By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Nissan
Since it was first introduced five years ago, the Nissan JUKE has been all about unique styling, dynamic performance and a unique combination of crossover utility and sports car sensibility. Take those attributes and mix in a healthy dose of engineering and experience from Nissan’s motorsport performance group and you’ve got a pair of JUKEs like no other, the JUKE NISMO and JUKE NISMO RS.
Engine
The JUKE NISMO RS includes unique engine, suspension, steering and brake tuning. Like every JUKE, the NISMO RS starts with a version of one of the most advanced engines in the Nissan portfolio, an inline 4-cylinder 1.6-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy Direct Injection Gasoline turbocharged engine. The JUKE NISMO RS increases the engine’s performance to 215 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque for the 6-speed manual transmission-equipped front-wheel drive model.
Manual transmission equipped NISMO RS models also offer a standard helical-geared Limited-Slip Differential to direct more power to the front wheel with the most traction, helping maintain acceleration during cornering. It also helps reduce torque steer, adding to the sense of driving excitement.
Interior
Inside, JUKE NISMO RS’s biggest departure from the JUKE NISMO is the addition of genuine Recaro front seats trimmed in red leather-appointed side bolsters and black suede center inserts. The seats, based on the popular Recaro Sportster design, are designed to help hold the driver and front passenger firmly in place during spirited driving. They feature embossed Recaro and stitched NISMO logos, along with red stitching.
The RS also offers an exclusive RS logo on the speedometer and charcoal grey suede with red stitching meter hood. The surface trim around the center stack and shifter features a special carbon fiber look. The rear seats also feature red stitching. Other standard content includes privacy glass, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start and the I-CON system with automatic air conditioning.
Exterior
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. The prominent upper edge of the large lower grille features a red pinstripe, which drops dramatically to curve around the smaller vents and continues all the way to the front wheel arches. This distinctive NISMO cue gives the nose a visual width and presence while emphasizing the JUKE NISMO’s athletic stance on the road.
The red pinstripe continues on the flanks of the car at the base of the doors. The sculpted side skirts have been reworked to enhance aerodynamic performance, directing airflow around the rear wheels and away from the car as quickly and efficiently as possible.
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 liftgate spoiler and rear fascia diffuser complete 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 JUKE NISMO’s 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.
Features and Amenities
Both the 2015 JUKE NISMO and JUKE NISMO RS models are offered with a range of features that add a level of convenience equal to its sporty style, including standard NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, with a 5.8-inch color touch-screen display, USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Streaming audio via Bluetooth, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
All JUKE NISMO and NISMO RS models come equipped with the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags and seat belt with occupant classification sensors. Also featured are roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection, seat mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and front seat Active Head Restraints.
Summary
Nismo’s unique motorsports DNA adds a new dimension to the pioneering Juke’s long list of attributes. With several 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 the Juke Nismo RS model with the 6 speed manual transmission. The manufacturer’s suggested retail base price starts at $28,020.00, the one I drove the 2015 Juke Nismo RS included the, Nismo carpeted floor mats, cargo mat and Center Arm Rest, and it came in at $29,315.00 including destination charges.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
