motorcycle fairing? And what about the front door panel inserts, which the company refers to as "Bullet Fin" trim, or the instruments behind the steering wheel that reportedly suggest the work of a skilled clockmaker?
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| Nissan’s I-CON interface allows the driver to adjust climate control or driving parameters. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
Yet the unique cabin is also generously equipped. The menu includes air conditioning, multiple airbags, power windows and heated front seats. Sadly, though, the steering wheel tilts but does not telescope.
Attractive technology
Potential buyers surely won’t let this niggle turn their attention away from cool features like the GPS-based navigation system, rearview camera (a must-have), push-button start and Nissan’s Advanced Integrated Control (I-CON).
The latter utilizes a small color display in the lower part of the center stack (away from the driver’s sight) to adjust climate control or driving parameters. Three separate modes are available: Normal, Eco and Sport. Each one alters fuel delivery, transmission ratios and steering response.
Plenty of power under the hood
Further setting the 2011 Juke apart is a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine with direct injection. This is Nissan’s first force-fed engine application in a small vehicle since the Pulsar NX of the late 1980s.
Producing 188 horsepower and 177 pounds-feet of torque, it allows the 1600-kilo Juke — and newest member of the 100hp/litre club — to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in under 9 seconds.
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| The small 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct injection produces 188 horsepower. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |