NISSAN
 

2012 Nissan Juke

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsNtravel.com

The Nissan JUKE sport cross, moves into its sophomore season with a well-earned reputation as one of the boldest designs and most spirited performers in the traditional  B-segment hatchback field.

For 2012, JUKE again fuses the best qualities of a sports car, including a sporty driving position, dynamic handling and powerful turbo engine, with the best aspects of an SUV, such as a robust lower body, improved visibility, confident stance and available all-wheel drive. 

2012 Nissan JUKE

JUKE also offers generous ground clearance with standard 17-inch wheels and tires.  Adding to the authentic SUV look is a broad shoulder line, large wheel arches and robust lower bodywork that seems to emerge from under the vehicle.  Above the waistline, JUKE shows its sporty side with a raked windshield, upswept rear side windows and canopy like glass.  The lights also reflect JUKE's sporty agility, with the front lights split into two distinct elements, with the main lamps drawing inspiration from rally car lights. Fog lights are available, depending on trim level.  In the rear, the taillights share a resemblance with the distinctive "boomerang" design found on the latest generation Nissan 370Z.

The JUKE interior is equally aggressive with bolstered front seats, a wide instrument panel and a unique center console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank and finished in high-gloss paint.  The gearshift sits on top of the console, inspired by sports car driver/shifter positioning.

Another unique element of the JUKE interior is the Integrated Control (I-CON) system drive mode selector, which offers three different throttle/transmission/steering response settings, Normal for everyday driving, Sport for a more intense performance feel and Eco for maximum efficiency.  It adjusts throttle, transmission (CVT only) and steering feel for the precise ride the driver desires.  I-CON also serves as a central command center and display module, adopting different display colors and functions depending on how it is being used.  In Climate mode, the display shows the interior temperature settings while the "buttons" display air flow preferences.  In "D-Mode," the buttons change to the three driving modes and the display shows engine and drive related dials and information.

Center console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank

Among the long list of standard JUKE interior features are a 6-way manual driver's seat and 4-way manual front passenger seat, dual front and rear beverage holders, speed-sensitive automatic door locks, AM/FM/CD audio system with steering wheel controls, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Interface System for iPod and storage under the rear cargo floor (FWD models only).

Available interior features include, premium cloth fabrics, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, Rear View Monitor, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), upgraded speakers with Rockford Fosgate powered subwoofer, USB connector for iPod and other devices, power sliding moonroof and privacy glass.  Also available is the Nissan Navigation System 5.0-inch screen and XM NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information (XM subscription required, sold separately).

Powering the 2012 JUKE is a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG(TM)) turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine rated at 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.  The engine combines the best of both worlds - spirited performance and good fuel economy.  Direct injection helps improve combustion, enhancing power, torque, economy and emissions.  The use of the turbocharger and intercooler also help boost power, while the variable timing control for both intake and exhaust cycles improves low-end engine response. 

Two transmissions are offered - Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with S-Mode and a 6-speed manual transmission (SV FWD and SL FWD models only).

Taillights a design on the  Nissan 370Z

JUKE features a standard independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, while JUKE AWD models offer a multi-link rear suspension design.  A cradle-type front subframe enhances lateral stiffness of the assembly.  Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard on all models.

Also standard is vehicle-speed-sensing electric power-assisted steering.  Braking is supplied by power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).  JUKE rides on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P215/55R17 all-season tires.

Every 2012 JUKE comes equipped with the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage, dual-threshold front air bags and seat belt and occupant classification sensors, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection, seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and front-seat Active Head Restraints.

The suggested retail price of the all new 2012 Nissan Juke begins at $19,990.00. Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg City and 32 Highway for JUKE FWD models equipped with the CVT and 25 mpg City and 31 Highway for JUKE FWD 6-speed manual transmission equipped models.  JUKE AWD CVT models are rated at 25 mpg City and 30 mpg Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com