The Dark Knight has risen - in a special one-off Nissan Juke Nismo. To celebrate Nissan's partnership with Warner Bros and the UK release of the third film in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy on DVD and Blu-Ray, Nissan has produced a truly unique car.

Called The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo, the one-off machine features a host of Batman-inspired details that will make the lucky owner the envy of every movie fan and car buff.

Based on the new Nissan Juke Nismo, which goes on sale in the UK in January 2013, The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo features the same 200PS 1.6-litre turbocharged engine driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox - giving it a 0-62mph (0-100 km/h) time of 7.8 seconds - as well as a Nismo bodykit, uprated suspension and enhanced interior.

But in addition, it has a whole host of Batman-inspired details that will make the driver feel just like Bruce Wayne.

Matt black paint gives a menacing look reminiscent of Batman's Tumbler, while a shark fin antenna replaces the standard car's conventional aerial. In addition to Nismo badging, there are aluminium

Bat badges on the front grille and tailgate while the unique gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels include bespoke red detailing, matching the eye-catching pinstripe on the bumpers and sills of the standard Juke Nismo.

Open the door and you're greeted by Bat logos on the kickplates and reflective Bat badges on the headrests of the suede-trimmed Nismo sports seats. Thanks to downlighters mounted under the door mirrors the famous Bat signal can be projected onto the floor area around the doors. A clever uplighter projects the same signal onto the black headlining inside too.

The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo is the work of Nissan's very own Batcave - Nissan Design Europe, based in London's Paddington, the same studio responsible for the design of the original Juke.

The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo will not go on sale in a Nissan dealership, nor will it be made available to the highest bidder - instead the only way to get this car on your driveway is to enter a special competition.

To summarise the changes over the standard Juke Nismo, The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo features the following:

Matt black paintwork
Aluminium Bat logos front and rear
Shark fin antenna
Black 18-inch Nismo alloy wheels with red detailing
Uplighter that projects Bat symbol on headlining
Downlighters in door mirrors to project Bat symbol on floor area by doors
Reflective Bat badges on front and rear headrests
Door sills with Bat logos

To understand the difference between the Nissan JUKE sports crossover, the recently introduced JUKE NISMO and the new JUKE NISMO RS – which makes its North American debut today at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show – the one word is all that's needed: More.

"The concept behind the development of the new JUKE NISMO RS is giving the customers exactly what they have been asking for – more power, handling and exclusive equipment like Recaro seats and Alcantara®-wrapped steering wheel," said Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product and Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan North America, Inc. "And the best part is, it does it in a very balanced way, delivering up to 215 horsepower in combination with unique body and suspension upgrades."

The idea of creating vehicles that can be driven everyday to work, but that you want to drive them the long, winding way home, is central to the NISMO design philosophy. As Nissan's performance group, with its vision and name derived from NISsan MOtorsports, NISMO is applying its near-50 years of engineering experience and expertise to an expanding range of affordable production vehicles. Like the 370Z NISMO and JUKE NISMO before it, the new JUKE NISMO RS ups the excitement level for the driver while still remaining attainable for the average consumer.

"JUKE buyers now have six distinct ways to experience ‘Innovation and excitement for all' – the premium level of features and equipment offered by the JUKE S, SV and SL models, the sporty appearance and upgraded power of the JUKE NISMO, and the race car-inspired design and fun-to-drive performance of the new JUKE NISMO RS," added Loing.

Unique Engine, Suspension, Steering and Brake Tuning

With the addition of the NISMO RS, JUKE buyers now have three distinct levels of drivetrain tuning to choose from to fit their driving style and needs. Every JUKE model starts with one of the most advanced engines in the Nissan portfolio – an inline 4-cylinder 1.6-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) turbocharged engine.
The engine's direct injection helps improve combustion, enhancing power, torque, economy and emissions. The use of the turbocharger and intercooler also help boost power, while the variable timing control for both intake and exhaust cycles improves low-end engine response. For use in the JUKE S, SV and SL grades, the engine is rated at 188-horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.
The JUKE NISMO increases the engine's performance to 197 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Also added to the JUKE NISMO are a NISMO-tuned suspension and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

As "king" of the JUKE line, the new NISMO RS ups JUKE's bragging rights to a best-in-class* 215 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) and 210 lb-ft of torque (at 3,600 – 4,800 rpm) for the 6-speed manual transmission-equipped front-wheel drive model. The JUKE NISMO RS All-Wheel Drive with Xtronic CVT® is rated at 211 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) and 184 lb-ft of torque (at 2,400 – 6,000 rpm).

Changes to the engine to create the higher power and torque figures include optimized engine control (ECU) settings and a revised exhaust system with a larger main tube diameter and revised baffling. "The JUKE NISMO RS's exhaust has been tuned to create a highly visceral sound worthy of its racing-inspired roots," said Loing.

The engine's connecting rod durability has also been enhanced for use with higher torque settings with the manual transmission, along with a strengthened clutch cover and dual mass flywheel. The new, high capacity 6-speed manual used in the JUKE NISMO RS is a different transmission than available in the other JUKE NISMO models and uses lower gear ratios in 1st through 3rd gears for quicker acceleration. Manual transmission-equipped models also offer a standard helical-geared Limited-Slip Differential (LSD).
"We expect drivers to feel a noticeable increase in acceleration – especially the manual transmission model – in the RS versus the regular JUKE NISMO. It also holds peak torque longer. Combined with the Helical Limited-Slip Differential, which helps reduce torque steer, the sense of driving excitement is unmatched in the JUKE lineup," said Loing.

