The Nissan Juke, now in its second generation, continues to pay homage to its motorbike-inspired roots while evolving in terms of design and functionality. The interior reflects this duality, with elements like a glossy center-tunnel top that resembles a fuel tank and a cowl above the dials, reminiscent of the original model. However, the 2024 update has introduced improvements, making the Juke's interior both more refined and user-friendly.
Interior overview
The cabin features soft padded materials and stylish metallic knobs. It comes in various trim levels, including the new Enigma special edition, which introduces advanced tech features like Amazon Alexa compatibility.
For those who want to personalize their ride, Nissan offers three interior packs: a light grey option with black fabric and Syntech leather, the Enigma black pack with Alcantara and leather, and an energy orange pack with black leather and bright orange accents.
Another noteable upgrade in the interior design is the adjustable steering wheel, which allows drivers to find a comfortable position. The pedals are well-placed for an ergonomic driving experience, and the front seats provide plenty of room for taller passengers. Rear legroom is also decent, so taller individuals can sit comfortably without their knees hitting the front seats. While headroom is generally adequate, 6-footers might find it a bit snug. Interestingly, the middle seat offers slightly more headroom due to the car's roof design.
The Juke offers practical storage solutions, though they aren't extraordinary. The door compartments can fit larger water bottles, and there's a center console tray for phone storage, though it might not accommodate larger devices. The trunk space is 354 liters (12.5 cubic feet), which expands to a generous 1,114 liters (39.3 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded down. The flexible luggage board system adds versatility, allowing for different configurations to meet various storage needs.
Connectivity features
The 2024 update has introduced significant technological improvements to the Juke. It now features a 12.3-inch digital display for the dashboard on N-Connecta models and higher, along with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen that has been upgraded from the previous 8 inches. This new infotainment screen is tilted towards the driver for better accessibility and ease of use. Nissan has improved the graphics and created a more user-friendly home screen with widgets for frequently used functions, plus voice recognition capabilities. Importantly, the Juke still includes physical buttons, such as a dedicated climate control unit, which many drivers find easier to use.
Connectivity has also been enhanced with features like wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, allowing for seamless smartphone integration with the vehicle's systems. There are additional USB ports in the rear to meet passengers' charging needs, and the rearview camera has been upgraded to a higher resolution of 1.3 megapixels, providing clearer visuals than the previous 0.3-megapixel version.
Safety features
When it comes to safety, the Juke is packed with technologies aimed at boosting driver confidence, especially on the highway. Higher-spec models feature Nissan's Pro Pilot suite, which enhances cruise control by keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. This advanced system can handle steering, acceleration, and braking within a single lane, making it particularly helpful in heavy traffic and at high speeds.
In addition to Pro Pilot, the Juke includes several other safety features, such as intelligent emergency braking that recognizes pedestrians and cyclists, intelligent speed assist, traffic sign recognition, and intelligent lane intervention. The rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot intervention systems provide extra reassurance by warning drivers about hidden vehicles and helping with lane changes.
Nissan has also made the A-pillars thinner to improve visibility without sacrificing structural strength. Plus, standard LED headlights enhance nighttime visibility.
On the road
Starting at £17,395, the Nissan Juke is a practical and family-friendly SUV that combines functionality with a unique design. Built on Nissan's CMF-B platform at their Sunderland plant, it competes in the B-segment crossover market against strong rivals like the Volkswagen T-Cross and Toyota C-HR.
The Juke offers two engine options: a 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine, which can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and a 1.6L self-charging hybrid, available only with an automatic transmission. While the hybrid is pricier, it provides a smoother ride and better efficiency than the petrol engine, though both can be a bit noisy at motorway speeds.
Designed for urban driving, the Juke features a high driving position and light steering, making it easy to park. However, it does have limited rear visibility, even with a reversing camera. The ride quality can be affected, especially with the larger 19-inch wheels, as the vehicle struggles to absorb bumps in the road.
On the motorway, the Juke comes with cruise control and various safety technologies. However, comfort can be impacted by suspension issues and engine noise. Higher-spec models equipped with Nissan’s Pro Pilot technology enhance the driving experience by automatically adjusting speed to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, making for a more relaxed journey.
Overall, the Nissan Juke's interior has seen significant improvements, offering a stylish mix of comfort and technology that appeals to modern drivers. With its distinctive design, advanced connectivity features, and comprehensive safety suite, it stands out in the competitive crossover market, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a practical yet stylish SUV.
S&P Global Mobility’s latest report on “Global automotive seat market trends and analysis” offers a detailed analysis of the global automotive seat market, key technology trends, major suppliers and original equipment manufacturer customers.
