The Nissan Juke may not be conventionally beautiful, but it has the potential to become a future classic car. Its unique and funky design may not appeal to everyone, but for those who appreciate its bold styling, it offers an intriguing proposition. With only a few in Cambodia The Nissan Juke is a rare sighting.
Unlike the current trend of larger SUVs with three rows and seven seats, the Juke, when it was first introduced in 2010, led the way for smaller, compact crossovers. It has a distinct presence and a sense of fun, which is reflected in its name derived from the sports term “to juke,” meaning to change directions with agility.
What Makes the Nissan Juke a Future Classic?
The Juke originally debuted at the Geneva Motor Show as the Nissan Qazana concept in 2009. Going through two generations before being discontinued in 2017. Just before its discontinuation, Nissan introduced a more powerful and face-lifted version called the Juke NISMO in 2013.
The defining feature of the first-generation Juke is its unconventional exterior design. The front fascia is particularly memorable, with funky L-shaped lamps that were initially mistaken for headlights. The actual headlights were oversized globe-like units placed on the bumper. From the sides, the Juke featured a hatchback-inspired body design.
In most markets, the second generation Juke came equipped with Bluetooth and navigation, a rear-view camera, and keyless entry. It had a small cargo area and five seats, although seating in the rear could be uncomfortable for longer rides.
The available engines for the Juke varied across different markets. Some markets had a base 1.5-liter inline-four engine with 99 hp, while the USA had a turbo charged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 188 hp.
The transmissions ranged from a standard manual to a continuously variable unit with six virtual gears.
Which Nissan Juke Model is Ideal?
The ultimate Juke model would be the NISMO RS trim, with NISMO being Nissan’s motorsports division. The NISMO RS is the highest performance model in the Juke lineup.
The NISMO RS model offers up to 215 hp and came with improved standard equipment such as Recaro front seats, carbon fiber accents, a modified steering wheel and suspension, 18-inch wheels, engine tuning, and a torque vectoring option.
It shares similarities with the Renault sport Clio RS and received positive reviews for its performance, with some achieving a 0-to-60 time of less than seven seconds.
One step below the RS model is the base NISMO model, which offers 197 hp and unique suspension tuning and wheels but lacks the additional performance upgrades of the top-spec NISMO RS.
While the base Juke is amusing to admire and delightful to drive, the NISMO versions have a firmer ride and are less comfortable on rough surfaces. These versions prioritize performance over smoothness.
Are There Any Alternatives to the Nissan Juke?
Alternatives to the Juke, many European choices like Citroen, Vauxhall, and the Renault Captur offer similar styles.
Consider the Mazda CX-3, a compact SUV with more power, technology, and an upscale interior. Also the Jeep Renegade, its affordable, has a edgy design, but lacks the distinctive character of the Juke.
Have you seen in Cambodia The Nissan Juke?