Review Nissan Juke 1.6 DIG-T 4×4 Shiro – GT-R pro model

When the Nissan Juke came to our market in 2010, many shook their heads whether the manufacturer was serious or just joking. The small crossover did not have it easy in the first months of sales. But we like it! We even like it so much that we have it for the third time in the test. After the diesel 15 -litre, we tried the basic petrol motorisation , today we will check out the Juke in the Shiro edition with sophisticated all-wheel drive and the top-of-the-line 1.6 DIG-T motorisation.

Design

Few would recognize the limited edition Shiro without the inscription on the back. The bright red body paint contrasts with the silver mirror caps and exterior door handles. The 17" alloy wheels also have an undeniable part in the great appearance.

I can't help but think of the Nissan Juke more and more like a frog. High front, low rear with a rapidly sloping roof and fenders that even a Toyota Hilux wouldn't be ashamed of. A ground clearance of 200 millimeters is also not a bad thing, especially if you have all-wheel drive. The radiator grille and headlights are pushed into the hood as much as possible, resulting in a very decent front approach angle. Those who didn't melt in the front will do so in the back. The bulging trunk lid, the spectacularly eccentric taillights and the protruding rear bumper have no analogues these days. You either love the Juke or you don't. I personally belong to the first group.

Interior

Sometimes there are those who simply do not like the interiors of non-premium Japanese cars. However, in the case of the tested Nissan Juke Shiro, you'll start to change your mind even before you sit down. Everything starts with unlocking the car with the key, which all Infiniti cars tested so far are proud of. Once seated, however, you'll find that the Infiniti look doesn't end there! The sporty three-spoke steering wheel fits perfectly in the hands and is covered in high-quality leather. The device compartment with two tubes is clear, the shadow makes it a handsome cap. You will also be delighted by the comfortable seats with more pronounced lateral guidance. Their upholstery combines smooth and perforated leather and they are equipped with heating.

Contrast is not only found outside, but also inside. I liked the combination of shiny black plastics on the center console and the bright design of the center tunnel. Even the door fillings were not left to vinegar, but their upholstery is susceptible to damage.

The external dimensions of the car suggest that there will be no glory with the space inside. In reality, however, there is just enough space. The driver sits pleasantly low from the floor, the steering wheel adjustment range could be more generous. I would also imagine a more solidly made armrest. Passengers with a height of up to 175 centimeters can sit quite comfortably in the back. Although Nissan designed a steep roof for its crossover, it increased headroom by placing the rear bench a little lower. Only the luggage compartment lacks significantly in terms of volume. However, 207 liters is plenty enough for shopping, and no one will be surprised in the eccentric Juke model.

Engine

Under the hood of the tested car was a turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder DIG-T with a volume of 1.6 liters and an output of 140 kW. It peaks at 5600 rpm, the maximum torque of 240 Nm is available between 2000 and 5200 rpm.

I've gotten used to the fact that the Japanese love CVT transmissions . The engine of the tested Juke also works with one of these, and if I speak for myself, it does not fit it. The high performance would stand out better with a manual transmission. In this case, he seemed rather subdued to me. In addition, engine noise would be reduced during acceleration and, last but not least, average fuel consumption. At the highway limit, the petrol 16-litre will say about 9 liters of Natural per 100 kilometers, and if you step on the neck of the Juke on a winding circuit, the consumption will easily exceed the ten-litre mark. With a calm foot on the gas pedal, I achieved the lowest consumption of 7.1 l/100 km .

Ride – A wolf in frog's clothing

The tested Nissan Juke Shiro was equipped not only with the most powerful engine and automatic transmission, but also with all-wheel drive. And he wouldn't be a true Japanese if he was satisfied with just an inter-axle clutch. The sophisticated system is controlled by buttons on the driver's left knee, with three modes to choose from. The 2WD and 4WD positions are clear, but what does 4WD-V mean? This is a mode that adjusts the distribution of torque between the wheels on the left and right sides. The basis is a classic differential and two electromagnetic plate clutches. The result is a ratio of up to 80:20 between the right and left sides, which guarantees more precise and dynamic cornering. In addition, the small crossover does not lean too much in corners and can conjure up a bit of that driving joy.

The Nissan Juke also works great as a front-wheel drive. Stiffer chassis settings do not reduce the comfort of driving on poor-quality surfaces, the steering does not lack feeling and feedback. You don't see that much these days. The turbocharged DIG-T engine starts pulling from 2000 rpm, but it is at its best between 4000-5000 rpm. The pull in this range is surprising. However, I would still prefer to replace the continuously variable CVT with a classic manual.

The Dynamic Control system finally found application in the most powerful Juke. Through it, you switch the car to ECO, NORMAL or SPORT mode. In previously tested versions with lower power, the difference between the modes was not as striking as when you have 190 horses under the hood.

Most of the time you'll be driving in ECO mode, where the car's response to accelerator pedal commands is more tepid. However, you still have enough power reserve for safe overtaking, and if you don't overdo it with the pressure of your right foot, you will achieve the already mentioned seven-liter fuel consumption.

Conclusion

The Nissan Juke is an extravagant small crossover that can offer its owner a lot. In addition to a powerful, if somewhat greedy engine, it will offer a sophisticated and well-functioning four-wheel drive, a premium quality interior and a design that will make you never miss the car. The only major consideration not to go for the tested Juku in the Shiro Limited Edition is its price. However, the top variant with a price of over 650,000 crowns will offer everything that those interested in a similarly styled crossover could ask for.

Price of a specific car: CZK 656,200