The new, small, urban-friendly crossover has been causing quite a stir. Everything about the Juke's outward appearance suggests a lively personality. From its massive haunches and complex sculptural shapes to its large rally-inspired headlamps, the Juke looks like the rambunctious, leggy lovechild of the 370Z and the new Leaf EV. Under the hood is a powerplant making its U.S. debut: a turbocharged, direct-injected 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder. The all-aluminum engine produces over 180 hp and 170 ft-lbs of torque, and mates to either a continuously variable automatic transmission, or a six-speed manual (in front-wheel-drive SV or SL trim levels). The Juke can be driven in Normal, Sport or Eco modes, which control throttle response, steering effort and transmission responsiveness. Fuel economy is estimated at 30 mpg combined.
A differential diverts power to the front wheels, but all-wheel drive versions are equipped with a torque-vectoring feature, which splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels, and up to 50 percent toward either of the rear wheels. This is the first application of this technology in the under C-segment, and at 64 pounds.
Three trim levels are available; S, SL and SV. Options include USB audio connectors, a six-speaker stereo
system, GPS Navigation, Bluetooth compatibility, a rear-view camera, Nissan's wireless key system with push-button start and leather seats.