Car Review: Nissan Juke

“You won’t want to give it back,” said my colleague Sergio with a reminiscent smirk on his face, after hearing that I’ll be test driving the Juke for a couple of days. “It’s smooth on the road,” he added, “and it has unbelievable power... and the torque… and the suspension… and… and...”

*He went on and on (mostly techie, boy-speak that I didn't quite get) with such enthusiasm, that I actually called up the press dealership to request delivery of the vehicle A.S.A.P.

And then it arrived. And a wave of disappointment washed over me.

Because, you see, it’s not as attractive as the Yaris. Or the Terios Diva. Or the Corsa Colour Edition. Or the X-Trail. Or even the Qashqai for that matter.

It is ugly

The Juke is a B-segment crossover, which basically means it’s a high-riding hatchback. And while I like the big-car feel, I dislike Nissan’s styling on this one – particularly the shape, size and positioning of the front headlights.

But, it drives well.

The raised height makes mincemeat out of speed bumps, while the huge windscreen gives you a better view in the front.

Handling is great and many features – like aircon, a full-spectrum audio system with fantastic sound, electric windows and mirrors, folding backseats, tilt-adjusting steering and so on and so on – come standard. Even on the base, entry model.

As you move up the line (I drove the crème de la crème), you’re spoilt with add-ons such as an I-CON driver control interface with interchangeable Eco, Normal and Sport modes, cruise control, a rain sensor and a stop/start button.

What’s more? The Juke is light on the clutch, slick between gears, quiet on the long, open road and comfortable on a whole.

It’s also spacious. And safe.

Despite its lack in outer charm, the Juke’s inner appeal wowed me! A roomy, polished and sophisticated design that is complimented by many of the latest tech and security extras.

But it’s a guzzler 

For a 1.6 litre, it is really, really heavy on petrol. And I can count on one hand the amount of times I switched it from Eco into Sport or Normal drive. So it can’t be me. Or can it?

Have you driven or owned a Nissan? Are they generally fuel-monsters?

The Nissan Juke is:
  Women24