All-Wheel Drive JUKE NISMO RS models also offer improved acceleration and a sportier driving feel. With its all-new steering column-mounted paddle shifters, NISMO RS AWD's CVT utilizes technology found only in the Nissan Maxima sports sedan for an available manual feel. The CVT's manual mode offers eight step "gearing" versus the JUKE NISMO CVT's seven and base JUKE CVT's six steps.

In addition, the advanced torque vectoring AWD system has been specially tuned for the NISMO RS's increased active cornering, providing better line control through corners. The system – standard in all 2014 JUKE AWD models – is designed to limit understeer by increasing torque to the outside rear wheel, helping the car follow its intended course, while enhancing agility, giving the JUKE NISMO exceptional ride comfort and handling in spite of its higher ground clearance when compared to compact cars. Torque can be split up to a maximum of 50:50 front to rear, as well as shifted from side-to-side across the rear axle, up to 50 percent per wheel.

Information collected by various sources (measuring wheel speed, steering angle, yaw rate and lateral G-force) is interpreted to anticipate the driver's intention. System actions are relayed to the driver via a real-time graphic display on the instrument panel depicting the torque distribution under all conditions.

A significant bolster to JUKE NISMO RS's engaging driving dynamics is a series of special body and chassis reinforcements designed to help increase overall rigidity. "The additional reinforcements and fixing points, used primarily for the higher torque front-wheel drive model, contribute to the increased steering precision and quicker response of the NISMO RS versus the JUKE NISMO," said Loing.

In addition, the suspension and steering have been specially tuned to provide a more exciting and agile driving feel (versus non-RS models) without compromising ride comfort and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Spring rates and damping force have been reset and the front suspension link reinforced to enhance steering feel and response.

Like the JUKE NISMO, the NISMO RS's suspension has been lowered slightly versus non-NISMO JUKE models, reducing the gap between the tires and wheelwells for a cleaner appearance and improved aerodynamics. An independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension are utilized on FWD models, while JUKE NISMO and NISMO RS AWD models offer a multi-link rear suspension design. A cradle-type front subframe enhances lateral stiffness of the assembly. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard on all models.

The Electric Power-assist Steering (EPS) has also been retuned for use in the NISMO RS. The JUKE NISMO RS braking system includes 4-wheel vented discs, larger brake rotors in front (12.6 inches versus 11.7 inches), vented rotors in the rear (versus non-vented in non-RS models), red-painted calipers and upgraded brake pads.

"The JUKE NISMO RS has all of the actual hardware to go with the increased power, just as you'd expect from NISMO – which through its decades of motorsports experience understands that ‘fast' alone is not enough, a car must be ‘balanced" to provide real performance," summed up Loing.

Racing-Inspired Exterior and Interior

The new JUKE NISMO RS shares much of its racing-inspired exterior modifications with the JUKE NISMO. Compared to the standard JUKE, JUKE NISMO and NISMO RS show a 37-percent improvement in aerodynamic performance – thanks to items such as 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 regular 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.

A NISMO-themed "red stripe" accent line starts on the upper edge of the large lower grille and curves 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 signature Nissan V-strut grille is finished in a darker shade than standard JUKE models. The distinctive JUKE combination lights are smoked as part of the NISMO appearance treatment.

Subtle NISMO RS badges with a red "O" are located on the front grille and to the right of the rear liftgate. The red pinstripe continues on the flanks of the car at the base of the doors. The sculpted side skirts enhance aerodynamic performance, directing airflow around the rear wheels and away from the car as quickly and efficiently as possible.

To increase the JUKE NISMO and NISMO RS's visual stance, the wheel arches are more muscular and are body colored. The door mirrors are painted red to give a visual indication that these are not standard Nissan JUKEs. The B-pillars are finished in gloss "piano black," also promoting a sleek and sporty image.
In the rear, the bumper is deeper than on non-NISMO models and the red pinstripe is also visible on the black sill. The unique body-colored liftgate spoiler and rear fascia diffuser complete the body modifications.

Also part of the dramatic 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 and NISMO RS's on-road presence. The diamond-cut alloys feature a 10 twin-spoke design and are finished in dark anthracite. The 2014 Nissan JUKE NISMO RS is available in three exterior colors – Sapphire Black, Brilliant Silver and Pearl White.

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 hold the driver and front passenger firmly in place during spirited driving. They feature embossed Recaro and NISMO logos, along with red stitching.

The JUKE NISMO RS also offers an Alcantara®–trimmed steering wheel and 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.

Similar to the JUKE NISMO, the rear seats also feature red stitching. Like the JUKE NISMO, other standard content includes privacy glass, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start and the I-CON (Integrated Control) system with automatic air conditioning.

Just one option package is available with the JUKE NISMO RS, the Navigation Package with NissanConnect™ with Navigation system with 5.8-inch touch-screen, 3D-effect map views, Voice Recognition and NavTraffic capability (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately); NissanConnect™ Apps; Rockford Fosgate ecoPUNCH™ audio system; USB interface (iPod® compatible); and RearView Monitor.

