Nissan Juke Tekna + Review
Being unique was never a problem for the Nissan Juke and the latest generation Nissan Juke Tekna + is no different. It is a breath of fresh air in a familiar world. I took this quirky car for a spin and this is the impression that I got.
What is the Nissan Juke Tekna + about?
From the outset, this model screams out that it does not conform to conventional norms. The previous Nissan Juke was a innovator at the time that provided the perks of an SUV in a much smaller package that stood out from the crowd. The 2019 edition takes the same bold trend forward, but now there is lots more competition.
The Nissan Juke Tekna + still carries the divisive looks of its predecessor. The appearance of a car is a highly subjective thing. But still, I think this design is more mature than the outgoing car for sure. The front features the most distinctive design elements. The headlights are cute while the grille is very different. From the sides, the Juke looks more conventional while the rear belies the fact that this is a smallish SUV. I found the 2019 Nissan Juke to be pleasant to look at and not something I would be ashamed to be seen driving, whereas the previous model now just looks old.
Under the bonnet, the 2019 Nissan Juke Tekna + is powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine which might not sound very impressive but it is very efficient. It manages to squeeze out 117 PS of power at 5,250 RPM and 180 Nm of torque at 4,000 RPM, which is outstanding for an engine of this size.
This allows the Juke to go from a standstill to 62 mph in 10.4 seconds, which is quite respectable at this price point and in this segment. It tops out at 112 mph. The 2019 Nissan Juke Tekna + comes with both manual and automatic gearbox variants. While the automatic is very refined, the manual allows you to get more out of the car. The manual gives a combined fuel economy of 45.6mpg and CO2 figures of 118 g/km.
How does the Nissan Juke Tekna + drive?
The performance figures might not seem that impressive but in the real world, the Nissan Juke Tekna + is good enough as it manages its power very effectively. The engine can be revved quite hard but you won’t need to as most of the grunt is available low down and in the middle of the rev range.
Spending time with the car I learned it responds beautifully to steering inputs, for an SUV. Even the automatic version feels nimble and the Juke is the sort of car that would be fun to push around corners.
The 19″ alloy wheels perform well on bumps and offer great levels of grip wrapped in those Hankook tyres (225/45/19). Coupled with the excellent feedback through the steering wheel, this means that you can push the front-wheel-drive car quite hard with confidence. The Nissan Juke feels quite planted and sure-footed. It only starts to lose steam when high up in the rev range.
What is it like inside?
It is upholstered with soft, good quality materials. The front seats are very robust and offer adequate support, making the Juke a great option for long drives. You can seat two people in the back with a third at a push. But it can get uncomfortable as there isn’t much shoulder room, a byproduct of the unique shape of the roof of this Nissan. But don’t get me wrong, the rear space is great for this segment.
The centre console and instrument cluster is a work of art and offers some of the best information and entertainment features found in any model today irrespective of price. Another great feature is the audio system. Powered by Bose speakers, it offers a truly immersive experience.
At 422 litres, the luggage space is quite adequate and if needed, it can be expanded to 1,305 litres by folding the seats. The Nissan Juke Tekna + also boasts a rich variety of driver-assist and safety features, especially impressive considering how affordable it is.
The experience
The small SUV segment that the 2019 Nissan Juke Tekna + belongs to is a tricky one as it is difficult to find a car that doesn’t feel like a compromise, without breaking the bank. The Juke might be just the model to do that but it too comes with its own set of minor setbacks. Being the looks, they might divide opinions, as it could be a little before its time. But on the upside, you get a car that is fun to drive, ergonomic and very practical.
2019 Nissan Juke Tekna + Cost
The top of the line Tekna+ that I drove is priced from £23,895. The Nissan Juke is a lot of bang for your buck. It is fun to drive and well-equipped.
Nissan Juke Tekna + Verdict
If you are looking for a practical, economical vehicle with a bit of flair, then the 2019 Nissan Juke Tekna + ticks all the boxes. It does have its quirks but it is a car with character which is perfect for everyday use.
Specification
2019 Nissan Juke Tekna + Specs
- Price: £23,895
- Engine: 999 cc 3-Cylinder
- Power: 117 PS
- Torque: 180 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- 0-62mph: 10.4 seconds
- Top speed: 112 mph
- Weight: 1247 kg
- Economy combined: 45.6
- CO2: 118 g/km
