- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.0T, 3 cyl.
- Engine Power
84kW, 180Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 5.8L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2019)
2021 Nissan Juke Ti Energy Orange review
Here's an idea. Let's make the Juke even more wild by adding an outlandish orange interior. Does that make it better?
- Large boot
- Interior will draw attention
- Bose Personal Plus stereo is great
- Jerky transmission
- Bumpy ride
- Missing a few appointments for the money
If the new 2021 Nissan Juke doesn't stand out enough for you, there's always the option of ordering one with a bright-orange interior.
It's polarising – looking like a child with a Stabilo highlighter has gone to town – but then again, if you're interested in a Juke in the first place, it's likely you're interested in being different. The brand calls it 'Energy Orange', and it's a new, no-cost option interior treatment for top-of-the-line 2021 Juke Ti models.
Prices remain unchanged from before, but for argument's sake we'll recap on the wider range quickly. The Juke starts with the entry ST model for $27,990 plus on-road costs, or available at the moment with a $29,990 drive-away deal.
Our Juke Ti test car sits proud as a $36,490 plus on-road costs range flagship. The only extras are a choice of four premium paints (black, grey, silver, or pearl white) at a cost of $595 each. Fuji Red, as our test car was finished, comes for free.
With Nissan's current drive-away deals the Juke Ti carries a $38,990 drive-away price tag.
2021 Nissan Juke Ti | |
Engine | 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol |
Power and torque | 84kW at 5250rpm, 180Nm at 2400rpm |
Transmission | Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic |
Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
Kerb weight | 1274kg |
Fuel claim, combined (ADR) | 5.8L/100km |
Boot volume (hatch/sedan) | 422L/1305L |
ANCAP rating | Five stars (tested 2019) |
Warranty | Five years/unlimited km |
Main competitors | Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-3, Ford Puma, VW T-Cross |
Price as tested | $38,990 drive-away |
As a nearly $40,000 proposition, you're going to want more than fancy orange trim. Standard features shared with other models include an interesting Bose Personal Plus premium audio system that adds speakers in the front seat headrests, keyless entry and start, plus an 8.0-inch infotainment system.
Exclusive to the Ti is a unique set of 19-inch alloy wheels, illuminated kick panels and Alcantara interior highlights – if you decide to not opt for a bright scheme.
As the middle-of-the-range Juke is well equipped, jumping up to the Ti doesn't actually score you much more than a handful of trinkets. A couple of omissions at this price point include a sunroof, not offered at all on the Juke range, and a power tailgate. Even the 8.0-inch infotainment system feels a bit out of date nowadays, as others in the segment feature screens larger than 10 inches.
Still, the basics remain decent. The gauge cluster includes a 7.0-inch digital screen with large digital speed readout, and also provides access to driving data. Adjusting the single-zone climate-control system is done via knobs and a dedicated temperature readout, which makes it easy to use on the move.
Storage is excellent with a large pair of cupholders in the centre console, open-air cubby located in front of the gear shifter, and large door bins. A tall glasshouse with raked pillars results in clear forward visibility, which is supported by a generally high seating position.
The seats are comfortable and intriguing to look at, as their 'monoform' structure sees the headrest integrated into the seat-back. As mentioned before, the Bose Personal Plus bundled eight speakers into the cabin – including four ultra-nearfield speaker in the front seat headrests.
Coupled with clever software in the infotainment system that allows you to adjust the 'width' or spectrum of these speakers, it results in a great listening experience. Trebly highs become more pronounced to help improve the system's timbre. It's not a gimmick, which is refreshing to see in the world of car audio – a place often filled with them.
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In the second row, space needs to be created if your front passenger or driver are tall. With either front seat adjusted comfortably for my own 183cm tall frame, room in the back shrunk significantly, with my knees hard up against the seat-backs.
With the front seats adjusted a little more uncomfortably, in other words more far forward, space in the back becomes palatable. In terms of foot room, the Nissan Juke has stacks of space to throw your kicks under, and head room was also decent.
If you're a family with a younger child still in a support seat, then you'll be able to manage with the Juke. Forward-facing seats pose no issue, nor does a tall booster seat, as sometimes they can foul on rear pillar trim or roof area. It's only rearward-mounted seats that pose an issue, as you have to adjust the front seats forward to fit them. Other pleasantries back here include bottle holders in the doors and a rear USB power outlet. There are no air vents, but they're uncommon in this segment anyway.
Behind all occupants sits a generous boot area that starts at 422L with all seats in play. With the second row folded, it expands out to 1305L – plenty enough for a trip to the blue and yellow building synonymous with flatpack furniture. If you're loading up other things, like a big gym bag or a foldable stroller, the opening itself is large enough to accept such goods.
On the road, the Juke's handling definitely channels the 'sport' in sports utility vehicle. It feels firm over the smallest road imperfections, bobbling along afterward as its suspension ripples. On some surfaces, it did become tiresome, and it was noticed by more than one set of passengers. Unbeknown to them, they each commented on the car's busy ride independently.
I also found it a little too jiggly for my liking. However, because of its firmness it'll stay relatively flat as you bomb around the suburbs. It's fun despite the firmness. The steering and general controls feel dialled in well, which is something established car manufacturers are generally good at.
Powering the Juke Ti is a cheeky 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 84kW and 180Nm at its disposal. Those figures sound small, but the motor is brimming with character. It makes a pleasantly gruff note and loves to be flexed throughout its mid-range powerband, which feels in contrast to its small outputs. It does require you to lean on the pedal to get going, but the engine welcomes such input.
It's one of those characterful engines that seemingly enjoys being tasked. Despite poking the accelerator more than usual, the Juke returned a fuel consumption figure of 6.6L/100km, and within one litre of the official 5.8L/100km claim.
Helping the frugality is a dual-clutch automatic with an assortment of seven well-selected gear ratios. They're an excellent match for the engine's performance and feel, which enables it to lug higher gears without being too taxing. The transmission can feel jerky in terms of its clutch actuation, however, feeling snatchy in stop-start traffic or during reverse parking situations. It's one that takes time to become accustomed to.
Maintaining focus on what's going on helps, as it'll ensure you apply the throttle at the right moment. Still, learning aside, it's just another reason to support the case for more conventional torque converter automatics making a comeback in small passenger cars.
Standing apart is made easy with the Juke, as its internal dimensions, design nuance and frugalness are all conditions that'll support its life in your driveway. Some gear is missing for the pricepoint, though, but you'll have to value those for yourself.
Sunroofs are becoming an expectation in top-grade models, so the fact you can't have a genuine-fit item no matter what you pay will instantly turn some away. More likely to be the case, however, is a bunch of people who simply want to express themselves with a safe, secure option from a mainstream brand.
If I'm talking to you, I double-dare you to take the orange interior while you're at it.
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