The Real Deal

Said Loing: "The new JUKE NISMO RS is the real deal. It starts with racing-inspired aerodynamics, and high-quality attention to detail. It adds a race-style driver-machine interface with racing-style seats, gauges, shifter and steering wheel. Then it caps it all off with enhanced power and traction, agile handling and improved exhaust system. It's the JUKE enthusiasts have been asking for."

For full information on the 2014 Nissan JUKE and JUKE NISMO, please visit NissanNews.com. Additional information on the 2014 JUKE NISMO RS, including full specifications, will be available at a later date.

If indeed Nissan execs were displeased by the construction of the original Juke-R earlier this decade, they have a funny way of showing it. That’s because the Japanese automaker has confirmed a new version with “NISMO” badging will debut this month at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and to get us all riled up has released a teaser photo.

In case you’ve forgotten, the original Juke-R started as an off-book project by some of Nissan’s British staff as well as its motorsport partners. The goal was to shoehorn the GT-R’s twin-turbocharged V-6 and all-wheel-drive system into the tiny Juke, and the result proved so popular that a handful of them were sold despite the price tag entering six-figure territory.

With Nissan recently updating the regular Juke, the automaker decided that the Juke-R should undergo its own evolution, this time with the blessing of the automaker’s NISMO performance arm. The latest version is said to use the latest technology, styling and running gear that NISMO offers, which means we may see output match the 600 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque of the GT-R NISMO model.

That would mean 0-60 mph acceleration figures close to 3.0 seconds and a top speed approaching 180 mph. The previous Juke-R had 545 hp on tap and could hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Top speed was 160 mph.

No other details have been revealed but from the teaser we can see that the vehicleadopts the latest NISMO styling themes, which include red accents around the front section. It’s not clear if Nissan plans to sell versions of the new Juke-R NISMO, but it’s obvious the automaker’s hoping it will draw in the attention of enthusiasts like the original did.

If indeed Nissan execs were displeased by the construction of the original Juke-R four years ago, they have a funny way of showing it. That’s because the Japanese automaker has unveiled a new version at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed currently underway in the U.K., where the vehicle will take on the event’s famous hill climb with GT Academy winner Jann Mardenborough behind the wheel.

In case you’ve forgotten, the original Juke-R started out as an off-book project by some of Nissan’s British staff and motorsport partners. The goal was to shoehorn the GT-R’s twin-turbocharged V-6 and all-wheel-drive system into the tiny Juke, and the result proved so popular a handful of them were sold despite the price tag entering six-figure territory.

With Nissan recently updating the regular Juke, the automaker decided the Juke-R should undergo its own evolution, this time with the blessing of the automaker’s NISMO performance arm. The latest version, dubbed the Juke-R 2.0, celebrates the fifth anniversary of the arrival of the Juke and was developed using parts borrowed from the GT-R NISMO—including the car's 600-horsepower engine.

In addition to its more potent powerplant, the Juke-R 2.0 also benefits from new body work that adds an extra touch of aggression. The cooling apertures up front are increased in size by over 100 percent due to increased engine cooling demand as the vehicle now packs 600 horses. The flared fenders also feature a new design, as do the side sills and numerous cooling ducts. Everything is either made from carbon fiber or lined with the lightweight stuff.

No performance figures have been released but we’d expect the 0-60 mph acceleration time to be close to 3.0 seconds and the top speed approaching 180 mph. The original Juke-R had 545 hp on tap and could hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Top speed was 160 mph.

Nissan is calling its Juke-R 2.0 a concept and hasn’t mentioned plans for a production version, but you never know. After all, the original was also a concept and it was eventually built and sold to a few well-heeled buyers.

Want to get a new Nissan Juke? Well you’d better act fast, at least if you live in the United States. Because the latest word has it that the Japanese automaker is dropping the divisively styled little crossover from its lineup.


As Autonews points out, the Juke never really caught on in the US, and sales have been dropping off even further.

Following its introduction in 2010, sales of the Juke in the US exceeded 35,000 in its first full year, and continued to climb past 38,000 per year in 2013 and 2014. But then they started falling: to 27,000 in 2015, less than 20,000 in 2016, and just over 10,000 last year. Last month Nissan sold just 41 Jukes in the US, compared to nearly 900 in the same month last year, and over 2,500 in June of the previous three years.

With its appeal (such as it was) fading away and its place effectively taken by the more conventionally styled Kicks crossover, the reported decision comes as little surprise. But it doesn’t spell the end of the model altogether.

Just two weeks ago, Nissan announced it had built its millionth Juke at its Sunderland factory in the UK, supplying a European market where the model continues to sell well. Last year it sold some 95,000 Jukes in Europe – nearly three times as many as its best results in the US, and close to ten times as many as it sold here last year.

Don’t mistake the Juke’s discontinuation in the US market for a withdrawal from crossovers on Nissan’s part altogether, even (or especially) in the US. Last month, it sold over 37,000 Rogues in America, making it far and away Nissan’s top-selling nameplate here.

