2012 Nissan Juke R

 Information Specification Modification Image Review 2012 nissan juke
The 2012 Nissan Juke ranks 32 out of 41 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 29 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Juke, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2012 Nissan Juke stands out from the pack with its unique look and slot-car performance. However, critics say its tight back seat and small cargo hold may limit its appeal.
Take a quick glance at the 2012 Nissan Juke, and you may think it offers the utility and space of a hatchback or an affordable compact SUV. However, practicality is not the Juke’s strong suit. Consumer Guide writes, “Despite its SUV-influenced design elements, Juke gives up some practicality in exchange for its expressive attitude in that it's not as space efficient as many small hatchbacks.”

More sporty subcompact than all-weather SUV, the plump-bottom, angle-backed Juke has one of the most sophisticated drivetrains available in any Nissan. It teams a 188-horsepower, 1.6-liter four with a lightweight body and an independent front suspension to give the Juke exciting high-rpm responsiveness and swift steering. Its very size also gives the Juke a stiff ride, which we expect, but it doesn't necessarily give the Juke great gas mileage, which is a rude surprise for anyone cross-shopping more conventional subcompacts like the Accent, Fiesta or Fit.

The Juke has lots of clever details encased in its....exoskeleton? The I-CON control system remaps throttle and transmission controls to boost fuel economy or sporty responses, and shares LCD screen space with the Juke's climate controls. All-wheel drive is an option, but it's more there as a side dish to that model's more advanced rear suspension, less for traction advantages in snow and ice. A nice, inexpensive navigation system is an option, but with it and the other big-ticket items, the subcompact Juke can nudge $25,000.

With the 2012 Nissan Juke's peppy turbocharged four-cylinder, you get an engine that feels more like a larger, non-turbocharged engine in that it provides a broad spread of power. With the different I-Con driving settings, the engine's response can also vary greatly. From fuel-sipping and pokey Eco mode to fuel-swilling and fun Sport mode, the Juke's power delivery can be changed to meet your mood.

Get the Juke on a serpentine stretch of road and it's in its element, happily bounding from corner to corner. Steering is well-weighted and the suspension provides crisp response, while the big (for a car this size) tires hang in there as you push it harder.
Ride quality remains agreeable over most surfaces; still, it's stiffer than that of many others in this segment. There's audible road and wind noise at higher freeway speeds, though it's not loud enough to be intrusive.source:edmunds.com,usnews.rankingsandreviews.com,thecarconnection.com