The Nissan Juke gets more sophisticated in this Hybrid form. Jonathan Crouch drives the revised version.

Ten Second Review

Nissan's little Juke crossover took its first step into the electrified era with this Hybrid variant back in 2022 and now that car's been usefully updated. Compared to the ordinary version, you get both more power and greater efficiency - though with a considerably higher price tag.

Background

Nissan may have been one of the pioneers in EV motoring but the brand has been slow to react to customer demand for Hybrids. It still can't sell you one you can plug in, but other petrol/electric bases now seem well covered. Mild hybrid tech was launched with the current Qashqai, which along with the larger X-Trail SUV also offers the company's clever e-Power drivetrain in which all the 1.5-litre petrol engine does is to supply energy for the electrical system. For an electrification option with the brand's smaller Juke crossover, we'd hoped to see that innovative powerplant reappear again. Instead, at this Juke Hybrid model's launch back in 2022, Nissan opted for something a tad more conventional, updating the four cylinder 1.6-litre full-Hybrid petrol engine already familiar from several Renault models. It's a pricier alternative to the continuing old-tech three cylinder 1.0-litre DIG-T petrol engine most choose in the Juke, but there's the appealing combination of more power and better efficiency. Should Juke folk be tempted? Let's check out the much improved version of this model and see.

Driving Experience

The numbers here (which haven't changed with this updated model) certainly deserve a second glance: 20% better fuel economy, 25% more power and all of it controlled by three Hybrid drive modes and six gears, four for the engine and two for the EV system. Nissan says that the whole confection is its own but actually, the Juke Hybrid drivetrain is basically the same one Renault uses in the Clio, the Captur and the Arkana. Albeit with changes made to the 1.6-litre petrol engine (which here develops 93bhp) and to the set-up's electric motor (here putting out 48bhp and working with a 20bhp starter generator). Total system output is 141bhp. As with Renault, that e-motor is mounted within a four-speed 'multi-modal' auto gearbox which manages both power sources. What we haven't seen before on any Renault is this Nissan's 'e-Pedal' function, which increases regenerative braking - to the point where the car can slow right down to 5mph when you come off the throttle. It also improves water cooling for the compact 1.2kWh battery, which always powers the car from start-off and can take you up to 34mph without troubling fossil fuel. Once you crest the EV speed barrier, the powertrain switches into 'series hybrid' mode, where the engine charges the battery - great for urban driving. And at high speeds and under heavy acceleration, the whole set-up reverts to 'parallel mode' in which both the e-motor and the engine drive the wheels. Nissan has had to tweak the springs and dampers to accommodate the Hybrid system's extra 100kgs of weight and has done so with settings it hopes will be firm enough to assure this Juke's urban status as 'the roundabout superstar' - their words, not ours. In other words, don't expect a cosseting ride over the speed humps. Get out on the open road and the 62mph sprint is dispatched in 10.1s, 1.7s quicker than the conventional 1.0-litre DIG-T model.

Design and Build

If you know your Jukes, there's quite a lot to set this Hybrid version apart. Not only Hybrid badges on the front wings and boot lid but also gloss black trimming and smarter mesh for the partially blanked-off front grille, which has an active radiator shutter. There are also extra aerodynamic components to smooth airflow around front wheels, while if you scrabbled underneath, you'd also find a rear axle cover that reduces turbulence beneath the car. For this updated model, changes have been made inside the cabin, where the dashboard has been completely redesigned to accommodate two much larger screens. There's now a 12.3-inch digital TFT combimeter instrument screen (up from 7-inches before) and a new central infotainment monitor, also 12.3-inches (up from 8-inches before). The appearance of the combimeter instrument display can be cycled between two different basic layouts, with the classic layout showing two dials and a central space containing additional information. Alternatively, the 'enhanced' layout presents the road speed and engine speed which are displayed on a pair of dials which are inclined and give a three-dimensional perspective. In the central section between the dials, the driver can display navigation directions, including a map, as well as fuel economy, audio information, eco-drive performance, tyre pressures and other key information. The upgraded infotainment system comes with a more intuitive home screen which allows the user to tailor the screen to include the 'widgets' for the functions they use the most frequently, much like they would with the home screen of their smart phone. Additionally, the infotainment set-up features improved voice recognition and 'natural language understanding' capability. This endows the system with a wider range of phrases and expressions that the system can understand as a command, ignoring hesitations or pauses. The 'Android Auto' and 'Apple CarPlay' systems are now wireless. Other updates include a bigger 6.6-litre glovebox (29% larger than before), a redesigned more supportive armrest and the standardisation of a wireless charging pad on most models which can take a smartphone as large as an iPhone 12 Pro Max. And there are now both USB-A and USB-C ports. Otherwise, things are much as before. Which means rear seated folk will need to be on fairly friendly terms - but you'd expect that in a supermini-based small SUV. At least they now get USB-A and USB-C ports in the rear. Out back, the hatch accesses a 354-litre boot that's 68-litres smaller than that of the ordinary 1.0-litre model.

