Nissan has taken its time with the second-generation Juke – and you can see why. Despite a nine-year run, the previous version of this segment-defining SUV still left showrooms in big numbers right up to its demise. More than 60,000 were sold globally last year, with over a million finding homes since launch in 2010.
Sitting on a new platform shared with the Renault Clio, the underpinnings are tasked primarily with supporting a car that needs to be better to drive than its predecessor. Nissan has also targeted improvements in fuel economy and practicality, as well as updated on-board technology.
There’s a clear family link to the original model, with the new version retaining the old car’s split headlights (now powered by LED tech), strong shoulders and squat, sporty profile. The new Juke holds a spot of its own in Nissan’s line-up, but it’s clearly a larger and more conventionally styled car than before. It’s bigger in every way, too; the wheelbase swells to 2,636mm.
That’s a good length for the class, and it’s evident in the back. The headroom is a little tight and it’s quite dark, while the bulky tunnel restricts foot space in the middle seat, but the legroom and knee room are good. The boot expands to 422 liters and the opening is now much wider than before, with an adjustable floor as well.
While the exterior changes are more of an evolution, the interior is a total overhaul from the previous car. Alongside the new cabin design, Nissan says emphasis has been placed on quality; range-topping cars such as our Tekna+ example get Alcantara and part-leather trim, but there are still some slightly hard, unpleasant plastics higher on the dash. The driving position has improved massively though, and there are a lot more adjustments thanks to a steering column that adjusts for reach as well as height.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
Motorsport pays tribute to YouTube star Block
AT the turn of the new year, the world of rallying and Gymkhana lost one of its biggest stars.
Mexico race raises curtain on 2023 Formula E season
First of 16 rounds this weekend. Marks race debut of Gen 3 car.
Car Hunter
£5,000 for a people carrier to take care of family duties
BUYER'S GUIDE: SEAT Tarraco
FROM £17,500 Spanish SUV is well worth checking out if you're in need of a seven-seater family workhorse
British-built Qashqai tops 2022 sales chart
"Sales of electric cars have overtaken diesels, putting them second to petrols for the first time"
Kia Niro Hybrid
SECOND REPORT: Hybrid crossover is perfect for photographer Pete
Ford Focus MHEV Estate
THIRD REPORT: After running our wagon, Steve Walker feels he really needs to speak up in support of the estate
Citroen C3 Aircross Rip Curl
FIRST DRIVE: We discover if the range-topping Rip Curl is riding the crest of Aircross wave
Purr-fect pitch?
The GWM Ora Funky Cat blends electric drive and stand-out style in a value package. Can it beat the MG4?
A VAN FOR OUR TIMES
We visit the Classic Commercial Vehicle show to see how vans have evolved over the years
Comfortably Numb
Highs: Roomy interior, comfortable and quiet around town. Lows: Lazy acceleration, polarizing looks, pales next to more exciting competition.
'80S CALLING!
PERFORMANCE COLLIDES WITH NOSTALGIA AS THE NEW Z FACES THE GR SUPRA
Cheaper Electric Vehicles Coming Despite High Battery Costs
Even though battery costs are rising, auto companies are rolling out more affordable electric vehicles that should widen their appeal to a larger group of buyers.
2023 Nissan Leaf VS. 2023 Chevy Bolt EV
Shopper interest in electric vehicles, or EVs, is rising. According to data from the Pew Research Center in 2021, 40% of non-EV owners are very or somewhat likely to purchase an EV as their next vehicle. But many of the latest models are also pricey; a Rivian R1T pickup, for example, starts at more than $70,000 and can easily cost more than $90,000.
EVOLUTION OF Z REVOLUTION
How Nissan reinvented the smart, soulful sports car.
SHALL WE DANCE?
THE ENGINE AND PLATFORM GRAB HEADLINES, BUT THE WAY THE NEW NISSAN Z MOVES LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSION
2023 Nissan Z
In a market full of SUVs and pickups, suddenly sports car fans have a reason to smile.
FANTASTIC 4X4s
5 great 4WDs that make a perfect first off-roader
Got to Get Your Z
The Nissan Z, one of the first affordable two-seat sports cars, is back. And you can buy it in a manual. But with all things going electric and the market for approachable speedsters shrinking, will this be the last of its kind?
RED LETTER DAY
A new Z shows there are signs of life at Nissan.