Its appeal will remain focused on the anti-wallflowers among us.
Japanese marque Nissan will be introducing the second-generation of its weird Juke compact crossover, with the latest iteration of the thing aiming to reverse the slowing sales of the current model. On the surface, with its updated styling, powertrains, and convenience technology, the 2nd-gen Juke should have what it takes, and it’ll at least provide a properly-quirky alternative to the established (and sometimes humourless) competition.
Now that it’s grown up a bit, the Juke’s design has matured somewhat, while still retaining the unique features that made it stand out in the crowd. These leaked images (from our favourite spy photog Ferd) are high-mounted LED daytime running lights and indicators, sitting above round headlights that flank a larger V-Motion grille. Down the sides the defined wheel arches and ‘floating roof’ effect are retained, while the rear looks quite a bit like a jacked-up Micra. This writer thinks the rear end looks rather resolved, though other opinions circle around ‘unimaginative.’ So at least we know the Juke will remain divisive.
With the full-debut slated for later in the year in time for the 2020 model year, the Nissan Juke will pack the usual offering of engines, with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol, a 1.5-litre atmospheric petrol, and a 1.5-litre turbodiesel for European markets. Power will go through an X-Tronic CVT automatic as per usual, and end up at the front wheels.
The interior, according to spy shots we cannot publish, will move away from the usual tactic of being equally-bold as the exterior, instead presenting itself in a more mature & upmarket manner. Expect better materials to be employed and overall improved fit and finish, as well as the integration of intelligent features like a 360º camera, a BOSE audio system, AEB, active lane-keep assist, and smartphone mirroring.
We should expect to see the new Juke debut pretty soon, well in time for the 2020 model year. It’s unclear if the new Juke will make the trip to Australia but if it does, it has plenty of competition in the form of the Toyota C-HR, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Kia Stonic, and Hyundai Kona.
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