Market and Model

Compared to the base DIG-T 114 variants, the Juke Hybrid looks a tad pricey. From the launch of this revised model, the starting figure for base 'N-Connecta' trim was up at around £29,000. An equivalent 1.0-litre auto model would save you around £2,000: an equivalent 1.0-litre manual version would save you around £3,500. From this updated design's launch, the 1.0-litre Juke range started at around £25,500. If you want a plusher version of this Hybrid model, there are 'Tekna', 'Tekna+' and 'N-Sport' derivatives on offer, with pricing up to around £32,000. At least you get plenty of kit for the prices being asked. The two new 12.3-inch cabin screens come as standard and, even with 'N-Connecta' trim, you get 17-inch wheels, 'NissanConnect' navigation with 'TomTom Traffic', a wireless 'phone charger, all-round parking sensors, automatic climate control and a rear view camera with a higher-definition screen. Plus there's cruise control with a speed limiter function and high beam assist. Buyers will also want cutting-edge media connectivity, so on-board Wi-Fi appears, as does a voice-controlled Google Assistant. Across the range, Nissan's taken the opportunity of this Juke update to introduce a standard 'Intelligent Driver Alertness' system to combat driver drowsiness. 'Lane Keep Assist' is an option, and standard above base trim. It monitors the Juke's position in the lane on a highway, for example, and if the car moves too close to the limit of the lane, as defined by the white lines, it will trigger a vibration in the steering wheel to attract the driver's attention. Without correction, the car will intervene and correct the direction to maintain the car's trajectory in the lane. As for aesthetics, well there's a new bright yellow exterior colour option - a pearlescent Pearl White's also now offered. And new wheel trim options are available too.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the figures: this Juke Hybrid manages combined cycle fuel consumption of up to 58.9mpg (57.6mpg further up the range) and CO2 emissions from 109g/km. That compares with 40.9mpg and 133g/km for an equivalently-specified 1.0-litre DIG-T 114 model. So the 20% fuel economy improvement claim more than stacks up. We've not come across anyone though who has achieved those figures in a Juke Hybrid: in reality, expect mpg figures in the late '40s to be more typical. Which might not completely meet your expectations. To give you some class perspective, a rival Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid can return around 60mpg. Even to achieve the real world figure we've just given for this Nissan, you'll need to make full use of this car's clever one-pedal brake regen technology. This is something that few other self charging Hybrid's have and as soon as you turn on the 'e-Pedal' system and lift off the accelerator, you'll feel the car clawing back energy for the battery. There's an energy monitor on the centre screen to show you that happening in real time. As with the conventional model, service intervals will come round every 12 months or 18,000 miles, depending on which comes soonest. As part of any Nissan dealer visit with your car, you'll be provided with a free courtesy vehicle and a video health check for your Juke that you can watch on your 'phone or computer. Nissan also provides a three year, 60,000-mile warranty as standard and that can be lengthened to four years but with the same mileage cap. This recognises that most drivers of small SUVs tend to cover lower distances, but aims to give added peace of mind for those looking to keep their car for longer. And in case of any problems, there's breakdown assistance with roadside help included with the car's protection package. Insurance is group 14E-15E.

Summary

Nissan wants us to believe that this improved Juke Hybrid gives you the advantages of EV motoring without the downsides. It doesn't quite work out like that, which is frustrating because using the e-Power drivetrain from the larger Qashqai would have bought that grand objective a little closer to real world reality. The slightly less sophisticated and more conventional 1.6-litre Hybrid powerplant that features here can't deliver 'e-Power'-style efficiency, but it does have some extra features that other Hybrids lack. Notably the clever 'e-Pedal' brake regeneration system. This Juke's better to drive than most of its rivals too. We wish the price premium over the ordinary 1.0-litre model wasn't quite so great, but if you can stretch to it and you want a stepping stone in this class to full-EV motoring, then this could be it.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Rear privacy glass

One touch passenger window

Front and rear electric window with one touch driver window

Brakes

Traction control

VDC Dynamic Vehicle Control

Hill start assist

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

ABS with EBD and brake assist

Intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition

Electric handbrake with auto hold function

Communication

Wireless Smartphone charger

Voice recognition

WiFi connectivity

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Google Android auto

Driver Aids

Power Steering

Rear parking sensor

Lane departure warning system

Front parking sensor

Traffic sign recognition

Intelligent lane intervention

Intelligent driver alert system

Drive modes select (Eco, normal and sport)

