Nissan Juke Review - Should you buy it over a Qashqai?

While the Nissan Qashqai has been stealing all the headlines, it's important not to overlook the other cars that the Japanese manufacturer have been busy producing, including the great value for money Nissan Juke. While the Qashqai is a combination of a 4x4 and a hatchback, the Juke is a combination of a SUV and a supermini with plenty of space for all the family. To find out if this is the car for you we've taken it for a test drive...

Styling and image

The Nissan Juke is a funky looking car aimed at those who want something a little bit different. It's large bonnet design and eye-catching front headlights ensure this car stands out from the crowd. All Juke's come as five-door cars but they look more like a three-door as the rear door handles are disguised next to the windows. The result is a car which looks smaller than it actually is but with a refined style, available in a variety of classic colours including black, white and red.

Interior - Is the Nissan Juke a good family car?

Inside you'll find a spacious and comfortable car. The driver has a high seating position, with adjustable seat and steering controls so you'll have no trouble finding a position you are comfortable with and which offers great visibility. There's a good amount of space in the rear and adults can sit back there quite comfortably. The car comes with ample amounts of storage throughout the cabin, including a large central console. Boot space can vary between 200- 354 litres depending on the model. With the seats down you can gain up to 1,189 litres. Whilst the Juke has plenty of room, if you need more room you may need to consider a bigger family SUV.

There are five trims available including Visia, Acenta, Acenta +, N-Tec and Tekna. With these you will get a variety of accessories including Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Look out for limited edition versions including the Kuro and the Shiro, and the Ministry of Sound model which comes complete with 8GB Apple iPod Touch.

Performance and economy

The Nissan Juke comes with a 1.2 petrol engine, a 1.6 petrol engine offering 116bhp or the turbo-charged 187bhp and a 1.5 diesel engine offering 108bhp. The diesel is the most economical offering 55mpg, compared to the 47mpg that the petrol provides. If you are looking for reliability then, like all Japanese cars, the Nissan Juke delivers.

Ride and handling - Is the Juke a 4x4?

The Nissan Juke comes as either 2WD or 4WD and is a nippy car offering agile steering but with a firm ride. There are three driving modes to choose from - Eco, Normal and Sport, which adjust the responsiveness of the throttle and steering depending. It's also a really safe car scoring the maximum five stars on the Euro NCAP safety tests. Fitted as standard are Isofix child car seat points, six airbags and anti-whiplash headrests.

Here at Carbase we have an extensive range of used Nissan Juke vehicles for sale. Prices range from £7,499 (at time of review) and finance deals are available.

Nissan Juke vs Nissan Qashqai

Choosing between the Nissan Juke and the Nissan Qashqai, two of the best SUVs on the market, is enough to make your head spin. With the only immediately noticeable difference being their size, we've delved deeper into their specifications to determine which one is best.

With its smart interior, expert handling, lots of space, latest gadgets, powerful engine and extra low rev shove, the Nissan Qashqai is a force to be reckoned with on the roads. However, the Nissan Juke, with its smaller engine and less space, is still a fantastic SUV and offers a more agile drive than the Qashqai.

Both vehicles are also incredibly comfortable to drive and offer excellent road handling in all conditions, exceptional visibility, value for money and state-of-the-art infotainment systems.

Nissan Juke FAQs

Is the Nissan Juke 4-wheel drive?

Yes. All Nissan Jukes come as standard with a front-wheel drive. However, this performance-focused and incredibly practical vehicle also comes complete with the option of all-wheel drive (AWD), which can make winter driving a lot more comfortable.

Does Nissan Juke have daytime running lights?

Yes, the Nissan Juke has daytime running lights - this has been mandatory on all Nissan Jukes since 2011. Also known as Day Fires, daytime running lights ensure that your Juke is still noticeable during the day when needed, such as in bad weather conditions. Your lights are generally activated automatically once you turn on your car.

Does Nissan Juke have a DAB radio?

When you're on the move, there's nothing better behind the wheel than a state-of-the-art entertainment system to keep you occupied during your journey. And, you'll be pleased to hear that the Nissan Juke has a plush 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker stereo.