2019 Nissan Juke TI-S Review

2019 Nissan Juke AWD SUV Road Test Review

Nissan JUKE Ti-SNissan Juke Ti-S Overview

Nissan has had the Juke for a few years now arriving in Australia in 2013 from memory. Originally based on the cute and different Nissan Micra, the Juke followed the concept of bulking up and playing in the SUV segment. When it was originally launched it was daring in style and advanced in features. However of late it has been lagging in sales. Is style and the ability to personalise their car enough for buyers. In reality it isn’t a lot different to the Toyota CH-R yet somehow hasn’t captured the buyer preferences as much. Updated in late 2018 with yet more personalisation options and extra safety features, Nissan is hopeful that this will revitalise its flagging sales.

JUKE is available in seven colours including Ivory Pearl*, Pearl Black*, Platinum*, Gun Metallic*, Magnetic Red and the new Vivid Blue* and Arctic White. There are two interior trims, the graphite cloth on the ST and black leather-accented, grey stitch on the Ti-S.

Nissan JUKE Ti-S

Nissan Juke Ti-S External

Nissan Juke is different. Very different. It’s a bit like the loveable and cute bitza pup at the pound. You’re not really sure where it came from, it is quirky but somehow you like the looks and take it home. Before I start to describe it, let me say I actually like the look. However it looks like it is a cartoon car. It has overly muscular wheel arches, a rounded rear end that Kim Kardashian would be proud of and the bonnet and grill are, um, very different.

The 2018 updates include a darker chrome V-Motion front grille, and headlights, tail lights and indicators that have a smoked finish. Nissan has added LED fog lamps and the Ti-S drives on new 18-inch black-gloss alloy wheels.

Nissan Juke is also available in two new exterior shades, with Arctic White and Vivid Blue added to the now seven strong palette. Giving JUKE a more youthful look, Nissan has also introduced myJUKE personalisation pack options. Offered exclusively on JUKE Ti-S, there are three personalisation pack options including Power Blue, Energy Orange and Tokyo Glossy Black that feature colour highlights on the front and rear bumper, alloy wheel inserts and mirror caps.

Nissan JUKE Ti-S

Nissan Juke Ti-S Internal

The rounded theme continues inside, with everything from air vents to the centre stack displaying the theme. Front seats are surprisingly comfortable and manually adjustable for both. The steering wheel likewise is comfortable in the hands. In front of the driver is again the circular theme with the instrument binnacle heavily rounded on top and two large dials, with an awkward shaped MFD between.

The centre stack is again round shaped with dual screens. I’m not sure why they needed two, my thought is that form overruled function. It appears busy and slightly messy but seems to work, and some younger drivers really liked it.

Nissan JUKE Ti-S

Rear seats are in the occasional plus two category as there is minimal leg room. The shape of the roof line also means that taller passengers are going to be very uncomfortable.

Boot space is good though, with versatile options. You can pack in larger pieces of luggage or longer, bulky gear thanks to modular 1/3 – 2/3 folding seats and a 2-level adjustable cargo floor.

Nissan Juke Ti-S Features

Juke TI-S features include with halogen headlights, LED daylight running lamps, the three drive mode selector Nissan Dynamic Control System, auto door lock, auto off headlights, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming systems, USB connectivity and a leather accented steering wheel and shift knob, cruise control, climate control air conditioning, two ISOFIX points and automatic door locks.

The range-topping JUKE Ti-S adds 18 inch black-gloss alloy wheels, auto-fold side mirrors, heated seats, intelligent key with push button engine start, a 5.8 inch touch screen display, sat nav with traffic monitoring and digital radio.

Nissan JUKE Ti-S

Nissan Juke Ti-S Engine and Drivetrain

The Juke Ti-S is powered by the 4 cylinder 1.6T petrol engine that produces power of 140 kW @ 5600 rpm and torque of 240Nm @ 1500-4500rpm. This is matched to the matched to the AWD X Tronic CVT. Juke also has Nissan Intelligent 4×4 with torque vectoring system.

Nissan JUKE Ti-S

Nissan Juke Ti-S Driving Experience

Around town the Juke is nimble and zippy. The 1.6T engine provides enough punch to push it along quick enough. AWD version definitely makes the Juke feel more planted and slightly heavier and I would leave it in this format if possible. I didn’t do the fuel comparison, but I doubt it will make much difference.

