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.
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.
2015 Nissan JUKE Price and Fuel Economy: There are quite a few 2015 Nissan JUKE models to choose from, including a brand new NISMO version for those in need of a little more oomph in their ride. The pricing (base MSRP) and trims are as follows:
- 2015 Nissan JUKE SV FWD (with a manual transmission) $22,293
- 2015 Nissan JUKE NISMO RS FWD $30,593
- 2015 Nissan JUKE AWD (only with CVT) $25,773
- 2015 Nissan JUKE SL AWD $31,973
- 2015 Nissan JUKE NISMO AWD $30,773
- 2015 Nissan JUKE NISMO RS AWD $33,793
Fuel economy ranges from 8.4L/100km in the city up to 9.4L/100km. And on the highway the Nissan JUKE achieves from 6.9L/100km to 8.1L/100km -- the higher readings obviously being associated with the higher-powered and all-wheel drive NISMO RS AWD version.
Improvements and Changes: While the big news last year was the introduction of the NISMO RS version of the Nissan JUKE, this year it’s all about personalization. Nissan is now offering what they call the “Nissan JUKE Colour Studio.” What does that mean? Well, it means you can now colour-coordinate your JUKE by accenting the bumper, headlight trim rings, side mirror caps, rear spoiler, side skirts, and even vibrant alloy wheel centre caps, along with a few other choice accent areas.
Powertrain: There are two engines available in the 2015 Nissan JUKE, however, there are three ranges of power to choose from. In the SV FWD/AWD and SL AWD you’ll find a 1.6L DIG turbocharged 4-cyl that’s good for 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Move up to the NISMO RS FWD and that engine is replaced by a NISMO 1.6L DOHC turbocharged 4-cyl that cranks out 215 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. And if you prefer all-wheel drive with your NISMO and opt for the RS AWD model, that same 1.6L engine rests beneath the oddly shaped hood, but offers up a little less power with 211 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission choices reside between at 6-speed manual (FWD only) and a CVT (only option with AWD models).
Cargo Capacity: There’s seating for five in the 2015 Nissan JUKE, regardless of model choice. As for cargo space, you’ll get a paltry 297 litres behind the rear seats. Fold those down and space jumps to 1,017 litres.
Safety: The 2015 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 2015 Nissan Juke: Scion xB, Kia Soul, Toyota Matrix, Chevrolet Trax, Mitsubishi RVR, Subaru XV Crosstrek, Volkswagen Golf, MINI Cooper Countryman.