2010 Nissan Juke US Review

JUKE fuses the best qualities of a sports car, including a sporty driving position, dynamic handling and powerful engine, with the best aspects of an SUV " such as a robust lower body, raised ground height, improved visibility and confident stance.

Unlike traditional entries in the fast-growing compact hatchback/crossover market today, the all-new JUKE offers bold styling, unexpected levels of performance and an advanced torque vectoring AWD system with performance technology usually reserved for premium vehicles.

JUKE's aggressive styling brings a breath of fresh air to the segment. Built on Nissan's proven global B-platform, JUKE looks exactly like it drives " fun, bold and exciting. It features a powerful front end treatment with the turn signals integrated into the front fenders, a high beltline and coupe-like falling roofline. Other exterior details include body-colored outside mirrors and front door handles, "hidden" rear door handles and standard 17-inch wheels and tires.

The JUKE interior is equally aggressive with bolstered front seats, a wide instrument panel and a unique center console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank and finished in a high-gloss paint. The gear shift sits on top of the console, with a high-mounted shift lever for sporty driving. In the rear, a fold-down 60/40-split bench seat and flat load floor provide passenger and cargo hauling flexibility. Available interior features range from leather-appointed seats and RearView Monitor to Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately). A long list of safety features is also standard, including six air bags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

Powering JUKE is a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) Turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine rated at 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Two transmissions are offered " Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with S-Mode and a 6-speed manual transmission (SV FWD and SL FWD models only). Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg City and 32 mpg Highway for JUKE CVT FWD models.

JUKE's torque vectoring AWD system splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels and can also split torque from side to side across the rear axle. When cornering, the system helps reduce understeer and enhance the vehicle's cornering feel.

Another new-to-Nissan technology debuting on JUKE is the innovative Integrated Control (I-CON) system. It combines control of the automatic A/C and the three-mode drive selector " Normal for everyday driving, Sport for a more intense performance feel and Eco for maximum efficiency, adjusting throttle response, transmission (CVT mapping) and steering feel for the precise ride the driver desires.

"We believe JUKE's unique combination of motorsports-inspired exterior and interior design and unexpected levels of technology " along with a starting MSRP under $19,000 " is going to propel JUKE into the heart of the fast-growing compact hatchback/crossover market," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

The 2011 Juke is available in eight models, each powered by a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) Turbo engine rated at 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The engine, the first application in North America, combines the power of a larger engine with the fuel economy of a smaller powerplant. Nissan JUKE MSRPs (USD) include: Model/Transmission

JUKE S CVT FWD $18,960 USD
JUKE SV MT FWD $20,260 USD
JUKE SV CVT FWD $20,760 USD
JUKE SL MT FWD $22,550 USD
JUKE SL CVT FWD $23,050 USD
JUKE S CVT AWD $20,460 USD
JUKE SV CVT AWD $22,260 USD
JUKE SL CVT AWD $24,550 USD

The 2011 Nissan JUKE sport cross is scheduled to go on sale in October 2010. Customers wanting more information about JUKE, including specification information on a particular model, can go to the "Reserve Your JUKE" site at http://www.nissanusa.com/apps/presell/juke.