Nissan Juke ST road test
by Stephen Walker
26th May, 2014
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Nissan Juke has a "what were they thinking" look about it. Nothing wrong
with that though. Somehow, the design team have managed to piece together a good bit of gear despite the 'canvas' that
the stylists gave them.
All jokes aside, Nissan have correctly identified that cars with their own 'character' can attract buyers. The
uniquely styled Juke is just one more for the Nissan brand. Over the years, Nissan has had a few models where it seems
the stylists have had a win over conventional wisdom. A prime example of such oddball styling from Nissan would be the
S-Cargo from 1989. Marketed only in Japan, the S-Cargo has found its way to all corners of the globe as a 'grey'
import.
So Nissan's entrant in the ever growing small SUV-like lifestyle segment of the car market is this novelty shaped
Juke. The little, front-wheel drive, trend setting, 5-seater 'cross-over' comes in three trim levels. Performance is
non-turbo and turbo-charged, depending upon the trim level. Interestingly, the top-of-the-line version comes with
all-wheel drive.
Test car particulars
Our drive car was the entry level model, the Juke ST. It came with the optional CVT-type automatic transmission,
metallic paint and floor mats.
Variants and prices*
The base model ST is very much the vanilla flavoured Juke. It is the only one of the three variants to come with a
naturally aspirated engine. The other two versions, the ST-S and the Ti-S, both feature a turbocharged engine as
standard.
The MLP* for the Nissan Juke range is:
Juke ST manual: $22,090*
Juke ST CVT: $24,490*
Juke ST-S manual: $28,490*
Juke Ti-S CVT AWD: $32,490*
On the road in the Nissan Juke ST (CVT)
A nice feel was immediately evident with the Nissan Juke. The car demonstrated a solid feel with nothing but positive
feedback for the driver. Driving dynamics for such a car were impressive. NVH qualities are well addressed, even in the
base model. This makes for a good impression because there are times when an entry level car feels too basic.
A slightly elevated driving position features with the Juke. It is more car-like than SUV-like in my opinion. The
seating is comfortable and for an entry level car I thought the comfort level and the lay-out of the interior was quite
pleasing, including the nice look and presentation of the seats. However, it must be said that the extravagant exterior
styling is downplayed on the inside with the Juke ST. Everything about the interior is routine Nissan. Which equates to
being quite OK in my book.
The standard 1.6 litre petrol engine is a good match for this base model car. No need to worry about performance, as
even the base model Juke ST gets along quite well. Only performance enthusiasts need the turbo!
It is my opinion that the Juke is a better presented car than the Nissan Pulsar on both the driveway and the road.
Specifications
This new cross-over model has an unconventional appearance, but the Nissan Juke is quite uncomplicated under its
exterior fashion statement. It's all very conventional in the specs department, which should make ownership
uncomplicated.
ST comes with a Euro4 compliant 1,598cc four-cylinder engine that has 86kW of power at 6,000rpm and the maximum torque
is 158Nm at 4,000rpm and front-wheel drive. No diesel power is available.
A five-speed manual gearbox comes standard, but the test car had a CVT auto that suits the car.
Speed sensitive electric power steering is standard. Turning circle is 10.7 metres - quite a good figure.
Disc brakes are standard, front and rear.
Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are standard on the ST. The spare wheel is the 'space-saver' type and it sits beneath a
hidden handy storage area below the 'floor' of the boot space.
Suspension is by Macpherson struts at the front and Torsion beam at the rear. A fairly routine set-up for a
conventional small cross-over vehicle.
Fuel
Factory specs indicate the fuel consumption rating is 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle for the CVT
version (a little less for the manual).
Our drive experience of 329 kms around Melbourne's south-east returned a fuel usage figure of 7.1 litres per 100
kilometres according to the car's trip computer. We were happy with that consumption.
The fuel tank capacity is 46 litres.
Preferred fuel is premium unleaded 95RON fuel.
Connectivity/Infotainment
Standard: Single CD player with AM/FM radio, 4 speakers, USB/iPod connectivity, Bluetooth hands free phone system,
Bluetooth audio streaming.
There is no steering wheel controls for the audio on the Juke ST.
Safety
Standard: Six airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS),
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and more.
Nissan Juke 1.6 petrol (non-turbo models) have a five star crash worthiness rating from ANCAP, having scored 33.03
points out of a possible 37. Improved leg protection for front seat occupants could increase the Juke score.
Dimensions
Length: 4,135 mm
Width: 1,765 mm (excluding mirrors)
Height: 1,565 mm
Wheelbase: 2,530 mm
Tare weight: 1,191kg
Off-roading
Now the Juke isn't really an SUV, it's more like the SUV you're having when you're not having an SUV. That said, the
Juke, like some of its cross-over vehicle type competitors, does possess some SUV-like qualities.
These details reveal that the front-wheel drive Juke could have some appeal where there is no tarmac providing the
driver was aware of all the circumstances including surface, obstacles, traction and the like. These stats may assist
folks who want to use a Juke out in the paddocks:
Ground clearance: 180 mm (unladen)
Approach angle: 26 degrees
Departure angle: 31 degrees
Towing
Nissan Juke can haul a braked trailer (and load) up to 1,250kg. An unbraked trailer up to 600kg is OK. Naturally,
appropriate towing equipment is required.
After Sales
Juke ST requires servicing each 6 months/10,000kms.
A 3 year/100,000km warranty and 3 years Roadside Assistance (conditions apply) is included with a new Juke.
An Extended Warranty is available (conditions apply).
Capped price servicing is available for six years/120,000km (conditions apply). The prices can be supplied prior to
purchase.
What is missing?
Being an entry level model, the Juke ST misses out on some popular features such as automatic headlights and reversing
camera. But this is often the case.
Conclusion
The Nissan Juke ST is a mighty fine offering in the small cross-over class. It has stand out styling and a good
presentation that is admirably eminent for an entry level model in this market segment. And it has a good feel on the
road.
It pleases me that Juke is finally available to Australian buyers because even in entry level guise it's a very
pleasant little car.
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices,
fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
E&OE
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