REVIEW: Nissan Juke Tekna 1.2 DIG-T

THE new Nissan Juke subscribes to the ethos that bigger isn't always better.

The new Tekna 1.2 DIG-T (£18,280) tested here is one of the new crop to come with a diminutive 1,197cc turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 113bhp and 140lb.ft. of torque.

The small motor equips the Juke with a decent 10.8 second dash to 62mph and 111mph top speed, while claiming 50.4mpg fuel economy and 129g/km CO2 emissions

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Elsewhere the 2015 Juke introduces NissanConnect, allowing access to on-line apps and the ability to upload sat-nav destinations from a home computer, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Moving Object Detection along with a 964mm wide by 837mm sunroof.

There’s a selection of new colours with contrasting trim surrounding the lights and inserted into the front grille and faux diffuser at the rear, while LED daytime running lights and Xenon headlights are another new addition.

Significant in practical terms is a 40 per cent increase in boot space (to 345 litres) in front-wheel drive versions.

Inside, little has changed, with a 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system working well and a little screen gives insight into boost levels and eco-friendliness depending whether the Nissan Dynamic Control system is set to Sport, Normal or Eco.

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Interior space is not bad, although the rear lacks the accommodation of key rivals.

On the streets the Juke has something of a split personality. An over-eager throttle and laggy power delivery makes for all-or-nothing progress low down in the rev range.

Set off steadily and the 1.2 DIG-T delivers little below around 1,750rpm, leaving you bogged down. Dial in some revs and its hard to back out of a pacy standing start.

Once up and running the Juke’s new motor is refined and perky, though, and my test car steered with more accuracy and less roll than previous Jukes I’ve encountered.

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While not as agile or adjustable as the Mazda CX-3 or Fiat 500X I praised in this class recently, the Juke is fun.

I admire the Juke’s individuality and the way Nissan pioneered a class that is now enjoying an explosion of popularity with its introduction.

Even with the raft of improvements taken into account, my current class leader remains the the combination of the CX-3 and its two-litre petrol engine.

 

Nissan Juke Tekna 1.2 DIG-T

Engine: 1,197cc, four-cylinder, turbo

Power: 113bhp and 140lb.ft. of torque

Performance: 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds and 111mph

Economy: 50.4mpg (combined)

CO2 emissions: 129g/km

Price: £18,280

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