Dammit, I liked the Nissan Juke. It was fun, it was weird and it was different, three things desperately missing from Nissan’s current snooze-fest of a lineup. (I’m sure the new Altima will make a decent rental car next time you’re in Minneapolis for work, but no one’s lusting after it.) And while the Juke is currently dead, replaced by the far more boring Kicks, it has a second act planned. A crazy one, apparently.

This news comes to us from Nissan’s recently promoted global design boss Alfonso Albaisa, who gave an interview to the UK’s Autocar and said the small, sporty crossover has a comeback planned for 2019 and it won’t skimp on the weird.

An urban meteor with a nasty attitude! Holy shit. Consider me intrigued.

By the IMx, Albaisa is referring to this electric autonomous-wagon crossover concept, which looked more like the kind of bland, appliance-like, not-designed-by-someone-who-loves-cars kind of vehicle you’re more likely to see come out of a Silicon Valley startup than an actual automaker.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind if it ended up looking like the Gripz, a vaguely 240Z-inspired crossover concept from a couple years back. The future of the Z itself seems pretty up in the air, so if that’s the best we can get, I suppose I’ll take it. And as far as sporty crossovers go, it looks pretty sharp.

The original Juke went on sale in 2010 and was discontinued in the U.S. market this year. Mostly known for its polarizing looks, it also packed a manual gearbox option and a turbo four-cylinder that made it pretty fun to drive, even if it wasn’t crazy fast. We were generally fans around here.

Autocar speculates the next Juke will be built on the same Nissan-Renault-Mitusbishi platform that underpins the Nissan Micra and Renault Clio, so with any luck it’ll add some European flair to the driving experience. We can some smaller-displacement four-cylinder turbo engines to power it.

Albaisa added this:

Which is good, because the Nissan Nancy just doesn’t have a very iconic feel to it.

In Europe, the Nissan Juke has been a roaring success in Europe, while the Kicks replaced it in the United States, the automaker has been teasing a second-gen model of the compact SUV for the Old World. The original image is so dark that you can't see much of the new Juke, but Motor1.com's brightened version provides glimpses at a few more details.

The new Juke wears a reimagined version of existing model's large, lamp-like headlights with skinny eyebrows on top of them. Judging by the available photos, it appears that the fender wings are larger and more rounded than the current vehicle. The silhouette in the brightened photo shows the double-bubble design in the roof that should provide a sporty aesthetic.

While not visible in these images, spy shots indicate that the rear hatchback looks similar to the current Juke. The tweaks appear to include broader rear wheel arches, though.

The new Juke will ride on Nissan and Renault's CMF-B platform, which is also underneath the Clio. A variety of engine options should be available, including economical 1.0- and 1.3-litre petrol-fuelled engines, a 1.5-litre diesel, and a more potent, and possibly a petrol-powered 1.6-litre turbo with around 200 bhp. A plug-in hybrid should be available at some point, too.

Higher trim levels should get all-wheel drive. Lower grades would come with front-wheel drive as standard, but AWD might still be an option for them.

Nissan will unveil the new Juke on September 3. Sales of the crossover's new generation will likely begin before the end of the year or in very early 2020.

Almost a decade after it set the bar for compact crossovers through its distinctive personality and emphasis on fun, the next-generation Nissan JUKE arrives to reinvent the segment once again. Fun to drive as ever, the all-new Nissan JUKE delivers new levels of performance and technology, within a striking yet roomier dynamic crossover body.

With almost one million on the road in Europe, the Nissan JUKE has resonated with European customers thanks to its stand-out design. The next-generation JUKE - which was unveiled in London, Paris, Milan, Barcelona and Cologne - has been created to appeal to European drivers, who value design, technology and performance, in addition to practicality, in the crossover segment.

"Nissan JUKE is back with its unique identity, even more character, exciting performance and advanced technology that responds to driver needs," said Ponz Pandikuthira, Nissan Europe vice president, product planning. "The new design and exciting driving experience will appeal to the growing number of customers opting for compact crossovers. The JUKE has grown up, while still retaining the fun-to-drive qualities that have always made it stand out."

ATHLETIC DESIGN

Nissan JUKE returns to set a new standard in the B-crossover segment with larger dimensions and an athletic stance, striking 19-inch alloy wheels and coupé style 'floating roof' design. Equipped with full LED technology as standard, the latest JUKE retains its iconic circular headlamps but with a new Y-shaped signature which complements Nissan's V-Motion grille. An exclusive red body shade, Fuji Sunset, now completes the line-up of 11 colours.

Transformed on the inside as well, new Nissan JUKE is roomier for both passengers and their belongings, with rear-seat knee room increased by 5.8 cm, rear head room by 1.1 cm and a boot capacity of 422 litres - providing 20% more storage room. A reimagined interior offers style and comfort boosted by improved driver positions, increased rear roominess and more user-friendly controls and storage. New soft-touch materials on the dashboard, door trim and foot-wells offer a premium feel, complemented by standard monoform sporty seats and optional Alcantara® or leather upholstery.

Offering a new level of personalisation, the all-new Tekna+ grade package ensures that customers can truly make JUKE their own. Multiple colour combinations for body, roof and interior upholstery are available - bringing out the urban, premium and sporty character of the JUKE. Exterior personalisation is also offered as standard on Tekna+, with customisable bumpers, side sills and 19-inch alloy wheels.

