Driving Nissan’s latest small Juke SUV   – the second-generation model thankfully less polarizing in the looks department Nissan making it more mainstream and more user friendly both inside and out. Retaining the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine but replacing the manual and continuously variable automatic transmission options with one single offering of seven-speed dual clutch automatic. The four front wheel drive automatic grades now run from $27,990 for the entry Juke ST to $36,490 for the top-spec Juke Ti. I tested the latter, markedly improved over the first series with improved finishes, noticeably better quality and more emphasis and focus on safety and technology.

A lot has happened in small SUV’s in recent years, it’s a highly competitive sector with some great product and the first Nissan Juke really struggled to gain traction. However, the latest model  rises to the occasion. Roomier too in this latest iteration – a handy 75 mm longer, 35 mm wider,  with a longer 106mm wheelbase but despite this the ride can get a little jittery. Nissan  claim the Juke is 22 per cent stiffer and with a 10 per cent quicker steering ratio is feels more nimble – retaining the playful character and peppy performance of the first model but more refined in a much safer package.  Easy to drive too, the new seven-speed auto with paddle shifters a real bonus. Economy, I managed 6.1 L/100.

I’m David Berthon

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