Nissan’s refreshed Juke touches down

NISSAN Australia has revealed running changes to its Juke small SUV range, including a refreshed exterior look, updated interior options and slight price rises before the introduction of the flagship Nismo-tuned version later this month.

 

From the outside, the new Juke is distinguished by LED fog lamps and a darker-chrome V-Motion front grille, as well as headlights, tail-lights and indicators with a smoked finish.

 

Kicking off the range is the six-speed manual Juke ST, priced at a carryover $23,490 before on-roads, powered by a twin-turbo 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 85kW of power and 190Nm of torque.

 

However, the 86kW/158Nm naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine and automatic transmission available in ST grades from $24,490 is now discontinued.

 

Stepping up to the Ti-S grade costs $30,140 for the six-speed manual and $33,840 for the continuously-variable automatic transmission – a $350 step up from the outgoing model – that are both powered by a 140kW/240Nm twin-turbo petrol engine.

 

With drive sent to the front wheels, fuel economy in the entry-level ST is rated at 5.6 litres per 100km, while the two-wheel-drive manual and all-paw automatic Ti-S return 6.0L/100km.

 

Standard kit on the Juke range opener includes automatic halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, Nissan Dynamic Control System drive-mode selector and new premium graphite coloured cloth seats.

 

Other equipment includes a headunit with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and leather-accented steering wheel and shifter.

 

In terms of safety, the Juke ST sports cruise control, two Isofix points, traction control and electronic brakeforce distribution, but misses out on a reversing camera and autonomous emergency braking – the latter of which is not available on any variant in Nissan’s quirky small SUV.

 

Ti-S buyers are treated to 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, automatically folding side mirrors, heated front pews and push-button start.

 

The infotainment system is also upgraded to a 5.8-inch touchscreen unit with satellite navigation and digital radio, while safety gear receives a lift thanks to lane departure warning, blind-spot warning and surround-view monitor.

 

The Ti-S also gains access to three myJuke Personalisation Packs – Power Blue, Energy Orange and Tokyo Glossy Black – that tweak exterior and interior accent colours for specific duco finishes.

 

The Nissan Juke range will be topped by a Nismo-fettled version later this month, although pricing and specification is yet to be announced.

 

With a 160kW/285Nm engine and an aggressively-styled body kit, expect to see the Nissan Juke Nismo nudge the $40,000 price bracket.