Compact crossover pairs 1.6-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric power for increased efficiency, but there are no plans for Australia.
The Nissan Juke will gain a new hybrid powertrain in Europe this year, promising more responsive performance and lower emissions.
Nissan expects the model, which receives several internal and external design changes, to be a “key addition” to its range.
It pairs a 69kW 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 36kW electric motor and a total output of 104kW. Nissan claims an economy figure of 5.23L/100km, while CO2 emissions are capped at 118g/km.
The hybrid powertrain is a result of Nissan’s alliance with Renault. The Japanese firm supplies the engine and motor, while Renault provides the gearbox, high-voltage 15kW starter-generator and 1.2kWh water-cooled battery. It’s capable of fully electric start-up by default.
The bodywork below the bumper has been made more aerodynamic, with improved airflow and reduced drag, while the rear spoiler has been “reprofiled”.
Hybrid badges appear on the front doors and the tailgate, while the front grille features the new Nissan logo and black-gloss material, as seen on the larger Nissan Qashqai.
The Juke Hybrid offers unique two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels and a 19-inch design inspired by those fitted to the upcoming Nissan Ariya electric SUV.
Inside, it gains a new set of dials behind the steering wheel, accommodating a power gauge, a needle to denote regenerative charge and an indicator for the battery charge level.
Boot space is reduced by 68 litres from the 1.0-litre turbo petrol Juke, down to 354 litres to accommodate the 1.2kWh battery pack. However, Nissan claims it’s still class-leading when the rear seats are folded down, at 1237 litres.
The Juke Hybrid also gains a driving-mode selection button that can be used to switch it into 100% EV mode, and power usage can be displayed on the central 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.
“We’re in the middle of an electrified product offensive that places equal emphasis on eco efficiency and driving pleasure,” said Arnaud Charpentier, regional vice-president for product strategy at Nissan.
“Like all of our electrified products, the Juke Hybrid rewrites the rules in its segment, thanks to the bold innovation that delivers more performance and more efficiency.”
“Nissan’s electrified product strategy is gaining momentum, and the Juke Hybrid will represent another milestone on our strategic ambition to have fully electrified range by 2023,” said Guillaume Cartier, Nissan’s chairman in Europe.
Nissan Australia told Automotive Daily, “There are no plans to introduce Juke hybrid to Australia at this time.”
Jack Warrick