The Nissan Juke Makes Its Australian Debut

BY Editor

The Nissan Juke Makes Its Australian Debut – Oct 24, 2013– Melbourne, Australia (Techreleased) – The Nissan JUKE, a car guaranteed to turn heads, is now on-sale in Australia.

Nissan JUKE

The JUKE is an urban crossover with bold styling inspired by a number of active lifestyle influences including motorcycles and rally cars.

But it is not just the unique appearance of the JUKE that should be noted. Its aggressive looks are combined with two engine options in the Australian market, the sharp 1.6-litre normally-aspirated HR16DE (86kilowatts of power and 158Nm of torque) as well as the same MR16DDT Direct Injection Gasoline Turbo that appears in the popular Pulsar SSS, producing 140 kilowatts of power and 240Nm of torque.

These engines, combined with the JUKE’s sports driving position that offers full control and quick response, make the JUKE an entertaining drive.

The addition of the JUKE to Nissan’s product line-up solidifies its position as one of the leading SUV manufacturers in the Australian market. The JUKE will sit alongside the popular DUALIS in the Small SUV segment, with DUALIS already enjoying a 20 per cent share of that category.

With the all-new Nissan Pathfinder large SUV also launching in Australia in October 2013, the all-new Nissan Patrol V8 entering this market earlier in the year and the all-new Nissan X-TRAIL set to debut in Australia in the second quarter of 2014, Nissan is determined to remain a key player in the booming SUV segment.

Delivering on its brand promise of ‘Innovation and Excitement for Everyone’, the Nissan JUKE delivers outstanding value to Australian consumers, with retail pricing starting from just $21,990* for the JUKE ST manual (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price – Estimated Drive-Away Price** $24,965).

“The Nissan JUKE is a sensational addition to our SUV line-up,” said Peter Jones, Managing Director and CEO, Nissan Motor Company Australia.

“JUKE offers consumers the characteristics of a sporty hatch and a small SUV all in one distinctively styled package.

“The JUKE is a car that turns heads and creates conversation. That’s a fantastic thing for Nissan in the Australian market. This car will bring people into Nissan dealerships that may have never previously considered purchasing a Nissan.

“While the styling will capture a lot of attention, the driving experience of the JUKE is something that cannot be overlooked. The sports driving position, dynamic handling and in particular, the performance of the DIG Turbo engine in the ST-S and Ti-S variants, make JUKE an exciting option for Australian new car buyers.”

SUV characteristics such as robust lower body, raised ground height and improved visibility are all elements incorporated into this small crossover. Combined with unique styling traits such as the front headlight treatment, which sees headlamps split into two distinct elements, large wheels arches and broad shoulder line, JUKE is expected to attract a wide spectrum of consumers.

The Nissan JUKE’s normally aspirated variants are rated as Five Star by ANCAP. The turbo variants are untested.

Performance

The top-grade Nissan JUKE Ti-S is a unique option for consumers seeking the flexibility of a small SUV with the performance of a small, sporty hatch.

JUKE Ti-S pairs Nissan’s potent yet efficient 1.6L DIG Turbo engine with the XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Manual Mode, and Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive. Nissan’s DIG technology improves combustion efficiency for improved torque and power without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

The Torque Vectoring system not only splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels, it can also split torque from side-to-side across the rear axle.

By monitoring vehicle speed, wheel speed, gear position, steering angle, lateral G forces and vehicle yaw rate, torque can be increased to the outside rear wheel in corners to help reduce understeer and enhance the car’s cornering feel. In total, up to 50 per cent of the total available engine torque can be sent to either rear wheel.

Standard across all grades, the Nissan Dynamic Control System centralises drive information and works to adjust throttle, steering and transmission (in CVT models on ST and Ti-S grades), offering a choice of three optimum drive modes – NORMAL for everyday driving, SPORT for more intense performance feel or ECO for maximum efficiency. This system offers different display options depending on the mode in use, including a Boost display in SPORT mode.

Standard across the JUKE range are Speed Sensitive Electric Power Steering, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist.

17-inch alloy wheels are also standard across the range, as is McPherson Strut front suspension. Front-Wheel Drive variants (ST and ST-S) have Torsion Beam rear suspension while the All-Wheel Drive Ti-S runs Multi-Link rear suspension.

The entry-level JUKE ST is available with a five-speed manual transmission or XTRONIC CVT. JUKE ST-S comes with a six-speed manual transmission and the top-specification JUKE Ti-S features XTRONIC CVT with Manual Mode.

Equipment

The Nissan JUKE’s interior matches the aggressive styling of the exterior, with a sporty theme inspired by motorcycles, best expressed by the centre console configuration, which resembled the fuel tank of a sleek superbike.

Despite the small stature of the JUKE, interior space is generous, comfortably seating five adults. Storage space is ample and 60/40 split second row seats offer flexible storage options.

Standard interior features include Bluetooth audio streaming, steering wheel audio controls, cruise control and speed limiter, adjustable steering column and Remote Keyless Entry (with I-Key in ST-S and Ti-S only).

The ST-S and Ti-S turbo variants include a five-inch Colour VGA LCD Display, Satellite Navigation, six speakers, Bluetooth: Integrated Navigation, Push Button Engine Start.

JUKE Ti-S also features Leather accented^ seat trim and heated front seats.

Standard safety features across the range include Driver and Front Passenger Front Impact and Side Impact SRS Airbags, Front to Rear SRS Curtain Airbags, Front Seatbelts with Load Limiters and Pre-Tensioners, Three Point Emergency Locking Retractor Front and Rear Seatbelts (all) and Front and Rear Crumple Zones.

ST-S and Ti-S turbocharged variants include Rear View Camera, Front Rain Sensing Variable Intermittent Wipers and Automatic On/Off Headlights with Twilight Detection.

Nissan JUKE – Australian Pricing

* Manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP)

** Maximum recommended drive-away price for vehicle in Victoria including 12 months’ registration, 12 months’ CTP and applicable statutory charges, dealer delivery and administration charges. Price is based on a private owner aged 40 with a good driving record and the vehicle being garaged in Victoria. Prices may differ depending on State purchased, individual’s personal circumstances and will vary from dealer to dealer. Premium paint available at additional cost.

^ Leather accented features and upholstery may contain synthetic material.