Topic: Test Drive: 2015 Nissan Juke SL AWD

[Autos_Editor]

A mid-cycle refresh gives Froggy some new clothes
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[conwelpic]

enjoyed the descriptive read.  Noticed no photos of the engine compartment, also no front or rear armrests (that comment came up in the CX-3 review).  Looks like the HR-V got its rear door latch design from this vehicle. 

Think I'll stick to my Soul 

[redman]

The overly cheap plastic interior seems to be more concerning to me than the exterior.

I've grown to like seeing the Juke on the road, it's differences make it visually appealing although not for me.

[Fobroader]

Saw a "Nismo" version of these this morning......actually didn't look bad....lord jeebus, whats wrong with me. If they had this in awd with a 6spd manual, this would make an awesome poor mans WRX.

[ArticSteve]

The AWD version does whip thru streets quite well.  What amazes me is that ppl are still buying them.

[SaskSpecV]

What amazes me is that ppl are still buying them.

Why is that Steve?  Just because the novelty of it has worn off by now? 
But pricing seems to be pretty competitive, NISMO models notwithstanding.  Case in point, that base 6MT model - where else can you find that much HP/TQ  for under 21K?  Granted you are missing out on lots of features, and the interior is far from luxurious, and it's not all that practical.  But for a FWD kinda-sport-compact, that price is tough to beat.

[ArticSteve]

Why is that Steve?  Just because the novelty of it has worn off by now?

That, and the amount of problems these cars have had.  We think there is a design flaw regarding the timing chain.  Of course Nissan blamed the chain supplier, but I think it goes deeper that that.  The amount of TSBs on this vehicle have been many.  Engine and electrical mostly.  Premium gas.  Don't ever buy one used and out of warranty.

[SaskSpecV]

Why is that Steve?  Just because the novelty of it has worn off by now?

That, and the amount of problems these cars have had.  We think there is a design flaw regarding the timing chain.  Of course Nissan blamed the chain supplier, but I think it goes deeper that that.  The amount of TSBs on this vehicle have been many.  Engine and electrical mostly.  Premium gas.  Don't ever buy one used and out of warranty.

Good to know.  I didn't realise Nissan was having so many problems with this engine - maybe that's why it hasn't been used in any other applications?  When the 1.6T first came out in the Juke, I assumed it would naturally migrate to the Sentra (SE-R), Rogue, maybe even Altima.  But if it's a dud reliability-wise, probably would be a disaster for Nissan to stick it into mainstream models.

[SKYMTL]

I put this thing in the "so ugly it's cute" category along with pugs and hairless cats. 

But that color combination....gawd!   The matte black + red accents looks stunning but pearl and purple?  Nope!

[ArticSteve]

When the 1.6T first came out in the Juke, I assumed it would naturally migrate to the Sentra (SE-R), Rogue, maybe even Altima

Yes, we all thought it was going to be fantastic, a new dynamic direction.  Not happening. 

[Ace]

You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still .........................

[dirtyjeffer]

i know this vehicle gets panned often in here, but i drove one when they first came out and it was a fun little vehicle...sure, it was tight inside, but if you don't need the room, it handled well, was pretty punchy around town and looked pretty "techy" inside.

[ArticSteve]

Is that engine in earlier Jukes, or just the latest one?


Yet to be determined.

[ArticSteve]

i know this vehicle gets panned often in here, but i drove one when they first came out and it was a fun little vehicle...sure, it was tight inside, but if you don't need the room, it handled well, was pretty punchy around town and looked pretty "techy" inside.

Has an excellent FIRST impression.

[Kris78]

Is that engine in earlier Jukes, or just the latest one?


Yet to be determined.

I wonder if an unspoken benefit of "Nissan says the 1.6L direct-injection gasoline turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline four-cylinder engine is significantly revised for 2015" was greater reliability?

With the push that CAFE has created towards small turbo motors, you'd think it would behoove Nissan to figure this out on the Juke before they need to start rolling out similar motors in their volume models.

