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Nissan unveil their star performers for 2011
publication date: Jan 22, 2011
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author/source: Robin Roberts
One is an old favourite, the other a cheeky new character,
but the latest Micra and sector-challenging Juke are both significant arrivals
in Nissan showrooms.
Together they represent conservatism and creative spirit
embodied in two models which will play significant roles in Nissan's sales
ambitions for 2011.
Their star status in Nissan's eyes was underlined by their
introduction to the British press at the UK home of film-making, Pinewood
Studios, outside London, where the Juke Crossover was definitely the main
feature and the Micra performed a supporting role. |  |
Following on from the Murano in 2005, Qashqai in 2007 and
its stablemate Qashqai +2 a year later, the Juke (below) is the latest in this
Crossover series and it is sufficiently different and dynamic to make you think
again about what you want in a traditional super-mini hatchback.
|  | It was created in Nissan's London design centre and is built
in Sunderland and Nissan anticipate selling 25,000 Juke models in a full year.
There are Visia, Acenta and Tekna grades with 117ps 1.6 petrol, 110ps 1.5
diesel and 190ps 1.6T petrol engines with two or four wheel drive and five or
six speed manual box and a CVT, depending on the chosen model. |
 | Two-wheel drive models have fairly conventional strut and
torsion beam suspension but the 4WD top range version is fitted with the
Qashqai developed multi-link set up.
The CVT package includes the handling
enhancement of torque-vectoring, a simple but nevertheless sophisticated way to
transfer drive not only from front to back but side to side as sensors detect
it is needed to optimise handling and grip.
Clever design makes the Juke resemble a three-door shape
within its flowing coupe-like profile but it is really a more practical
five-door design and all models have ESP, six airbags and air conditioning.
Acenta versions gain climate control, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and
multi-purpose central command and display module, while the top Tekna models
have leather upholstery, Nissan Connect telematics, remote key and reversing
camera.
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Nissan Juke product manager James Lacey said they
anticipated 80pc of the Crossover's buyers would be new to the brand, meaning
it would make significant conquest sales. Prices are from about £13,000 to just
over £20,300 and for the new model there is a 5.9pc APR finance scheme
available.
Juke production in Sunderland has replaced that of the
Micra, which is now being built and supplied to the UK from India after some 30
years of production and 5.65m sales worldwide for the model. | | The latest Micra has a completely new platform underneath as
well as body on top but it retains some acknowledgements to the previous series
inside and out, most notably the very generous room, neat proportions and
simple powertrain and chassis. |  |
All engines are three-cylinder 1.2 units with launch models
of 80ps and the summer will see the arrival of a supercharged 98ps, both
petrol, with very low emissions and high economy normally only seen in a diesel,
which will not be available in the new fourth generation Micra. They all exceed
50mpg average consumption.
Two engines with choice of five-speed manual or CVT
transmission share the same five-door body and Visia, Acenta and Tekna trim
levels with standard power steering, six airbags, electric front windows,
Bluetooth and ESP. Acenta comes with alloys, climate and cruise control and
Tekna get the Connect navigation and entertainment system, large sunroof and
parking slot assessment system, automatic headlights and wipers, folding
mirrors and drive computer.
|  | The new Micra is longer, wider and lower than the previous
generation with significant additional room in the passenger compartment but it
has stayed true to its design features and gives very good all round vision
with big windows, low waistline and slim roof pillars.
With 70pc of Micra sales expected to come from private
buyers, Nissan has decided to introduce a zero per cent loyalty rate for
existing Nissan owners to purchase the new model and prices are between £9,250
and £12,450.
For the new series, which is not only more economical and cleaner
than the outgoing version, the insurance groupings are substantially less as
well so the overall cost of ownership will be much lower. |
First impressions:
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It is expected about 20pc of Nissan Micra buyers will select
the CVT version of this city car, and it is the better choice of the two
transmissions.
Selection is simple, changes creamy and there is adequate
power for the job in hand. What is possibly more important is that left to its
own devices the transmission keeps down the engine noise level experienced with
the manual model tested as well.
The three-cylinder engine is always going to sound busy, but
it is more muted when matched to the CVT unless you rush along. The manual lets you know it's working away
getting the most out of the engine.
|  | For some unknown reason, the road noise also seemed more
noticeable in the manual and despite its refined equipment it was not
particularly sophisticated in the suspension department and you not only heard
but felt bumps and potholes.
Contrast the Micra with the Juke and it was a different
story. The new Juke looks like an off-roader with its ground clearance and high
waistline, but it rides surprisingly smoothly on its multi-link suspension in
the top model tested. |
With the 5sp manual gearbox there was adequate power
available for keeping up in the urban rat race, changes were easy and it
responded very well to steering and brakes.
Visibility is not as good as in the Micra but it certainly
felt more comfortable with figure shaped seats and a compliant chassis
underneath. The room in the back is fine
for two, but it would be a squeeze for three, and the bootspace is very good
with a maximum 830 litres available.
On the road, the Juke 1.6 DiG-T was surprisingly sporty in
feel for what is a family car thanks to its performance-car like suspension set
up and this will also be useful in mild off-road situations where good
wheel-travel and ground clearance is needed.
|  | Nissan is driving for sales among younger buyers and the
Juke is aimed squarely at style conscious owners who want the practicality of a
family hatchback but looks which set them apart from the crowd.
I think the Juke is not only one of the most distinctive
models on the market, it is also very good where it matters to drivers.
© Robin Roberts
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