New Nissan JUKE: Designed to thrill

New Nissan JUKE: Designed to thrill

• Efficient new downsized 1.2 DIG-T turbocharged petrol engine

• Dramatic design enhanced with significant styling changes pushing further both premium and sporty design cues

• Technology enhanced with advanced NissanConnect system

• Nissan Safety Shield added along with groundbreaking Around View Monitor four-camera parking aid

• Improved luggage capacity +40% and enhanced versatility

• Extensive personalization program

• Opening sunroof and Xenon lights

• On sale in Europe from summer 2014

Note to editors: The following contains Geneva Motor Show information about the new JUKE in the European market. Information about the new JUKE for the North American market will be released at a later date.

GENEVA, Switzerland - When it arrived a little more than three years ago, the Nissan JUKE used innovation to create a whole new market segment. Just as the Nissan Qashqai pioneered the original crossover market, the JUKE used dramatic design and advanced technology to break new ground in a more compact crossover package.

The JUKE's combination of highly individual styling, strong driving dynamics and sophisticated interior equipment has allowed it storm from zero to 420,000 sales in less than 40 months, easily eclipsing its rivals.

Now, following Nissan's established practice of constant development comes the next chapter in the JUKE story. Establishing itself as the original stand-out model in the growing small crossover market with premium style and refinement, the new JUKE is ready to once again stamp its authority on the segment it created.

Already recognized as the design trend-setter, the new JUKE benefits from a series of design enhancements, new engines, new equipment and a wide-ranging personalization program.

Among the changes are a new design at the front and rear with greater emphasis on both premium refinement and sporty design cues; a new downsized 1.2-liter turbocharged engine offering greater performance, economy and lower emissions; a revised 1.6-liter DIG-T engine; improved four-wheel drive with Torque Vectoring System; new alloy wheels; advanced equipment including a new audio system, the latest generation NissanConnect driver-vehicle interface, Nissan Safety Shield, Nissan's Dynamic Control system, plus the option of a new opening glass roof.

Revisions in the luggage area have increased space by 40 percent in two-wheel drive versions up to 354L, while there's even greater opportunity for owners to really stamp their own personality on their JUKE. A range of new colors and interior themes are available with a number of different personalization packs.

The changes and range additions will accelerate the growth of Nissan's second most popular model in Europe, helping it to emulate the remarkable achievements of its big brother Qashqai.

JUKE is the best seller in the premium B-segment, outperforming all direct competitors including those from the top German brands. And it's not just the entry-level models which have helped JUKE to the top: the best selling engine to date has been the 1.6-liter petrol unit while the top Tekna grade accounts for more than one third of all sales.

But the big NISMO news is the advanced preview of the extreme new JUKE NISMO RS, a totally focused model with more power (218PS/160kW), upgraded brakes, a stiffer body and a limited slip differential on two wheel drive versions.

Buyers have also been attracted by a strong range of special versions - notably the Shiro and the advanced n-tec models - and the Kuro and Ministry of Sound limited editions, while the sports oriented NISMO has added driving thrills as well as breadth to the range.

On its way to a total of 420,000 sales, JUKE has achieved 135,000 sales in 2013 with its popular set to increase with the introduction of the new version. All JUKE models sold in Europe are built in Europe, at Nissan's highly productive plant in Sunderland, UK where three shifts per day are needed to cope with demand.

Significantly for Nissan, JUKE has attracted a huge number of buyers new to the brand. As much as 85 per cent of sales have been to first-time Nissan owners, not only making it the highest conquest model in the Nissan range but a model that comfortably outperforms the B-segment average with many of those new buyers downsizing from larger cars.

"We stunned the industry with Qashqai, the original crossover, and we've done it again with JUKE. If anything, JUKE is even more daring and different than Qashqai and appeals to a younger, more out-going audience.

"The changes we have made to new JUKE will extend that appeal even further to cement Nissan's position as the leading brand in the crossover market," said Guillaume Cartier, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing for Nissan in Europe.

New JUKE will go on sale across Europe in the summer, 2014.

The changes in detail:

Exterior

Bold design has always set the JUKE apart from any rival, offering a mixture of crossover toughness with sporting appeal that has seen it become a design icon.

To radically alter the proportions would undermine the JUKE's unmistakable presence, but designers have still managed to make significant changes to the car's styling.

At the front, the upper lamps have been redesigned and now incorporate bi-intensity LED daytime running lamps while the headlamps now have Xenon bulbs for better visibility and new lens covers. The grille incorporates the new Nissan brand signature while the front has been toughened with new and more robust trim beneath the bumper.

Door mirrors have been revised to include LED side turn strip repeaters and, where fitted, cameras for the Around View Monitor.

At the rear the bumper has a more aggressive shape to match new revised boomerang tail lamps with LED light guide technology, giving the new JUKE a more distinctive appearance at night.

The new color palette now extends to ten colors and includes three new shades: Sunlight Yellow metallic, Ink Blue metallic and solid Red.

A new range of wheels completes the exterior revisions, with 16-inch steel and alloys available on entry-level Visia models and different styles of 17-inch alloys on Acenta and Tekna variants. A new 18-inch alloy wheel will also be available with colored inserts available allowing drivers to add their personal touch.

