2021 Nissan Juke: Expectations and what we know so far

The Nissan Kicks is a subcompact crossover introduced by the Japanese carmaker in 2016. In several markets particularly in Southeast Asia, the Kicks is already replacing the Nissan Juke subcompact crossover. The reason for this is that the Kicks comes with a more affordable price tag, better efficiency, and interior space.

However, it seems like the Nissan Kicks won’t be arriving in the local market after the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) listed the model as Not Sold (NS) for the Philippine market.

This leaves Nissan Philippines to continue selling the Nissan Juke. Fortunately, one can expect that Nissan Philippines could introduce the second-generation Juke in the country this year. Judging by the looks of the second-gen, many would agree that the newer model looks way better than the outgoing model.

As of this writing, Nissan Philippines hasn’t released any statement regarding its plans for the local subcompact crossover segment. So for now, let’s take a look at the changes Nissan incorporated in the second-generation Juke and see how it will rival other subcompact crossovers in the local market.

2021 Nissan Juke: Exterior

Right off the bat, you would notice that the new Juke comes with a larger V-motion grille. Enlarging the V-motion grille of most Nissan models seems to be the go-to move by the Japanese carmaker moving forward. Well, a larger V-motion grille provides a more daring and aggressive look which is the brand’s vision.

The second-generation Nissan Juke

The quirky-looking park lamps and turning signal lights on top of the hood of the outgoing model are now removed. Instead, those lighting systems are now incorporated on the nose of the 2021 Nissan Juke in a sleeker manner.

The headlights, however, still come with a round design. But for the second-generation, it is now replaced with LED lights with a three-spoke shape. Overall, the front fascia of the new Juke looks sleeker than the outgoing model that comes with odd and ambitious designs.

The new Juke comes with sleeker exterior updates

The new Nissan Juke also comes with a new platform which is now larger and more rigid. The new platform offers better stability and performance. Despite coming with a larger platform, the new Juke still is lighter than the outgoing model by around 23 kilograms.

>>> Related: Kicks e-Power vs Juke: Which small crossover should Nissan PH sell?

2021 Nissan Juke: Interior

Inside, the new Nissan Juke comes with a new dashboard layout that looks simpler yet better. The new dashboard comes with fabric on some areas and it houses the new floating infotainment screen which we will talk more about in a minute.

A roomier interior for the new model

The center console now looks cleaner thanks to smaller and reduced dial gauges and knobs for the controls. There are now three A/C vents placed together in the center as compared to the outgoing model that has two on each side of the infotainment screen.

Without a doubt, the interior of the new Juke is much improved by Nissan. Moreover, the new and larger platform of the second-generation model also provides increased second-row legroom by 2.3 inches and cargo by 20 percent.

2021 Nissan Juke: Engine and performance

Under the hood, the new Nissan Juke is powered by a smaller 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine capable of producing 115 hp and 200 Nm of torque. The new and smaller engine outpower the outgoing model’s 1.6-liter gasoline engine good for 93 hp and 140 Nm of torque.

The outgoing Nissan Juke model

The engine can be paired to two different transmissions. The first transmission option is a 6-speed manual transmission usually sold for the base variants. The second transmission option is a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission which is ideal to use in daily city driving.

One can expect that Nissan could soon introduce a more powerful Juke model with a Nismo badge on it. Although it is still unconfirmed, it’s important to note that the first-generation got a Nismo version that comes with exclusive body kits and an upgraded engine.

>>> Related: Nissan Juke and Subaru XV, which is better for you?

2021 Nissan Juke: On-board tech and safety features

The new Nissan Juke is installed with a larger 8-inch floating infotainment screen that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This replaces the outgoing model’s 5.8-inch infotainment screen that is embedded within the center console.

Better looking center console overall

The instrument cluster is now larger as well which comes with a multimedia display in the center that can be used to show different information such as the mileage, speed, and driver assistance system. With that being said, Nissan did an excellent job in improving the bland looking tech features from the outgoing model.

As for safety, the new Nissan Juke bagged a five-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). The new Nissan Juke is installed with advanced active safety systems under Nissan Intelligent Mobility such as a forward collision warning, automatic LED headlights with high beam assist, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, and more.

2021 Nissan Juke: Final thoughts

With the unlikely entry of the Nissan Kicks in the country, we are expecting the second-generation Nissan Juke to arrive instead. The significant updates on the second-generation Juke can help the model compete at a high level against other subcompact crossovers such as the Kia Seltos and Geely Coolray.

The two-tone finish is a good addition to the new model

Moreover, the popularity of the Nissan Juke in the country is apparent thanks to its quirky-looking exterior styling and outstanding marketing. One can expect that the new Nissan Juke will further expand its nameplate in the local market if it will be successfully brought in by Nissan Philippines this year.

2021 Nissan Juke: Expected pricing

Due to the new and added features such as a larger infotainment screen, the new Nissan Juke is highly expected to come with a price bump. For reference, the Juke is offered by Nissan Philippines at Php 1,021,000, while the Nismo Edition is offered at Php 1,239,000.

In addition, the price could be even higher once the Safeguard Tax of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is approved. The proposal states that imported passenger cars should come with an additional Php 70,000 per unit, while the light commercial vehicles should come with an additional Php 110,000 per unit.

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