2014 Nissan Juke Nismo RS

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com

First introduced in mid 2013, the Juke Nismo joins the 370Z Nismo as the first players in a projected growing lineup of Nismo-branded factory performance machines. Offered in a choice of front-wheel drive with 6-speed manual transmission or all-wheel drive with Nismo tuned CVT transmission, the 2014 Juke Nismo takes Juke’s bold presence in the compact crossover segment to a whole new dimension of attainable performance.

The modifications to the standard Juke start with the racing-inspired Nismo exterior. Far from being purely cosmetic, the modifications to the Juke exterior are designed to enhance the Juke Nismo’s aerodynamics, resulting in a 37-percent improvement in downforce. Many of the aggressive sports-cross styling elements were influenced by Nismo’s motorsport expertise, in particular using lessons learned from the styling and engineering of the Nissan GT-R racers that compete in the Super GT series in Japan.

Compared to the standard Nissan Juke, the most obvious visual change is to the front fascia and grille, which have been modified to better control airflow to the engine. The unique front end features a lower and more aggressive design. Juke’s familiar integrated fog lights have been replaced by thin-strip LED accent lights, positioned at the top edge of small vents to the side of the larger grille.

In the rear, the bumper is deeper than on non-Nismo models and the red pinstripe is also visible on the black sill. A redesigned body-colored lift gate spoiler and rear fascia diffuser completes the body modifications.

Also part of the Juke Nismo exterior appearance are the unique 18-inch lightweight aluminum alloy wheels with 225/45R18 Continental ContiSportContact5 summer tires, which help give drivers additional grip during cornering and further boost the on-road presence. One inch larger than the standard Juke wheels, the diamond-cut alloys feature a 10 twin-spoke design and are finished in dark anthracite.

A sporty interior styling is focused on the driver, the front seats have been redesigned to offer additional lateral support. Trimmed in suede, they sport vibrant red stitching picking up the detail introduced by the red bodywork pinstripe. Red is also used as a background to the tachometer and also appears on the steering wheel stitching, which is finished in Alcantara and leather. The tactile steering wheel now includes a red marker to indicate top dead enter, another feature derived directly from racing. The rear seats also feature red stitching.

The Juke Nismo is built on Nissan’s proven global B-platform. The advanced1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline Turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum alloy inline 4-cylinder engine is rated at 197 horsepower and torque has been increased to 184 lb-ft. Along with the modified suspension and CVT, the steering effort has been tuned for additional feel at medium and high speeds.

The front-wheel drive Juke Nismo is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the all-wheel drive version comes with a sport-tuned version of Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT with manual mode.

The 2014 Juke Nismo is offered with a range of features that add a level of convenience equal to its sporty style, including an available Nissan Navigation System with 5-inch color touch screen display and NavTraffic capability, Rockford Fosgate ecoPUNCH audio system, USB interface and Rearview Monitor.

Standard features include dual front and rear beverage holders, speed-sensitive automatic door locks, storage under the rear cargo floor (FWD models only), Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Interface System for iPod and AM/FM/CD audio system with steering wheel controls. In the rear, a fold-down 60/40-split bench seat and flat load floor provide passenger and cargo hauling flexibility.

Nismo’s unique motorsports DNA adds a new dimension to the pioneering Juke’s long list of attributes. With nearly 100 separate performance, exterior and interior modifications and solid functionality behind every element, Juke Nismo takes Juke to a higher level of sporty style and driving exhilaration, all within reach of performance buyers’ budgets.

Fuel economy is rated at 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for Juke Nismo FWD 6MT model and 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for Juke Nismo AWD CVT. The manufacturer’s suggested retail base price starts at $26,120.00, the one I drove the 2014 Juke Nismo RS included the Navigation Package, Nismo carpeted floor mats and cargo mat, and it came in at $28,345.00 including destination charges.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Nissan.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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