DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
Paul Agnew takes to the road in a next generation Nissan Juke that features dynamic design, wow-factor technology and puts a smile on your face
There are moments in life when you reach a crossroads – a decision is needed but you don’t know whether to stick or twist.
Buying a new car is one such moment. Are you going to play it safe or dare to be different?
Well, let’s assume you have reached not so much a crossroads but more a ‘crossover’.
You’re seeking something which not only looks great but also adds excitement, provides plenty of bang for your buck and puts a smile on your face.
The next generation Nissan Juke (crossover) does all of the above and more.
It’s a little belter and here’s a few reasons why the clever folk at Nissan – never a car manufacturer afraid to be bold – can rest assured that this latest offering will have buyers flocking to showrooms.
The Juke catches the eye from every angle with dynamic design and sporty styling making a powerful statement.
But, then again, I always thought the Juke (initially launched in 2010) was a striking car – even veering towards quirky. It stood out then and it certainly stands out now.
The exterior is even more shapely and attractive and the interior comes with a series of high-quality finishes, ergonomic controls and ambient lighting. An intuitive, layered cockpit has every gadget you could possibly need in precisely the places they should be.
Unlike so many other high-spec cars, you don’t have to sit in concentrated silence for several minutes searching out the controls before you can set off.
As for in-built technology – wow!
The Advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility Technology, including ProPILOT driving assistance, will help keep you safe, connected and entertained. ProPILOT moves with you, silently adapting to the way you drive. It can keep you centred in your lane, speed up, slow down and even bring you to a halt in traffic.
The manufacturer is quick to point out that ProPILOT technology is ‘a support, not a substitute for proper driving procedures and continuous road awareness’. But we all knew that anyway, didn’t we?
If you worry about parking and often find yourself driving around for an eternity trying to first find and then negotiate a suitable place, then worry no more. The ‘Around View Monitor’ gives you a 360˚ view of your car, with selectable focus on the front, rear and kerbside view.
The Juke offers seamless connectivity to the world around us. An impressive touchscreen is your portal to NissanConnect, complete with all navigation and technology needs, while a smartphone app provides a growing range of services including sending journey plans direct to your car.
Intelligent Mobility guides everything inside the Juke, and Nissan has left nothing to chance, understanding what the modern motorist expects – nay demands – of a car.
Connect your phone to preferred apps via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and, of course, there is full internet via the in-car wi-fi hotspot. Pair your device to activate voice control and feel free to ask for anything you want.
As for music, the Nissan Juke doesn’t miss a beat with premium connected audio including Bose Personal Plus with comfortable, ergonomic mono-form sports seats featuring in-built head rest speakers for both driver and passenger. These bring you even closer to the music, allowing you to customise your music and your mood. It’s like the artist is performing right there, just for you.
This is an adaptable motor too, bigger and roomier than its predecessor; getting your stuff (cargo) in and out of the large rear hatch (422 litres of capacity) is easy.
All the necessary safety measures – air bags, tyre pressure monitors etc – are in place, so all that’s left is the burning question of performance.
After arriving at the highly-impressive Chorley Nissan (Burnley) outlet on Westgate, I was handed the chance to test the N-connecta model, which, like all members of the new generation Juke family is a l.litre, turbo-charged, three-cylinder petrol machine.
Lightweight and yet surprisingly powerful, it combines exhilarating response with outstanding efficiency. It handles really well, CO2 emissions are low and fuel consumption is another key selling point at around 45 mpg.
You can switch between driving modes depending whether you want to save even more on petrol or let your hair down and have a bit of fun.
It is, in essence, that mix of practicality and fun, of up-to-the-minute technology and funky looks that makes the new generation Juke so appealing.
Throw in the fact that you can get this much car for well under £20k and it’s hard not to be tempted.
