Nissan Juke review (2010-2019)

Tech and features

Compared to the otherworldly exterior, the Juke’s interior can feel a little underwhelming because it’s so, well, normal.

That’s good, as it means all the controls are easy to find. The centre console on some models has a multimedia touchscreen with another screen beneath it for ventilation.

The driver’s instruments sit in their own pods, and there's an array of physical controls that are both intuitive and easy to use on the go – praise to Nissan for this.

Because this car was sold over a period of around nine years, standard equipment can vary a lot.

Standard models come with air-con, all-round electric windows and a handy tyre pressure monitoring system – these are called Visia.

Acenta is a worthwhile upgrade, because it adds more controls to the steering wheel for the radio, Bluetooth, cruise control and an automatic climate control system.

You might expect these things to come as standard, but in its day and given its affordability, it was pretty normal for crossovers to limit equipment on lower trim levels.

Tekna is the best, because you get heated seats, leather upholstery and 360-degree parking cameras.

Look out for BOSE Personal Edition models with a six-speaker BOSE sound system (including two in the front headrests).

You also get a reversing camera, keyless entry, automatic lights and wipers, and a 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in sat-nav. These also come on the top-spec Tekna model.

Driving position

It’s fairly easy to find a comfortable driving position in the Juke, although the steering wheel adjusts only for height, not reach, and rear visibility isn’t the best for parking because the pillars are thick.

That's why we'd go for a higher trim level with a reversing or 360-degree parking camera.

There’s enough space in the Juke’s front seats, but headroom for rear occupants is a little tight.

What you do get, though, is a higher driving position compared with hatchbacks, which drivers love.

Handling and ride comfort

The Juke is actually a very easy and friendly car to drive, with light steering and a good view of the traffic ahead and to the side.

Rear visibility isn’t so good, which is why parking sensors are so useful.

A firm ride means the Juke’s body doesn’t lean much round bends, which helps to inspire confidence on twisty country roads.

What it does mean is that it can feel a bit clattery around town.

Engines and power

If petrol power is your choice, the 1.6-litre petrol engine is a popular pick. It's naturally aspirated (not turbocharged), so it can feel a bit slow to get up to speed.

That's proven by the 0-62mph time of 12.5 seconds. The automatic model, with the Xtronic CVT automatic gearbox, is 0.2 seconds quicker.

But take note, it makes the car feel pretty noisy because there are no gears. Instead, you just get the constant sound of revving.

Newer cars, including the second-generation Juke, make better use of the CVT gearbox, but this model's 112hp petrol engine does need some working.

Diesel power comes from a Renault-sourced 1.5-litre engine, producing 110hp. It's manual-only, but is quicker (11.2 seconds) and more efficient.

For the best of both worlds, look for newer first-generation Jukes with another Renault-sourced engine, the 1.2 DiG-T. It's turbocharged, so feels far more usable.

Or for more pace, consider the NISMO version. It has a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine with 200hp or 218hp.

Storage solutions

Practicality isn’t the original Juke’s strongest forte. You get a pair of cupholders for front-seat occupants. The glovebox, however, can’t take much and the door bins are pretty narrow, so travel light or stick everything in the boot.

Boot space

Speaking of which, cargo capacity is a distinctly average 354 litres. You’ll get your holiday bags in here, but not if you’re going camping for a week.

At least the rear seatbacks are split 60:40 and fold flat to yield a total more acceptable volume of 1,189 litres.

Most models have an adjustable height boot floor that can be raised to give you a flat loading space with the seats down, which boosts practicality and makes loading larger objects easier.

Fuel economy

If fuel economy is your priority, go for the diesel engine, which can give you a claimed 49.6mpg.

It’s downhill from there, with the 1.6 petrol giving you economy in the mid-30s at best, depending on your engine choice.

The newer 1.2-litre petrol should return over 40mpg unless you're doing a lot of short journeys.