EV mode switch

Driver Convenience

Stop/start button

Driver Information

Trip computer

Outside temperature sensor

Emergency and breakdown call

Nissan connect nav with TomTom traffic

Nissan connect services

e-Pedal step

12.3" full colour TFT screen combimeter

Nissan connect 12.3" touch screen entertainment system

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming frameless rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable door mirrors with integrated indicators

Heated and auto folding door mirrors

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Bose personal sound stage control

Bluetooth system, USB, Aux-in and 12V socket

10 Bose speakers 6 speakers and 2 headrest speakers for driver/passenger seats

2 X Rear console USB port

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door handles

Roof spoiler

Rear side wing doors

Shark fin roof antenna in solid Black

Exterior Lights

LED rear lamps

Follow me home headlights

LED daytime running lights

High beam assist

LED front fog lights

LED headlamps

Automatic hazard signal with emergency stop signal

Three blink turn signal

LED rear fog lamp

LED 3rd brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic climate control

Interior Features

Internal chrome door handles

Front door pockets with bottle holders

Front/rear passenger grab handles

Front armrest

Multifunction steering wheel

Leather gearshift knob

Luggage board

Card holder on driver sunvisor

Two cupholders in front centre console

Rear door bottle holders

Telescopic steering wheel adjustment

Driver side rear coat hanger

Synthetic leather kneepad

Smooth synthetic leather steering wheel

Interior Lights

Door ambient lighting

Luggage space lighting

Front and rear cabin lights

Gear console ambient circle lighting

Welcome light and console tray ambient lighting

Packs

Satin grey exterior personalisation pack - Juke

Heat pack with height adjustable passenger seats - Juke

ProPilot pack - Juke Auto

Interior personalisation pack - Juke

Safety

Driver and passenger airbags

Rear door child safety locks

Three 3 point rear seatbelts

Driver and passenger side airbags

Height adjustable seatbelts

Front and rear curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Active Trace Control

Seatbelt reminder for driver/front passenger and rear seats

Active ride control

Seats

Height adjustable driver's seat

Passenger seat back pocket

3 height adjustable rear headrests

Driver seat back pocket

Front head restraints

60/40 split folding rear seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Two rear isofix child seat anchorage points with top tether

Monoform sporty seats

Single front passenger seat

Security

Alarm

Immobiliser

Remote central locking

Intelligent key and start push button with walk away lock and approach unlock functions

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors and vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

19" Aero alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre puncture repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.2

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 109

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 96

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): 66

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 109

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 128

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 97

Engine and Drive Train

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Cylinders: 4

Engine Code: HR16

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 1598

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 10.8:1

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 83.6

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 78

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 6 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 50.4

WLTP - MPG - Low: 58.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 67.3

WLTP - MPG - High: 65.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 58.9

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 4.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 4.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 4.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.3

General

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

NCAP Safety Assist %: 73

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 81

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 85

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 94

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 15E

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Badge Engine CC: 1.6

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Power: 143

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Generation Mark: 2

Coin Series: Tekna+

Coin Description: Hybrid

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Performance

Engine Torque - RPM: 3600

0 to 62 mph (secs): 10.1

Top Speed: 103

Engine Power - BHP: 143

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 105

Engine Power - RPM: 5600

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 151

Engine Torque - NM: 205

Engine Torque - MKG: 20.9

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Wheel Style: AERO

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R19

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 225/45 R19

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4210

Width: 1800

Wheelbase: 2636

Width (including mirrors): 1983

Height: 1593

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 350

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Loading Weight: 462

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 500

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Minimum Kerbweight: 1348

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 46

Max. Roof Load: 75

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1810

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1114

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.6

Exterior Body Features

Two tone pearlescent paint with Blade silver roof

Two tone pearlescent paint with solid black roof

Two tone pearlescent paint with fuji sunset red roof

Two tone special metallic paint with solid black roof

Paint - Two Tone

Two tone metallic - Gun metallic grey with solid black roof

Two tone pearl - Fuji sunset red with solid black roof

Two tone pearl - Iconic yellow with solid black roof

Two tone pearl - Pearl white with solid black roof

Two tone pearl - Pearl black with blade silver roof

Two tone pearl - Pearl black with fuji sunset red roof

Two tone special - Burgundy with solid black roof

Two tone special - Ceramic grey with solid black roof

Two tone special - Magnetic blue with solid black roof

Trim - Part Leather

Interior personalisation pack - Leather/alcantara - Midnight black