The suspension again provides reasonable ride and handling, around town. However if you become too enthusiastic it loses shape pretty quickly. The ride can be a little choppy over some of the horrible goat tracks that Sydney calls roads, but otherwise it is comfortable. The steering which is ‘speed sensitive’ is somewhat vague and indirect. You don’t really feel totally like you are the sole input to where the car is going. This is more noticeable around the 80 km/h mark or so. On the plus side though, you definitely so get noticed while driving.

One feature I liked is that the cameras make parallel parking was easier with Around View® Monitor. A normal rear view monitor is great when backing up – but when it comes to parking, it’s nice to see more than just what’s behind you. Four cameras give you a virtual 360º bird’s-eye view of your vehicle, with selectable split-screen close-ups of the front, rear, and curb side views, so you can get a better look. Since all obstacles aren’t stationary (shopping carts, we’re talking to you), Moving Object Detection® keeps an eye around your Nissan JUKE Ti-S and can warn you about moving objects detected in your vicinity. A great feature for inner city and shopping centre parking.

Nissan Juke Ti-S Dimensions

Dimensions are: 4135mm long, 1765mm wide, 1565mm high and a wheelbase of 2530mm. This places it in the smaller end of the segment.

As the most dirt the Juke Ti-S is likely to see is the gravel driveway to the weekend getaway, it really isn’t appropriate to discuss clearance, wading depths etc. However towing at 1200kg and a tow ball weight of 125kg means that it is useful for the jet skis or lightweight camper etc.

Nissan Juke Ti-S Safety

With a five star ANCAP safety rating (FWD from 2011), Juke brings some updated features for 2018. Safety features include: Front, front-side and curtain airbags, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Traction Control and Vehicle Dynamic Control, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Warning are also standard equipment on the JUKE Ti-S, along with a 360 degree Intelligent Around-View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection – one of the active safety technologies included as part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM).

Additionally there are ISOFIX® 2nd-row child restraint anchorage (x2) with tethers (x3), tyre pressure monitoring system and a high-mounted stop light. It does however miss out on recent innovations like AEB which would be required for an updated similar ANCAP rating.

Nissan is committed to making transportation safer, smarter and more enjoyable, and it is Nissan Intelligent Mobility that will help to achieve this. NIM encompasses three core areas of innovation: how our cars are powered (Nissan Intelligent Power), how they are driven (Nissan Intelligent Driving) and how they are integrated into society (Nissan Intelligent Integration).

Nissan Juke Ti-S Fit for Purpose

Nissan Juke is designed for the urban warrior. It is all about expressing your personality outwardly in a smaller SUV style that is more at home in the streets of Surry Hills or St Kilda. It is absolutely foe the inner-city single or couple, that wants something n a little different. Best seen parked outside their favourite coffee boutique, they may take it for the occasional weekend to the northern beaches or even the ski fields.

Nissan Juke Ti-S Summary

Nissan Juke Ti-S is definitely different. It is a little long in the product life cycle now and compared to the rest of the offerings in this very competitive segment shows that age a little. It is smaller than others and relatively pricey as a result.

Around town it is zippy and comfortable. Inside it is a little dated and probably falls into the acquired taste category. However if your motoring screams ‘look at me’ and you like to be visibly different, then the Nissan Juke Ti-S may just be for you.

Nissan JUKE Ti-S

What’s Good?

  • Very stylish – compact yet internally spacious
  • All engine combinations
  • Road handling and agility

What’s Not?

  • Some internal plastic trim
  • No Air conditioned seats
  • Long and very expensive options list

Also look at:  

Model Nissan Juke Ti-S

  • Model Price $33,840 MLP*
  • Engine                6 L Turbo
  • Drivetrain CVT AWD
  • Power                140 kW @ 5600 rpm
  • Torque                240 Nm @ 1600 rpm
  • Safety                TBA ANCAP
  • CO2                153 g/km
  • Economy ADR 5 L/100 km
  • Servicing                Capped Price
  • Tow Rating 1150 kg
  • Tow Ball Rating 100 kg
  • Warranty 3 Yrs / 100,000 km 3 Yrs Roadside Assist

*Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP

Overall Rating     74/100

  • Behind the Wheel 8
  • Comfort 8
  • Equipment 8
  • Performance 8
  • Ride & Handling 8
  • Practicality 8
  • Fit for Purpose 8
  • Towing Ability             5
  • Off Road Ability 5
  • Value for Money 8