Small but mighty
Nissan is responding to the need to increase fuel economy without subjugating performance by utilizing small, highly efficient engines. In the Juke’s case, it’s a petit 1.6-litre Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG), DOHC turbocharged 4-cyclinder mill that does the singing.
This feisty powerplant is capable of generating 188 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 177 pound-feet of torque from just 2,000 rpm through to 5,200 rpm. In a heavy vehicle those numbers may not stir the senses but in the 1,323-kg (2,917-lbs) FWD Juke SL, small numbers equate to big performance, especially when the 6-speed manual stick is backing the engine—and such was the case with my tester.
I found great delight in using the Juke’s broad range of abundant torque. The presence of a short-throw light-touch manual stick made the delight much more rewarding than it would’ve been with the automatic CVT-equipped Juke, which I pushed around a track last October.
Handling is crisp and sporty
It was on the track where I really explored the Juke’s agility and overall athleticism—and I was impressed. This compact buggy is highly toss’able, fun and predictable despite its typical crossover ride height. I found it to be remarkably quick through the slalom and compound curves that challenge man and machine at AJAC’s Test Fest.
Braking is another Juke strength. Clearly its litheness contributes to an ability to shed speed instantly and effortlessly. Antilock disc brakes at all four corners are standard fare, as are a host of airbags and various other safety/protection features.
Wrapping a Juke
The Juke is a bit of an enigma in the world of crossovers, but it’s an enigma with finesse and fashion. I was highly impressed with the operational refinement of Nissan’s 1.6-litre mill. It simply loved to rev its way to bliss while it never sounded strained or crude. It imbues the jaunty Juke with a spirit more befitting sports cars than crossovers.
Nissan is responding to the need to increase fuel economy without subjugating performance by utilizing small, highly efficient engines. In the Juke’s case, it’s a petit 1.6-litre Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG), DOHC turbocharged 4-cyclinder mill that does the singing.
This feisty powerplant is capable of generating 188 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 177 pound-feet of torque from just 2,000 rpm through to 5,200 rpm. In a heavy vehicle those numbers may not stir the senses but in the 1,323-kg (2,917-lbs) FWD Juke SL, small numbers equate to big performance, especially when the 6-speed manual stick is backing the engine—and such was the case with my tester.
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| This feisty powerplant is capable of generating 188 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 177 pound-feet of torque from just 2,000 rpm through to 5,200 rpm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
I found great delight in using the Juke’s broad range of abundant torque. The presence of a short-throw light-touch manual stick made the delight much more rewarding than it would’ve been with the automatic CVT-equipped Juke, which I pushed around a track last October.
Handling is crisp and sporty
It was on the track where I really explored the Juke’s agility and overall athleticism—and I was impressed. This compact buggy is highly toss’able, fun and predictable despite its typical crossover ride height. I found it to be remarkably quick through the slalom and compound curves that challenge man and machine at AJAC’s Test Fest.
Braking is another Juke strength. Clearly its litheness contributes to an ability to shed speed instantly and effortlessly. Antilock disc brakes at all four corners are standard fare, as are a host of airbags and various other safety/protection features.
Wrapping a Juke
The Juke is a bit of an enigma in the world of crossovers, but it’s an enigma with finesse and fashion. I was highly impressed with the operational refinement of Nissan’s 1.6-litre mill. It simply loved to rev its way to bliss while it never sounded strained or crude. It imbues the jaunty Juke with a spirit more befitting sports cars than crossovers.
 |
| The Juke is a bit of an enigma in the world of crossovers, but it’s an enigma with finesse and fashion. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |