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Juke crossover takes centre stage

SPORTY CROSSOVER: The Nissan Juke will go on sale later in November 2011.
SPORTY CROSSOVER: The Nissan Juke will go on sale later in November 2011.
Nissan's has expanded it crossover family with the addition of the Juke SUV on display at the Johannesburg International Motor Show.

The new model fill be positioned as the middle child between the Murano and Qashqai crossover models and follows the hugely popular Qashqai sibling in trying to create a niche for itself as small crossover.

ALL-MODE 4x4-i

In terms of design its clear Nissan wanted to create a fun, sporty and practical SUV and based on looks it we’re giving it a thumbs up. The lower portion of Juke is pure SUV: chunky wheels, wide tyres, extended ground clearance and a robust stance. The top half sees elements of a sports car especially its coupé-styled falling roofline.

The coupé effect is further underlined by the rear doors which have their handles hidden within the frame.

The Juke will available in four specification grades, two model derivatives sporting two and all-wheel modes – The entry level Acenta and top of the range Tekna.

BASED ON A RENAULT PLATFORM

The Acenta models feature a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine while the top of the range models will feature Nissan’s 1.6-litre DIG-T power plant. The Tekna specced version will be decked out with a choice of sporty fabric upholstery or a full leather interior.

The Juke is based on the Renault Nissan B platform and has a 2530mm wheelbase, is 4135mm in length, 1765mm wide and 1570mm in height. The front-wheel drive versions sport MacPherson struts at the front with a torsion beam at the rear while the all-wheel drive models feature a multi-link rear suspension derived from the Qashqai.

Nissan Juke

GT-R POWER?: Nissan Juke hasn't reached our shores yet but the Japanese automaker is already planning a GT-R powered variant.

The ALL-MODE 4x4-i, is a new development of Nissan's respected electronic all-wheel drive system and now features torque-vectoring technology to enhance agility and reduce understeer when cornering. As well as splitting torque front to rear, up to a maximum of 50:50, it can now be split from side-to-side across the rear axle, too.
 
In total, up to 50% of the total available engine torque can be sent to either rear wheel. The inclusion of this innovation is a first in the small car segment - a technology that has, until now, only been found on top-of-the-range, premium vehicles.

Inside, the sports car theme is evident with the centre console design inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank. Finished in high gloss, the “bike” console adds a sense of fun to the car.

The new Nissan Juke will be launched to later in November 2011.

Read more reports about the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show.
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