TOP REVS - CAR TEST
| 2013-07-31
Turbocharged Nissan Juke makes diesel exciting
Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke range has been expanded yet again in South Africa with the introduction of the new Nissan Juke 1.5 dCi Acenta+.
The newest member of the Juke family has arrived hot on the trail of the recently-introduced Juke CVT automatic and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models, expanding the line-up to seven striking derivatives.
With its audacious looks, crossover design and enhanced economy, the new Juke diesel is an all-encompassing ‘wear-your-heart-on-your-sleeve’ expression of individuality and personality - not just another ‘A-to-B’ driving machine.
“As a finalist in the ‘2013 WesBank/SAGMJ Car of the Year’ competition, a nominee for the ‘2013 Women on Wheels Car of the Year’ as well as being crowned the ‘2013 Best Buy’ in the Light SUV/Crossover segment by CAR Magazine, the Nissan Juke is definitely making waves as an aspirational and emotive product. It’s a car for those who defy convention and this 6th-generation new diesel-engined derivative is only going to up the pace!”
Don’t follow, be followed
The unconventional design is still able to turn heads in the traffic and create a stir in parking lots. A car that gets you noticed, that’s for sure. Compact proportions, edgy and daring design cues make the Juke unmistakable and completely different to the norm.
As much as the exterior excites, an equally funky interior – where swooping surfaces and quality finishes impart a sense of excitement and smart thinking – makes the Juke fun, even when stationary.
The new Juke diesel plays on all the established Juke quirks and elevates them to a new level – a level where spirited performance and incredible driveability are met by utterly exceptional fuel efficiency. Drive it like your hair is on fire or cruise around as relaxed as a lizard in the sun – the choice is yours.
Diesel gets exciting
Linked to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, the 1.5-litre common rail turbocharged diesel engine in the new Juke diesel produces 81 kW at 4 000 rpm and a great whack of torque to boot – 260 Nm from just 1 500 rpm. The result is a mix of great driving performance and brilliant fuel economy – the new Juke 1.5 dCi returns a combined cycle average fuel consumption figure of just 4.2-litres per 100 km, with carbon emissions of just 109 g/km.
The Euro 5-compliant 1.5 dCi engine – which requires 50 ppm or low-sulphur diesel – is now in its sixth iteration, the fruits of constant development, refinement and employment of new technology allowing for endless advances in reducing fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and NVH levels. The engine features a reduction in combustion noises as well as new-generation start-stop technology, with smart management technology which ensures a quick restart procedure – the engine firing up again within 0.5 seconds of the clutch being engaged.
The adoption of a new closed-loop, low-pressure exhaust gas recycling system (EGR) is also a major contributor to the improved emissions and economy, at the same time spearheading the 1.5 dCi engine with forthcoming Euro 6 regulations. The EGR system sees exhaust gases cooled and reintroduced to the intake system to capitalise on unburnt fuel.
The Juke diesel’s three drive modes – Normal, Eco and Sport – allow the driver to adjust the Juke’s personality via the Interactive Driver Control system to suit his or her mood. In Eco mode specifically, the new Juke diesel becomes focused on efficiency, with torque limited to 220 Nm (the full 260 Nm is available in kick-down). Contrastingly, Sport mode sharpens up the driving experience, ramping up the excitement of the drive. Pedal feel and sensitivity is also adjusted depending on the drive mode.
Value for money
The new Nissan Juke 1.5 dCi Acenta+ features excellent standard specification to match its enticing drive, and all at an attractive price.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, keyless entry and a start/stop button, an immobiliser, electrically adjustable and folding door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, electric windows all round, privacy glass in the rear, a multi-function leather-bound steering wheel, a multi-info trip computer, Bluetooth for hands-free telephony and audio streaming, a quality four-speaker audio system with USB and iPod integration, cruise control with a speed limiter, the Interactive Driver Control system, six cup or bottle holders, dual tone suede-touch upholstery and a leather gear lever.
Safety equipment is at a similarly comprehensive level, the Juke diesel featuring ABS with EBD and BAS, VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, an immobiliser and DataDot as standard.
New Nissan Juke Diesel
Retail Price incl. VAT
Juke 1.5 dCi Acenta+ R263 800
* These are South African prices.
Included in the price are a standard 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty and three-year/ 90 000 km service plan.