Nissan Juke
Big-selling small SUV gets more tech and the choice of hybrid power across the range On sale Late March Price from £23,485
WITH MORE THAN 293 million records sold, The Beatles are the biggest-selling recording artists in history. And while the Nissan Juke can’t claim quite the same popularity, it was still one of the best-selling new cars in the UK last year. Even popular artists need to evolve to stay at the top, though, so this small SUV has been treated to a host of upgrades for its mid-life facelift.
The most visually startling change is the return of bright yellow paint to the options list. If you look closer, though, you’ll find an improved interior and a heap of new technology.
Not least of these is a larger, higher-quality infotainment touchscreen. It now measures 12.3in rather than 8.0in and, while still being mounted high up, it’s angled more towards the driver to improve usability.
Nissan has upgraded the system’s software, too, adding movable ‘widgets’ for quicker access to frequently used functions. Wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay are now available, and the screen can play videos from a USB device when the car is parked up.
For drivers who want to talk to the screen rather than prod, the voice recognition system has been improved. A new ‘natural language understanding’ capability is said to increase the number of commands it can recognise, as well as coping with hesitant speech.
On N-connecta cars and above, the Juke now gets a second screen: a configurable 12.3in digital driver’s display that can be switched between two main layouts. One is a 3D-effect view with space to display a sat-nav map and other information alongside the speed and fuel indicators; the other is a simple two-dial set-up. Controls for the display settings are on the steering wheel.
Elsewhere, the Juke is now available with a wireless phone charger, plus USB-A and USB-C
sockets for the front and rear seat occupants. Those in the front should be comfier than before; the seats have been upgraded with new fabrics, quilted-effect inserts on Tekna trim and a redesigned armrest incorporating clips to take three payment cards. The glovebox is bigger, too.
The Juke already has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and the refreshed models gets more tech to improve its ability to avoid collisions and protect occupants in the event of one. For example, if the driver brakes hard, the brake lights will flash as a warning to other motorists. In addition, Intelligent Driver Alertness – to warn the driver if they show signs of tiredness – is now standard.
Lane-keeping assistance is now standard with Tekna trim and up (and an option on other trims), with a steering wheel vibration and steering intervention if the car drifts out of its lane. Every Juke also now has a rear-view camera or bird’s eye view cameras (again depending on the trim), and a resolution boost means these now provide a clearer image.
As before, the Juke is available with 112bhp 1.0-litre petrol or 141bhp 1.6-litre hybrid petrol engines. The new trim line-up is made up of Acenta Premium, N-connecta, Tekna, Tekna+ and N-sport, with the hybrid option offered on all trims; previously, you had to stump up for N-connecta or higher. The former entry-level Visia trim level has been discontinued.
N-sport is a new trim level for those who prefer a sporty look. It’s distinguished by a black finish to its roof, pillars, wheels, door mirrors, wheel-arch inserts and grille, as well as lots of yellow interior details. The other trim levels, meanwhile, gain a range of fresh five-spoke alloy wheel designs.
The 2024 Juke will go on sale at the end of March, with an increased starting price of £23,485 for Acenta Premium trim.