AGILE PERFORMANCE
The sporty Nissan JUKE is designed for agility, but the all-new crossover has also grown up. Dimensions are now 4,210 mm length; 1,595 mm height; and a width of 1,800 mm for better roominess while remaining compact and lighter by 23 kg. Thanks to high strength steel, the new model features a more rigid platform that offers better stability, performance and cornering capabilities, and new levels of confidence and control.

The Nissan JUKE is powered by an efficient 1.0-litre three-cylinder DIG-T turbocharged petrol engine with 117PS, giving drivers improved performance, fuel economy and refinement. Available with an engaging 6-speed manual or sporty 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) paddle-shift transmission, and a driving mode selector (Eco, Standard, Sport), drivers can effortlessly match their driving style to any driving scenario for maximum fun on the road.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
The JUKE is now loaded with Nissan's infotainment and driver assistance technology. Featuring Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology, the new model is the most connected Nissan ever, empowering the driver with their own command centre.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility
Nissan's advanced ProPILOT technology, which offers electronically assisted steering, acceleration and braking, will be available on the JUKE for the first time. Designed for highway use in single-lane traffic, ProPILOT makes long commutes and heavy traffic easier.

In addition, Nissan JUKE offers a full package of safety technologies, including Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Recognition, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Intervention as a Nissan premiere that is unique to the segment. Blind Spot Intervention warns the driver when a car gets into its blind spot and brings JUKE back in the lane.

Connectivity, Infotainment, and BOSE® Personal® Plus
With the new NissanConnect infotainment system, customers can use Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto to mirror their favourite smartphone apps on the 8-inch touch screen display. Drivers can also access TomTom Maps & Live Traffic or activate their on-board Wi-Fi Hotspot to allow passengers connecting their laptops or tablets.

The NissanConnect Services app is the perfect mobile companion, offering customers control over multiple aspects of their car. Nissan JUKE owners can now check the door-lock status of their vehicle and lock or unlock their Nissan directly from their smartphone. For increased safety, drivers can also check their tyre pressure and oil level before departing on a trip.

To make Nissan JUKE drivers' lives even easier, Google Assistant compatibility gives them control over functions including central locking, vehicle lights and sending destinations to the car's navigation system by talking to their smart device.

Drivers and passengers can also play louder with the Bose® Personal® Plus sound system. With eight powerful speakers - including two UltraNearfield units integrated into both front headrests - listeners can enjoy immersive music in ultra-clear definition.

The all-new Nissan JUKE will continue to be produced at Nissan's award-winning manufacturing plant in Sunderland, U.K. The first customer deliveries will take place at the end of November 2019.

Nissan's iconic compact crossover, the JUKE, is now equipped with an advanced hybrid powertrain, offering efficient and responsive performance.

"Nissan's electrified product strategy is gaining momentum and the new JUKE Hybrid represents another milestone on our strategic ambition to have fully-electrified range by 2023," said Guillaume Cartier, Chairperson, Nissan AMIEO region.

Nissan JUKE Hybrid features a true multi-modal hybrid gearbox which prioritises efficiency, responsiveness and a harmonious drive. Drivers and passengers will appreciate its 100% electric-only start up, its engaging driveability and excellent fuel efficiency, efficient regenerative braking, and high performance battery.

Central to the objective of the new hybrid powertrain was that it must complement JUKE's already agile and dynamic personality which has proved so popular with customers of the internal combustion engine [ICE] version.

EV-like drive experience

Where traditional hybrids offer an uninspiring experience, the Nissan JUKE Hybrid's intelligent drive system has been tuned to maximise the amount of time JUKE spends in EV mode, which is what customers appreciate the most. A key objective for Nissan's engineers was to reduce the frequency of the engine switching on and off, which drivers find inconvenient and disturbing. This increases driving pleasure as well as optimising efficiency.

During final testing, up to 80 per cent of an urban drive was achieved in pure EV mode, with short hybrid phases to recharge the battery before returning to EV mode. The JUKE Hybrid not only starts 100% in electric mode, it can reach speeds up to 55kph in pure EV, for drivers to enjoy strong, constant, repeatable and sustained EV driving experience.

The system will automatically maximise EV usage, but JUKE Hybrid is also equipped with a dedicated EV mode switch that can be used as a feature for when the driver does not want the engine running, such as residential areas, around built up areas like schools, car parks, drive-through and in traffic jams. While battery state of charge permits, it will force the JUKE Hybrid to operate as an electric-only vehicle.

Efficient engine thanks to Alliance synergies

Diving into the details of what makes Nissan JUKE Hybrid's powertrain so distinctive, the know-how within is a testament to the combined engineering strengths found within the Alliance.

The Nissan JUKE hybrid powertrain consists of a new generation, state-of-the-art Nissan internal combustion engine specifically developed for working in a hybrid powertrain application. It produces 69kW (94hp) and 148Nm of torque.

On the electric side, Nissan-supplied the main electric motor which produces 36kW (49hp) and 205Nm of torque, while Renault provided the 15kW high voltage starter/generator, the inverter and the 1.2kWh liquid-cooled battery, as well as the highly innovative gearbox.

