Nissan Juke undergoes major update to stay competitive in small SUV market
The refreshed model gains revamped cabin, improved tech and more premium materials throughout
The Nissan Juke, a prominent figure among the UK's top-selling vehicles and a strong competitor in the small SUV market, has unveiled its mid-cycle update.
Key to this update is a comprehensive enhancement across various aspects, including its powertrain options, external aesthetics, cabin environment, technological offerings, and an adjusted pricing strategy to reflect these improvements.
Starting with the powertrain, the Juke maintains its engine lineup, featuring a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine delivering 112bhp and 200Nm of torque. This engine is available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Additionally, the Juke Hybrid persists with its 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor combination, offering a total output of 141bhp and promising fuel efficiency up to 58.9mpg.
This hybrid version also includes a pure-electric driving mode and an 'e-Pedal' for enhanced regenerative braking, showcasing Nissan's commitment to innovative and sustainable mobility solutions.
Externally, the Juke's distinctive design remains largely unaltered with this update. However, Nissan reintroduces the option of yellow paint and introduces a new N-Sport trim. This new trim adds a dynamic touch with a contrasting black roof, wheels, door mirrors, and other details.
The interior of the Juke receives significant attention in this refresh, focusing on elevating both the quality and the connectivity of the cabin environment. Nissan says it has refined the materials used within, enhancing the overall fit-and-finish to better compete with rivals like the Kia Niro.
The redesign features a new dashboard layout centred around a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a substantial upgrade from the previous eight-inch version. This screen is now angled towards the driver for ease of use, and the infotainment system has been enhanced for greater intuitiveness with customizable widgets, according to the firm.
Additional interior improvements include higher quality materials for the steering wheel, increased screen options for driver information, upgraded camera resolution for rear-view visibility, and expanded USB connectivity. Technologically, the Juke sets a new standard with the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, alongside advancements in voice recognition for a more natural interaction.
In terms of pricing and trim levels, the Juke sees a restructuring to better align with customer preferences and market demands. The previous entry-level Visia trim has been discontinued due to low sales, and the Acenta trim has been upgraded to Acenta Premium, marking the new entry point at £23,485 for a 1.0-litre manual variant.
This adjustment represents a £900 increase across the lineup but reflects the enhanced value and features offered. Additional trims include the N-Connecta and Tekna, with prices starting at £24,485 and £26,985, respectively. The introduction of the N-Sport trim, priced identically to the Tekna+ at £28,385, offers an alternative high-end option with unique styling cues.
Inspired by the futuristic Nissan Hyper Punk concept showcased at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show, the next iteration of the Juke promises to further elevate the brand's presence in the evolving automotive landscape.