NISSAN has launched its 2015 Juke at a regional launch event in Dubai recently. The latest Urban Crossover will be available from all Nissan dealerships across the region from February. Featuring Electric Days, the launch welcomed the Nissan Juke to the region style with a host local DJs and urban graffiti artists putting on a show for attendees. Partygoers learned about the Juke's three core areas of innovation – its design, performance and technology – through an on-ground interactive party experience with designated areas for each of the features. Nissan has made a number of revisions to the popular sub-compact crossover to enable it to stay ahead of the pack in a booming segment. The Juke has been a major global success since being launched in 2010. The upgraded Juke, has retained signature aspects including its dramatic front-end design. The Juke is powered by a choice of either a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine or a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the latter being direct injection. Three driving modes – normal, sport and eco – are available, along with a new audio system, the Japanese auto maker's latest-generation NissanConnect connectivity technology. Maximum engine power for S & SL Grade is 86(117) kW(ps) @ 6000rpm with 158Nm of torque. The SL Turbo grade has maximum engine power of 140(190) kW(ps) @ 5600rpm with 240Nm of torque. All three grades are available for the new Juke, S, SL and SL Turbo. Nissan's managing director Middle East, Samir Cherfan, said: “Juke is a unique vehicle and has been a major success since its inception. The market in the Middle East will be thrilled with the new vehicle. The Juke delivers in every way – it's an extremely comfortable high ride with fast, sporty response. “Customers will discover that their crossover thrills them as much as a sports car. They will also appreciate the increased roominess. Revisions have been made to the Juke but not at the expense of the traits that have made the Juke such as a success.” Exterior revisions include tweaking the upper front lamps (now with LED daytime runners), updating the grille, toughening up the under-bumper trim, redesigning the door mirrors (adding LED repeaters and new rear view camera) and creating a more aggressive rear bumper to match the revised tail-lights which now have LED ‘light guide technology'. Revisions in the cargo area have increased space while versatility is further enhanced with a flat-folding rear seat. Nissan has also built in a two-stage floor in the luggage compartment. With the second-row seats up and cargo floor lowered, there is plenty of space in the back for large luggage. Fold the seats down and you can adjust the floor to a higher position, creating a flat cargo. Standard features include cloth upholstery, four-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with AUX port, power windows, electric mirrors, rear-view camera and the 60/40 folding rear seats. Also available is leather upholstery, NissanConnect, sunroof, fog lamps, automatic a/c and intelligent keyless entry with starter button.
Safety features include front airbags, ABS disc brakes with EBD, and stability control and optional side-curtain airbags. Nissan Juke prices will range from $17,970 to $23,140 (Prices may vary by market). — SG
