Does Nissan’s aggressive reptilian look-a-like have what it takes to upset the top of the small car elite? Introducing the 2012 Juke.
Nissan Juke Trims and Features
The Juke is a 4-door, 5 seat hatchback/crossover competing in a segment alongside the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, and Chevy Sonic. Nissan has rolled out three Juke trims for 2012: the base S (from $19,990), SV ($21,310), and SL ($23,630). Model traits include a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, available all-wheel drive, 30+ highway MPG, and a compact stature that provides versatility while helping to ease parking headaches. Upgradable features include leather trim, navigation (packaged at $800), sunroof, and rearview camera. You can get greedy and browse every Juke option right now at Carwoo.
Nissan Juke Performance
Lively performance and sharp handling give Juke a leg up in its class. Each Juke is equipped with a turbocharged 1.6 liter, 4-cylinder engine capable of 188 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. Transmission choice varies depending on the trim- Juke S owners are relegated to an Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with a Sport mode, while SV and SL Jukes get either the CVT or a 6-speed manual option. All-wheel drive is offered on all three trims, and Nissan makes the CVT your only choice here.
Nissan Juke Fuel Economy
Manually driven SV and SL Jukes will achieve an EPA estimated 25/31/27 (city/highway/combined) MPG, and if you don’t mind 1 less highway MPG, you can go all-wheel and see 25/30/27. 2-wheel drive CVT Jukes will get you the best mileage, at 27/32/29.
Nissan Juke Interior Highlights
While small, more than one review has described Juke’s interior as having a ‘colorful’ feel, which should brighten up the commute traffic. Moving past the visual, Juke’s economic side if felt through lots of plastic surfaces, but the consensus is that most drivers can get happy (warning: you’ll get a tilt-but-no-telescoping steering wheel) with comfortable front seats and easy to reach controls. The 60/40 split-fold backseats may be a stretch for some, however, with measurements of 32.1” of legroom and 36.7” of headroom- the latter due to Juke’s sloping roofline. Seat bashing aside, Nissan has stocked Juke with nice tech options, and standards like Bluetooth and steering wheel mounted cruise control shouldn’t be overlooked. Cargo space isn’t a Juke specialty (it’s small), so you’ll have a chance to get creative when utilizing a maximum of 35.9 cubic feet with the rear seats down, and just 10.5 cubes with all seats in use.
Nissan Juke Safety
Juke standards include 4-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, 6 airbags- featuring 2 row side curtain bags-, stability control, and traction control (which Nissan has dubbed ‘Vehicle Dynamic Control’ or VDC). Options include a rearview camera, available on SL trims. Durability-wise, government crash testing gives Juke 4/5 stars overall, and the IIHS thinks it’s good enough to be a 2012 Top Safety Pick.
Nissan Juke’s Bottom Line
Juke seems to be hit or miss with most reviewers, but what do they know? The divide lies between two camps: those who want prefer performance and style approve of Juke, but upscale-needy types who crave functionality may find too many faults. If you live in the former category, or even if you don’t and are feeling frisky, check one out and decide for yourself. The 2012 Nissan Juke is within reach right now, at Carwoo.
