Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan Juke 1.6 turbo petrol review

Nissan's Juke takes the Qashqai crossover formula and applies it to a supermini with entertaining results.

Evo rating
  • A 187bhp supermini
  • Not quite a hot hatch

What is it?

The Juke is a tall, wide supermini-based ‘crossover’ from Nissan that mixes an SUV stance with sporty styling. Adding to the mixed influences is an interior that’s apparently been inspired by a motorcycle, meaning the Juke is quite unlike anything else out there. Three engines are offered, but only the new 187bhp turbo engine is of interest to us. Technical highlights 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The 1.6-litre direct injection petrol engine comes with a low friction lightweight design turbocharger and intercooler with twin variable valve timing (on the intake and exhaust cycles) to improve low-end response. Dubbed DiG-T the 1.6-litre certainly punches above its low capacity, with smooth, quick response and an impressive 2,000-5,200rpm peak torque spread. Rumour has it that it'll eventually make its way into the next generation Renaultsport Clio. 

Despite SUV looks only this engine will be offered in four-wheel drive. The flagship 4x4 comes with torque vectoring - much like a 911 Turbo’s four-wheel drive hardware. You don’t need it - and it adds 0.4 seconds to the front-wheel drive’s 8.0 second 0-62mph time - but worst of all it’s attached to a CVT transmission. We’re driving the front-driver.

What’s it like to drive?

Some of the usual supermini verve has undeniably been lost in the Juke’s translation to a crossover model. It’s based on the same platform as the Micra and Renault Clio, so there should be some talent underneath its overt looks.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

The wide stance helps in the bends, while the suspension provides decent ride and capable handling. That ride might suffer a bit in the UK thanks to the large 17-inch alloy wheels, and inevitably gravity eventually gets the better of the body in tighter bends but the Juke is surprising fun on a twisty backroad. Just don’t expect any feel from the steering wheel or lightning fast shifts through the six-speed manual gearbox. The engine feels strong and free-revving though, goading you to drive it a bit faster.  

How does it compare?

To what exactly? The Juke’s pretty much on its own in the marketplace. Mini’s Countryman is similar in concept but differs a lot on price - the petrol DiG-T starting at £15,695. Compared to regular superminis and hot hatches it’s a bit more expensive, but good equipment levels and look-at-me styling offset the difference.

Anything else I need to know?

Nissan has added Nissan Dynamic Control System, which allows a choice between Normal, Sport and Eco driving modes - you’ll struggle to notice any difference despite claims of a retuned throttle map in Sport mode. It’s no hot hatch, but it’s not trying to be. It’s fun though, in a strange kind of way. 

Specifications

EngineIn-line 4cyl, 1618cc, turbocharged
Max power187bhp @ 5600rpm
Max torque177lb ft @ 2000-5200rpm
0-608.0sec (claimed 0-62mph)
Top speed133mph
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

2026 BMW 3-series spied, with exhaust pipes
2026 BMW 3-series front
News

2026 BMW 3-series spied, with exhaust pipes

The next 3-series will ring in BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ and be electric, hybrid and ICE powered
18 Nov 2024
Used car deals of the week
Main used car deals
Advice

Used car deals of the week

In this week’s used car deals, we’ve sourced everything from an Alfa Romeo Giulia to a Mercedes-AMG One
20 Nov 2024
The Aston Martin Valkyrie has broken the Silverstone lap record
Aston Martin Valkyrie
News

The Aston Martin Valkyrie has broken the Silverstone lap record

As customer deliveries continue, the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar has proven its worth with a record-breaking lap around Silverstone
20 Nov 2024