A very unique B-segment ‘ute is coming to market this fall. Nissan named this vehicle the Juke, which portrays a very stylish café motorcycle gas tank green house with sloped rooflines reminiscing of the earlier FX models. The tall hip line and flared wheel arches offer a wide aggressive looking stance. I find the front clip to be especially intriguing with the marker lights residing in the crest of the high front fender lines; coupled with a lower profile deer spot light looking headlamps flanking the Murano grille. Just below the erector set looking front bumper line fascia are driving lights that seem to round out the multitude of provided illumination. Looking at this vehicle head on reminds me of some older women that have had multiple face-lifts which resulted in an odd fashion that raised their eyebrows nearing hairlines and were unable to blink.
Three engines will be coming to market with AWD models coming equipped with a 187 horsepower 1.6-liter direct injected turbocharged four-cylinder putting out 177 pound-feet of torque. A 113-hp 1.6-liter will also be available, along with a 110-hp 1.5-liter diesel. The turbocharged engine has to make due with a continuously variable transmission, while the other engines can be optioned with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Nissan is offering a host of high-tech features, including keyless entry and start, a rearview camera, automatic headlamps, and more to be announced in the Geneva show. Juke offers a different approach to what appears to be a rush for manufactures to bring B-segment vehicles to market to compete with more car like vehicles. This design may not be for all… but I’m looking forward to seeing this in person.
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