Get your Jukes up W
by a 10.3-inch central screen using BMW’s latest infotainment operating system.
The popular 320d model remains, powered by an upgraded 2.0-litre fourcylinder diesel, and is available with both rear and all-wheel drive. The reardriven 320d can hit 60mph in 6.9 seconds, with the xDrive version shaving that to 6.7 seconds.
A powerful four-cylinder petrol will be used in the 330i and is capable of hitting 60mph in 5.6 seconds while delivering a claimed combined fuel consumption of 48.7mpg.
Overall body rigidity is now up by 25 per cent, while the suspension spring rate has also been increased to help deliver a more sporting drive.
The popular M Sport specification remains too, offering a more dynamic look as well as sports suspension, which drops the car’s ride height by 10mm over the regular model. HETHER you like the styling of the Nissan Juke or not – and many people do – it still looks as fresh now as it did when it was launched back in 2010.
Limited interior space means that it’s not up to more recent designs of a family friendly SUV but it holds its own with a fairly good driving experience and good standard kit.
Nissan’s cars in general have an excellent reputation for reliability and the Juke is no exception.
It’s also been a great success, so that means second-hand prices are higher than for some others in the market.
Petrol engines are 1.6-litre units with power ranging from 92 to 115bhp in earlier models, changing to a turbocharged 1.2 with 113bhp later on, plus a turbo 1.6 with 187bhp.
The single diesel option is the turbo 1.5 borrowed from sister company Renault, which has 110bhp and is capable of no less than 68mpg.
Petrol economy ranges from 48mpg for the 1.2 to 44mpg for the 1.6 units, but don’t forget, these are official figures and the real average is going to be a good deal less.
The performance model is obviously the 1.6 DIG-T turbo, which will cover the zero to 60mph sprint in 7.7 seconds, while the standard 1.6 and the 1.2 take 11.1 and 10.5 seconds.
The diesel will do the same benchmark in a good 10.5 seconds.
Most models in the range come with front wheel drive so the only model offered with four-wheel-drive (4WD) is the 1.6 turbo petrol.
Of course most owners are not going to go anywhere near a muddy track or wet field and so this won’t affect them a jot.
There’s great grip through the corners with excellent body control and good balance front to rear, so it’s as agile as most hatchbacks.
But the problem is that this fairly stiff suspension means the ride is always too firm at any speed, so that occupants feel every bump and lump in the road surface and are all too often made uncomfortable.
The Juke has a lovely high driving position giving a great view to the front and sides, but rearward vision is compromised a little by the low roof.
It’s also simple to get in and out of for those in the front and the seats are well shaped and supportive.
The rear doors are quite narrow making access a little more difficult and they and have hidden handles to make the body look like a three door.
Base Visia trim is not basic at all really, coming with such items as remote locking, air con, electric windows and mirrors and alloys.
Acenta adds Bluetooth, bigger alloys, selectable drive modes, cruise, climate, and a multi-function steering wheel, while N-Connecta has a touchscreen infotainment system with sat nav, DAB radio, reversing camera, keyless entry and ignition, sports seats and automatic lights and wipers.
Pay about £7,350 for a ’14 14-reg Acenta turbo diesel, or £10,650 for a 1.2 Dig-T N-Connecta.