[Noto]

Think I'll stick to my Soul 

Funny you say that - I think this is the Soul's closest competitor (save for the AWD difference).  It's funky, fresh, different, and an econobox with enough perks to make it feel unique.

I really like the froggy - and it's what I always call it.  The little froggy.

There are some things I don't like (cheap plastics throughout mostly, and the poor CVT application - I normally like CVTs but this one isn't great), but I really love this car.  Not likely something that I'd buy, but maybe I would.  I really dig it, and the accent colouring is wicked neat IMO.

For 2015, the Juke sees a mild mid-cycle refresh. The distinctive snout gets new projector beam headlights, LED accents, a recontoured “V-motion” grill and more aggressive bits beneath the bumper. Out back we see revised “boomerang” taillights with LED accents and a more aggressive rear fascia. The Juke’s mirrors now house standard LED turn signal repeaters.

Hilariously, I didn't even notice those changes when I looked at the pics until I read the article.  True enough and hilarious.

[random006]

Think I'll stick to my Soul 

Funny you say that - I think this is the Soul's closest competitor (save for the AWD difference).  It's funky, fresh, different, and an econobox with enough perks to make it feel unique.

A "soul"mate, if you will? 

I agree with you; they are two of the more original designs out there.  They are also two of the most polarizing:  I find that one either likes them or hates them.  I am one who splits the difference:  I love the Soul but hate the Joke er Juke, even with AWD.

If the Soul had AWD, I believe its sales would be considerably higher than they are and would eat into the sales of many of those funky boxes on wheels as well as the Juke.  That being said, I know that my needs are somewhat different than either vehicle so, as much as I love the style of one but appreciate a key feature of the other, neither would be on my shopping list, AWD or no.

[Noto]

Think I'll stick to my Soul 

Funny you say that - I think this is the Soul's closest competitor (save for the AWD difference).  It's funky, fresh, different, and an econobox with enough perks to make it feel unique.

A "soul"mate, if you will? 

I agree with you; they are two of the more original designs out there.  They are also two of the most polarizing:  I find that one either likes them or hates them.  I am one who splits the difference:  I love the Soul but hate the Joke er Juke, even with AWD.

If the Soul had AWD, I believe its sales would be considerably higher than they are and would eat into the sales of many of those funky boxes on wheels as well as the Juke.  That being said, I know that my needs are somewhat different than either vehicle so, as much as I love the style of one but appreciate a key feature of the other, neither would be on my shopping list, AWD or no.

I know it's blasphemous, but if the Soul were given AWD and a more upscale interior, out of an Acura, let's say, I would pay >$35k for it.

I really like the Soul, but dislike econobox interiors in general (yes, I do drive a Corolla and a Forester).

[conwelpic]

I know it's blasphemous, but if the Soul were given AWD and a more upscale interior, out of an Acura, let's say, I would pay >$35k for it.

I really like the Soul, but dislike econobox interiors in general (yes, I do drive a Corolla and a Forester).

have you sat in a 2015 Soul SX Luxury model lately, that's quite an upscale interior for a "econobox"  - panoramic sunroof, multimedia system with navigation, 8 speaker Infinity sound system, heated rear seats, power driver seat with power lumbar, heated steering wheel, auto climate control, leather seats, etc. etc.

[Noto]

I know it's blasphemous, but if the Soul were given AWD and a more upscale interior, out of an Acura, let's say, I would pay >$35k for it.

I really like the Soul, but dislike econobox interiors in general (yes, I do drive a Corolla and a Forester).

have you sat in a 2015 Soul SX Luxury model lately, that's quite an upscale interior for a "econobox"  - panoramic sunroof, multimedia system with navigation, 8 speaker Infinity sound system, heated rear seats, power driver seat with power lumbar, heated steering wheel, auto climate control, leather seats, etc. etc.

...still has hard plastics throughout.  That's what I meant by "econo"

...and with respect,



^^ that is not an 'upscale' interior.

Feature content ≠ upscale.