The net result is a powertrain providing 25% more power than the current petrol engine option, with a fuel consumption reduction of up to 40% in urban cycle, and up to 20% over the combined cycle. (Figures subject to homologation)

Smart multi modal gearbox

Key to the driving pleasure at the heart of the Nissan JUKE Hybrid is an advanced low friction multi modal gearbox that provides optimal use of the propulsive power, whether electric, petrol engine, or both.

To reduce friction, this gearbox uses dog clutches instead of conventional synchroniser rings to shift the 4 "ICE" gears and 2 "EV" gears. Additionally, to reduce friction, this gearbox does not use a clutch. All vehicle starts are 100% electric, and the 2 EV motors are used in combination to synchronise the gears, delivering smooth, connected and responsive acceleration.

The gearbox is controlled by an advanced algorithm, managing the shift points, battery regeneration, as well as the advanced series-parallel architecture. The powertrain can navigate seamlessly through different hybridisation requirements (series, parallel, series-parallel) according to acceleration and power requirements, all without any driver input. As a result, there is no "rubber-band" sensation, which is perceived negatively by customers of traditional hybrids, and the driver will enjoy responsive acceleration, quietness, refined cruising as well as efficient low emissions - the best of all worlds.

Regenerative braking

When slowing down, the electric motor will act as a generator and capture kinetic energy, turning it into electricity to be stored in the hybrid propulsion battery.

The advanced Regenerative Cooperative Brake function blends regenerative braking and traditional friction braking to achieve a natural pedal feeling and efficient energy recovery. The driver will be unaware of the adjustments between the two systems, ensuring the feedback through the brake pedal remains constant and intuitive.

Nissan JUKE Hybrid also comes with a drive mode selector, allowing driver to select Eco/Normal/Sport mode. Not only does the drive mode change the steering effort, climate control operation and accelerator pedal response, in the case of the new hybrid powertrain, it also changes the regenerative braking behaviour and battery state of charge. In Sport mode, for example, regeneration under braking is set to a high level in order to maximise electric power for effective acceleration. In Eco mode, it will reduce the demand of the air-conditioning system to maximise efficiency.

e-Pedal for seamless urban driving

As with the LEAF pure EV, the JUKE Hybrid is equipped with Nissan's e-Pedal Step system which, when activated, allows the progress of the car to be controlled using the accelerator pedal. When the foot is lifted from the accelerator, moderate regenerative braking is applied (up to 0.15g) and will decelerate the JUKE to creep speed (~5kph). Additional foot braking may sometimes be necessary to decelerate, and is needed to achieve full stop (auto hold function can be selected for convenience). Using e-Pedal quickly becomes intuitive and the effect is to reduce the workload of the driver during their urban drive and, in doing so, it provides a smooth and relaxing driving experience, while maximising hybrid battery regeneration opportunities, further enhancing the EV experience.

External modifications

The sporty coupe crossover design of the JUKE remains on the new Hybrid version. Close attention has been paid to every detail and a series of small changes have been made to optimise its aerodynamic efficiency - and to identify the JUKE Hybrid as the electrified version. "Hybrid" badges have been applied to the front doors and the tailgate.

The front grille of JUKE Hybrid now sports the new Nissan brand logo and also features a strip of black gloss material where it meets the hood, putting it in line with other electrified Nissan models which share this same design motif.

The design of the grille itself is now mesh and has a smaller aperture to optimise aero efficiency, made possible thanks to the reduced cooling requirements of the Hybrid version. Modifications have also been made to the bodywork below the bumper to improve airflow and, uniquely for the hybrid, a radiator grille shutter has been added, allowing airflow to be automatically adjusted according to cooling needs, reducing aero drag as much as possible.

The rear spoiler, which is mounted above the rear window, has been re-profiled for cleaner airflow behind the car. And in front of the front wheels, the air deflectors have been reshaped and repositioned to clean the airflow, while the rear axle has gained a cover which smooths the airflow under the car. Taken all together, these hard-to-spot visual modifications save approximately 2g of CO2 per 100km, reflecting Nissan's drive for efficiency improvements. The savings reach up to 5g on some ICE versions.

All-new two-tone 17" alloy wheels will be introduced at the same time as JUKE Hybrid (also available on ICE versions), as well as Nissan Ariya-derived two-tone 19" aero wheels for visual impact and efficiency.

Internal updates

Inside the cabin, the right-hand of the two dials shows speed and the left-hand dial shows a power gauge, with the needle moving between "charge", when energy regeneration is taking place, through "Eco" when propulsion is electric and "power" when the internal combustion engine and electric motor combine. Within the lower portion of the left-hand dial, there's a gauge showing the battery's state of charge.

A visual representation of the flow of power can be displayed on the 7" combimeter screen between the two dials, showing all the different energy flows in a simple and clear animation, maximizing driver understanding of the system's operation.

The button for e-Pedal is positioned in the centre console, behind the electric parking brake button, while the button to activate 100 per cent EV mode is between two of the central air-vents. When e-Pedal and EV mode are activated, visual reminders appear at the bottom of the combimeter screen.

The trunk space is 354 litres, a slight reduction of 68 litres compared to the petrol version, as a consequence of the packaging of the 1.2kWh battery pack. With rear seats folded, trunk space remains best in class with 1237 litres, while rear knee room remains unchanged at 553mm.

