2015 Nissan Juke Crossover Review

Nissan’s Juke is the genre-defining small crossover.

Nissan aced the market with its family hatchback replacing Qashqai crossover, and it repeated the trick with the supermini-sized Juke a few years later. Bold looks, an off-road stance and supermini-like running costs make the Juke an unsurprising hit, even if its styling is on the divisive side.

Review

What is it?
Another crossover hit from Nissan, the firm that’s pretty much reinvented the family car marketplace. The Juke follows the Qashqai formula, downsizing its appeal in a supermini-based and sized package, with all the chunky looks and stance of an off-roader. Nissan does build 4x4 Jukes, but nobody buys them, so best to think of this as a lofty, cool supermini alternative - with the associated low running costs. It kick-started a market that now includes the Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur and plenty more besides.  

What is it like?
It might be chunky and attractive (to some), but its bold looks don’t cost you, as the lowest emitting Juke emits just 104g/km with annual tax from just €190. There’s plenty of choice too, from the entry-level XE models to the hot-hatch rivalling Nismo RS with its 214hp turbocharged 1.6 petrol engine in either front or four-wheel drive. Most will be happy with the entry-level petrol option, or 1.2-litre turbo, but if you want to maximise tax-dodging and minimise time at the pumps go for the 1.5 diesel.  

Carzone verdict: 4/5
The Nissan Juke was the first, and is still arguably the best, small crossover out there. Sure, the styling might not appeal to everyone, but the Juke drives decently enough, has wallet friendly running and ownership costs and plenty of personalisation. Even XE entry-level cars come decently equipped (air conditioning and alloy wheels are standard) and the interior is as dramatic as the exterior. The boot’s not huge, but it’s more fun and more desirable than the supermini alternatives.