Nissan Juke

A recent emailer wrote:

You seem to be very knowledgeable about cars — but what about those of us who don’t have six figures to spend on a flashy rocket sled? I am shopping for my son, who will be 18 years old later this year. I want to get him something that will be reliable and fun, but nothing that will get him in to trouble — no muscle cars like the Camaro or Challenger.

Fair enough:

The car I just recommended for my nephew, who will be 17 year old and a senior next year is this: The Nissan Juke. (My only connection to Nissan is the missus’ Daily Driver is a 370Z)

Its cheap (starts under $20k), youthful and unlike anything else on the market from mainstream autos. Its been out in Europe for some time now, seems to get decent gas mileage, and has a suprisingly sophisticated  AWD system for an inexpensive car similar to the Acura S-AWD system. ( More details from Nissan are after the jump).

I suspect Nissan thinks this can be a high volume model, competing with ther Civic/CRV or RAV4.  It looks like Nissan spent a ton of money on some very slick videos (see their site, or go to the videos here).

And as the photos show, its definitely funky:

Nissan PR Stuff:

At A Glance: 2011 Nissan JUKE

Distinctive, independent, adaptive and confident. Four words that describe the 2011 Nissan JUKE sport cross – and that also fit JUKE’s prospective buyers. Unlike traditional entries in the fast-growing compact hatchback/crossover market today, the all-new JUKE offers bold styling, unexpected levels of performance and an advanced torque vectoring AWD system with performance technology usually reserved for premium vehicles.

JUKE’s aggressive styling, derived from the dramatic Nissan Qazana Concept, brings a breath of fresh air to the segment. Built on Nissan’s proven global B-platform, JUKE looks exactly like it drives – fun, bold and exciting. It features a powerful front end treatment with the turn signals integrated into the front fenders, a high beltline and coupe-like falling roofline. Other exterior details include body-colored outside mirrors and front door handles, “hidden” rear door handles, integrated roof spoiler and standard 17-inch wheels and tires.

The JUKE interior is equally aggressive with bolstered front seats, a wide instrument panel and a unique center console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank and finished in a high-gloss paint. The gear shift sits on top of the console, with a short shifter lever for sporty driving. In the rear, a fold-down 60/40-split bench seat and flat load floor provide passenger and cargo hauling flexibility. Available interior features range from leather-appointed seats and RearView Monitor to Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition and navigation system with real-time traffic information. A long list of standard safety features is also available, including six air bags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control.

Powering JUKE is a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) Turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine rated at 180+ horsepower and 170+ lb-ft of torque. The engine, the first application in North America, combines energetic performance and good fuel economy. Two transmissions are offered – Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with S-Mode and a 6-speed manual transmission (1.6 SV FWD and 1.6 SL FWD models only).

JUKE’s torque vectoring AWD system splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels and can also can split torque from side-to-side across the rear axle. When cornering, the system helps reduce understeer and enhance the vehicle’s cornering feel.

Another new-to-Nissan technology debuting on JUKE is the innovative Integrated Control (I-CON) system. It combines control of the automatic A/C and the three-mode drive selector – Normal for everyday driving, Sport for a more intense performance feel and Eco for maximum efficiency, adjusting throttle, transmission (CVT) and steering feel for the precise ride the driver desires.

The 2011 Nissan JUKE sport cross is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in fall 2010.