For its mid-lifecycle refresh, Nissan is reintroducing a yellow exterior colour option on its Juke urban crossover in response to customer demand, following its popularity on the first generation Juke.

As well as the introduction of the new yellow, Nissan's designers and engineers have made significant changes to the Juke's interior to elevate the ambience of life-on-board, with a redesigned centre console and instrument panel. The interior also benefits from new materials, trim and upgraded fit and finish. And the car's connectivity has been updated with a larger touchscreen and additional features.

And the mid-life upgrades also sees the introduction of an additional grade called N-Sport, which emphasises the Nissan Juke's dynamic qualities both on exterior and interior details.

The re-introduction of a yellow exterior paint option in the Juke range is a direct consequence of customers who had loved the yellow when it was introduced on the first generation Juke asking for it. The new yellow is different in hue to the shade on the previous generation of Juke. Compared to the one offered on the previous Juke, the new one is slightly paler, giving a more modern and impactful look.

When specified in the new N-Sport trim, the new yellow's impact is heightened by the contrast of the yellow with the black roof, wheels door mirrors, wheel arch inserts, grille and A- and B-pillars. The overall effect elevates the Juke's natural visual impact, with an added splash of swagger and attitude.

"When we first introduced the second generation of Juke, the question we were asked most frequently was: 'will there be a yellow one?'", said Arnaud Charpentier, Region Vice President, Product Strategy and Pricing, Nissan AMIEO region. "With such clear demand from our passionate Juke customers, we had to listen. We took the opportunity part way through Juke's lifecycle to make some other changes which would improve the comfort, convenience and overall life-on-board ambience for drivers and passengers", he added.

Interior updates bring added quality and connectivity

The addition of the eye-catching yellow exterior to the Nissan Juke's palette is only the start. Inside, considerable work from Nissan's design and engineering functions has enhanced life-on-board.

The first change that existing customers notice when they get behind the steering wheel of versions above the Acenta grade is the increased size of the central infotainment screen. It's now 12.3 inches from corner to corner and it has been inclined towards the driver by 8o to bring the touch controls at the far edge of the screen to within comfortable reach, but also to enhance the cockpit-feeling which Juke customers really like.

As the driver gets comfortable behind the wheel, they will appreciate the new, smoother leather-like material which looks cleaner and also feels more satisfying to the touch.

Beyond the steering wheel, the combimeter, which houses the dials showing the Juke's speed and other key information, is now 12.3 inch digital TFT screen. The hi-resolution screen (1920 x 720 pixels) allows the driver to configure the display to show the combination of information according to their preferences.

The appearance of the combimeter can be cycled between two different basic layouts, with the classic layout showing two dials and a central space containing additional information. Alternatively, the "enhanced" layout presents the road speed and engine speed which are displayed on a pair of dials which are inclined and give a three-dimensional perspective. This allows a larger central display area where additional information can be displayed.

In the central section between the dials, the driver can display navigation directions, including a map, as well as fuel economy, audio information, eco-drive performance, tyre pressures and other key information. The controls for the display are located conveniently on the steering wheel.

The upgraded infotainment system comes with a more intuitive home screen which allows the user to tailor the screen to include the "widgets" for the functions they use the most frequently, much like they would with the home screen of their smart phone.

Additionally, the infotainment enjoys improved voice recognition and "natural language understanding" capability. This endows the system with a wider range of phrases and expressions that the system can understand as a command, ignoring hesitations or pauses. Wireless Android Auto is also now available alongside the existing wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Other new features include speed camera information and fuel price information can now be displayed in the navigation map. And the infotainment system can now play video content from USB connected devices when the car is stationary.

Coordinated yellow interior trim

Reflecting the addition of the eye-catching exterior yellow, the N-Sport interior features a matching yellow highlight which is boomerang-shaped and runs across the top of the instrument panel, before angling down and framing the base of the new central infotainment screen and finishing at the air-vents.

The N-Sport seat continues the eye-catching theme, with yellow recycled Alcantara ® inserts to match the new exterior paint which cover the top outer portion of the seat, cutting into the centre of the seat at the side bolsters. The base and seat upright are quilted in a distinctive pattern, while "Juke" is embossed at shoulder-height on the seat-upright. Yellow stitching completes the bold effect.

There are also new seats for the N-Connecta, N-Design and Tekna grades, with improved comfort. The new N-Connecta seats feature a new fabric called Kira Melange which consists of PVC with fabric accents to complement the roller patterned inserts.

On the Tekna models, the new material is a black PVC with PVC accents and a quilted effect inserts on the base and back of the seat. The seat aperture which gives the interior a sporty feel is situated behind the passengers' head is lined in a piano black finisher.

"Juke is Nissan's bold, confident family member. The number one purchase reason is its design - customers love its style and assertive personality. We've loved working with our colleagues at Nissan Technical Centre Europe and the team at the Sunderland factory to develop a new yellow for Juke which will make an even bolder statement. To be able to offer the Juke in N-Design trim, with black roof, door mirrors, wheels and a much more driver focused interior packed with technology, we think will give the Juke an extra 'bang' . It brings a fresh flavour to the line-up - every member of the design team is looking forward to seeing the first one on the road," said Matthew Weaver, Vice President, Nissan Design Europe.

