Urban Versatility & Fun-to-Drive Performance: 2015 Nissan JUKE Sport Cross
Introduced back in 2011, the Nissan JUKE sport cross draws on a number of active lifestyle influences, including motorcycles and rally cars, to create a breakthrough design among traditional B-segment hatchbacks. The Nissan JUKE fuses the best qualities of a sports car, including a sporty driving position, dynamic handling and powerful engine, with the best aspects of an SUV – such as a robust lower body, raised ground height, improved visibility, confident stance and available all-wheel drive.
For 2015, the JUKE offers a fresh front end look with its projector beam headlights and LED front Signature Accent Lamps. The grille incorporates the new Nissan V-Motion look, while more robust trim beneath the bumper adds to its sporty presence. The side rearview mirrors add standard integrated LED turn signal repeaters. The redesigned rear fascia features a more aggressive shape to match the revised boomerang taillights with LED accents.
Three new exterior colors are added for this model year – Super Black, Solar Yellow and Cosmic Blue. JUKE is now available in a choice of nine exterior colors.
Offered in S, SL and SV trim levels, power for the JUKE is generated by a second generation MR16DDT 1.6L Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) turbo four-cylinder engine and an advanced torque vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD) system – performance technology usually reserved for premium vehicles. Torque is communicated to the street through one of two available transmissions: Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with S-Mode and a six-speed manual gearbox (SV FWD and SL FWD models only).
Built on Nissan’s proven global B-platform, JUKE features a powerful front end treatment with the turn signals integrated into the front fenders, a high beltline and coupe-like falling roofline. Other exterior details include body-colored outside mirrors and front door handles, and “hidden” rear door handles. The 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.
Inside 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 a high-gloss paint. The gearshift sits on top of the console, inspired by sports car driver/shifter positioning. Despite JUKE’s overall compact dimensions, the interior offers segment competitive roominess and space for five adults. In the rear, a fold-down 60/40-split bench seat and flat load floor provide passenger and cargo hauling flexibility.
Comfort and convenience enhancements for the new model year include standard Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, RearView Monitor and NisssanConnect with Mobile Apps – including a 5.0-inch color display, USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Streaming audio via Bluetooth® and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant.
Another popular element of the JUKE interior is the Integrated Control (I-CON) system drive mode selector. The ICON system 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 (Xtronic only) and steering feel for the precise performance 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.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 99.6; overall length: 162.4; width: 69.5; height: 61.8
All vehicle measurements are in inches
Engine: 1.6L turbo-charged four-cylinder: 188 hp at 5,600 rpm and 177 lbs-ft of torque at 1,600 – 5,200 rpm
Transmission: six-speed manual, CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: CVT FWD – 28 city/32 hwy.; CVT AWD – 26 city/31 hwy.; Manual – 24 city/31 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 35.9 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, vehicle dynamic control, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, remote keyless entry, Nissan Intelligent Key with push button start, rearview monitory, engine immobilizer, vehicle security system, and tire pressure monitoring system. SL adds automatic headlamps, front fog lights, navigation system, and around view monitor with moving object detection.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Nissan JUKE starts from $20,250 for the S FWD upto $26,940 for the SL AWD. Destination charges add $825.