In addition, the extensive new personalization packs include the opportunity to add drama with brightly colored inserts, which completely change the look and feel of the wheels. Different packs also allow contrasting colors to be applied to the mirror caps, side sills, roof spoiler and door handles.

Interior personalization

In the same way that the exterior styling differentiates JUKE from anything else on the road, so the interior has a number of distinctive features, including the center console inspired by a motorbike. And again, changing these features for the sake of it would be counter-productive.

Instead Nissan designers have found ways to make the interior even bolder and more dynamic with different interior themes. In standard cars, the interior theme is a sophisticated grey, giving a technical feel to the car. Add one of the interior personalization packs and features such as the center console, door trims and other elements can be colored red, white, black or even a bright yellow.

Depending on the model, there are two styles of fabric for the seat upholstery - comfort and sport - with leather trim on top versions.

Practicality

Changes have also been made to the shape of the trunk area in two-wheel drive models to boost luggage space by an impressive 40 percent, taking the overall capacity to a class-leading 354 liters ­­- unlike rivals, JUKE can carry a large and a medium suitcase at the same time, and is also deep and wide enough to carry a chassis-type pushchair.

Versatility is further enhanced with flat folding rear seat, making it easier to load large objects, while the inclusion of a two-stage floor in the luggage area makes the space even more flexible.

Equipment

Standard equipment on all models includes LED daytime running lamps, CD radio with an AUX-In socket, gear shift indicator to promote a more efficient driving style and tire pressure monitor. The Visia 1.5 dCi and 1.6 Pack versions add alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, drive computer and driver seat height adjustment.

Acenta models are enhanced with front fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, remote audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio streaming, cruise control and limiter, Nissan Dynamic Control System and chrome interior touches.

Enhances for the new JUKE, Nissan Dynamic Control is an advanced driver control system giving the choice of three different driving modes - Normal, Sport or Eco ­- along with instant driving information and vehicle setting controls.

Tekna models add power folding door mirrors, light and rain sensors, i-Key with Start/Stop and the latest NissanConnect with rear-view parking/reversing camera, Around View Monitor and Safety Shield.

NissanConnect now offers smartphone connectivity with access to a variety of apps ranging from social media platforms to entertainment including Internet radio through a large, 5.8-inch color touch screen. The latest generation satellite navigation system integrates with Google® to reveal a host of useful information from weather forecasts to the location of fuel stations, hotels, restaurants and many other points of interest.

A send-to-car function also allows drivers to search for their destination at home and send destination instructions to NissanConnect system at the click of a button. The system includes Bluetooth audio streaming and mobile phone integration as well as Aux-in and USB slots.

When not in infotainment mode, the screen doubles as a monitor for the newest version of Nissan's pioneering Around View Monitor which gives a complete real-time 360 degree ‘helicopter' view around the car to make maneuvering as safe and easy as possible. Using the AVM cameras together with sensors, radar and other advanced technology, JUKE's Safety Shield incorporates a number of features engineered to make the car as safe as possible. These include Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Moving Object Detection, which gives visual and audible warnings to avoid potential collisions.

The final option opens a whole new world to Acenta and Tekna owners, literally. A large open-able glass panel allows not just daylight to flood into the cabin but also fresh air as required. When opened, the panel sits on top of the rear portion of the roof so as not to steal interior headroom. The glass panel measures 964mm wide by 837mm long to cover two thirds of the roof area. This is matched by an opening width of 693mm and an opening length of 301mm to add to the feeling of airiness in the cockpit.

Engines and drivetrains

Three engines are available for new JUKE in Europe, with changes to the two petrol options: one is new and the other extensively revised. The existing and acclaimed 1.5 dCi diesel with 110ps (81kW) continues unchanged.

The Alliance-developed 1.2-liter DIG-T petrol engine, which replaces the outgoing 117ps 1.6-liter unit, is an advanced turbocharged direct injection engine delivering 115ps (85kW) and generating 190Nm of torque.

Despite its modest size, the 1.2-liter (1197cc) turbocharged engine packs a real punch, offering sharper acceleration and greater torque (190Nm) for added flexibility than the outgoing 1.6-litrer naturally aspirated engine.

Its lower weight, standard automatic Stop/Start feature and more fuel-efficient operation translates into cleaner and more economical performance. The 1.2 DIG-T engine emits 126g/km* of CO2 and has a fuel consumption figure of 5.5 l/100km*.

The existing 1.6 DIG-T petrol unit has been further improved to deliver lower end torque below 2,000rpm. Producing 140kW, it is already Euro6 compliant with target emissions of 139g/km of CO2 for the 2WD versions. Among its new features are a higher combustion ratio (increased from 9.5 to 10.5:1), improved low friction technologies and cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation.

As well as a six-speed manual transmission, new JUKE 1.6 DIG-T 4WD is optionally available with a new Xtronic transmission gearbox, which further improves fuel efficiency, acceleration and all-round performance.

"New JUKE builds on the qualities that made the original such a success. Its unique crossover styling is even more energetic, and the interior makes a real statement.

"The new drivetrain options and advanced technology on offer to the driver keep new JUKE ahead of the rest," said Guillaume Cartier.

Credit: NissanNews.com