Improved interior convenience

Other updates to the interior of all Juke grades includes an enlarged glovebox, which has grown to 7.8 litres (6.6 litres for RHD versions). And the armrest has been redesigned to be more supportive, with an asymmetric design which increases the reach by 25mm but without compromising to the cupholders. The armrest lifts to give access to a centre storage cubby, as per the previous Juke, but the lid now features a clip which can hold three credit cards.

All grades of Juke are now equipped with an electric handbrake, ensuring maximum space and convenience in the space between the front seats. On the Hybrid version, the e-Pedal and EV Mode buttons have been relocated for greater convenience.

Starting from N-Connecta grade, all versions are now equipped with a wireless charging pad which can accommodate a smartphone as large as a iPhone 12 Pro Max. In addition, there are both USB-A and-C sockets for use by front occupants.

And tech-savvy kids (or adults) in the rear will appreciate the addition of both USB-A and USB-C charging points to ensure their gadgets are fully powered throughout their journey.

Additional new exterior colour options

While the return of the yellow paint option will grab the attention of Juke fans, there are other changes to the exterior palette options. The previous pearl white has been replaced by a new shade, which is a new formulation giving an even purer white look, plus more metallic flakes are included for a greater pearlescent effect.

Equally, the metallic black is a new formula. The new paint is richer and darker. This is achieved by using more carbon black pigment and replacing the metallic flake with a glass flake, which has the effect of generating a higher degree of "sparkle".

New wheel trim options are now available on Nissan Juke across the top three grades in the range. Each grade has a standard wheel trim, plus an optional alternative. The standard wheel on N-Connecta and N-Design are all new and each has a five-spoke design but the designs are unique to each grade, with a different technical, angular appearance. The optional wheel trim for N-Connecta, N-Design, N-Sport & Tekna is an eye-catching 19" option with optimised aerodynamic properties.

There is a new low-resistance rolling tyre option for the 17" wheel option which is available on the Hybrid version at Acenta and N-Connecta grades.

Additional driver assistance technology

With the update ofNissan Juke comes the standard fitment of Lane Departure Warning. Emergency Lane Keep is an option, but standard on the Tekna grade upwards. It monitors the Juke's position in the lane on a highway, for example and if when the car moves too close to the limit of the lane, as defined by the white lines, it will trigger a vibration in the steering wheel to attract the driver's attention. Without correction, the car will intervene and correct the direction to maintain the car's trajectory in the lane.

Taking advantage of the high-definition central screen, the resolution of the rear-view camera has also been increased from 0.3 to 1.3 megapixels. This means reversing manoeuvres can be taken with even more confidence thanks to a clearer image, especially low-light situations. The rear-view camera is now standard on all grades of Juke, while the Around-View Monitor which combines the view from four cameras around the car to create a "bird's-eye view" of the car's position for parking manoeuvres is available from N-Connecta grade up.

In the case of hard braking due to an unexpected sudden stop from the car in front, the brake lights will now flash to alert the driver behind.

Unchanged powertrain line-up

The Nissan Juke is equipped with two powertrain options. The electrified option is Juke Hybrid which consists of a Nissan internal combustion engine specifically developed for working in a hybrid powertrain application. It produces 69kW (94hp) and 148Nm of torque.

On the electric side, the main electric motor produces 36kW (49hp) and 205Nm of torque, which is supported by a 15kW high voltage starter/generator, which runs via an inverter and 1.2kWh liquid-cooled battery.

The net result is a powertrain providing 25% more power than the current petrol engine option, with a fuel consumption reduction of up to 40% in urban cycle, and up to 20% over the combined cycle.

Under the bonnet of the non-electrified engine option for JUKE is an efficient 1.0-liter three-cylinder DIG-T turbocharged petrol engine. It is compact and lightweight, imbuing the Juke with a fun-to-drive nature that owners expect. It produces 117PS and 180Nm of torque (200Nm with over torque function). Available with an engaging 6-speed manual or sporty 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) paddle-shift transmission, and a driving mode selector (Eco, Standard, Sport), drivers can effortlessly match their driving style to any driving scenario for maximum fun on the road.

"The updated Nissan Juke builds on its well-established strengths. Its stunning design is loved by our customers - and its attraction can only be increased by the return of the yellow paint option. With the new materials inside, as well as the enhanced connectivity, comfort and convenience, Juke's position as the pioneer and icon of the city crossover segment is stronger than ever," said Arnaud Charpentier.

13 years of UK production

The updated Juke is now in production at Nissan Sunderland Plant, where more than 1.3 million units have been built since the original was launched in 2010. The car will be built on the plant's second production line, alongside Qashqai.

Adam Pennick, Vice President, Manufacturing, at Nissan's Sunderland Plant, said: "It's a proud moment for our team to see the latest Juke going down the line - and it's particularly exciting to see flashes of the famous yellow in production for the first time in six years. I know our world-class manufacturing and engineering teams are looking forward delivering the car to the high-quality levels that our customers love and expect."

Juke is now the fourth most manufactured model at Sunderland Plant, behind Qashqai, Micra and Primera. Last summer the plant built its eleven millionth vehicle since production began in 1986.