The Nissan Juke is a difficult vehicle to classify, but no matter how it
strikes you, the buzz-worthy 2012 Juke is certain to make a big
impression.
The truth is, Nissan designers had a field day with the 2012 Juke (starting
MSRP $19,570). With the body of a compact, the soul of a turbo rally racer and
motorcycle-inspired design elements, the Juke is perhaps the first vehicle in
history to truly embody the term "crossover." Outside, it blends a sprawling
black grille with silver turn-indicators and rally-style headlamps. Fluidity and
muscularity work as one, delivering one of the most powerfully unique vehicles
on the road today.

Behind its feisty face, the Juke in S, SV and SL models gets its
spunk from a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG
™)
turbocharged four-cylinder engine, good for a spirited 188 hp and 177 lb/ft of
torque. The standard transmission is an Xtronic CVT
® (continuously
variable transmission) with a dynamic Sport Mode. Front-wheel drive SV and SL
trims get the option of a six-speed manual transmission, which works quite
nicely with the attached turbo and the standard Drive-by-Wire throttle control.
The Juke gets the nimble responsiveness of an independent strut suspension, and
offers standard front-wheel drive or the punch of available Torque Vectoring
all-wheel drive, which can send torque to individual rear wheels as needed.
Another unique feature found in the Juke is the Integrated Control (I-CON)
system drive mode selector, which offers three throttle/transmission/steering
response settings Normal, Sport and Eco ? each adjusting handling and steering
feel and performance.
Surprisingly spacious and with nearly 36 cubic feet of cargo space inside
its curvy hatch, the five-passenger Juke brings real versatility to the daily
grind. Rear seatbacks fold flat, and there's a unique hidden storage bin beneath
the four-door's cargo floor. Top-level SL trims get the benefit of heated
leather seats, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shiftknob. Sleek
gauges reflect the company's motorsports heritage while a striking center
console, inspired by the fluid curves of a sport bike's fuselage, comes in Hot
Performance Red or Gunmetal Gray and leads to a technology-laden center
stack.
Nissan engineers outfitted the Juke with a nice array of standard
technology features: Bluetooth hands-free communication, steering wheel-mounted
audio controls, a six-speaker CD stereo (with speed-sensitive volume) and an
iPod interface. Next, they upped the ante with the available Nissan Navigation
System (with real-time XM NavTraffic®), as well as an optional
RearView Monitor, USB connectivity and an upgraded six-speaker audio system with
a booming Rockford Fosgate subwoofer.
For safety, the 2012 Juke kicks in the standard Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system with Traction Control, as well as crumple zones in the front and
rear and a slew of airbags (front, side and side-curtain). High-strength
side-impact door beams, a tire-pressure monitor and four-wheel antilock brakes
with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS) also show
up on the standard features list.
Consider the 2012 Nissan Juke the turbo shot of caffeine in your daily
coffee. Its style, performance and should-be-seen-to-be-believed versatility
pack a major punch.