New Model Review: The 2011 Nissan Juke

The 2011 Nissan Juke is not the SUV for a person who values substance over style or for anyone who likes to blend into a crowd unnoticed. Sure, a Rogue is a bit more family friendly but buying a compact SUV doesn't need to be made with logic and reason in mind. Just look at the BMW X6.

Now, you just need to decide if the exterior style statement being flaunted by the Juke fits your own personality. To some it may just look like a frog but at the very least it is easy to see Nissan attempted a very brave and bold design statement. Me, I like the dramatic curves most of all and how they work together so disparately to make a truly cohesive whole. The headlights are a personal favorite.

The interior of the 2011 Nissan Juke is smaller but no less unique thanks to a motorcycle-style gas tank theme spreading across the ultra-modern feeling dash/center console. All controls are within easy reach inside the cabin of the 2011 Juke and the quality of materials used is exemplary especially considering its terrific pricing.

The 2011 Juke comes standard with a small but mighty 1.6 liter turbocharged/direct injected 4 cylinder that puts out 188 horsepower/177 lb. feet of torque. Not only does the engine's power come on strong low in the rev range but it also returns up to 27 city/32 highway depending on your transmission choice (CVT automatic or 6-speed manual).

Sure, the 2011 Nissan Juke may only offer 10.5 cubic feet of cargo room when the rear seats are in place but with them dropped it grows to a more competitive 35.9 cubic feet. No matter, the 2011 Nissan Juke is more likely going to steal sales from the Mini Countryman than it will from, say, the 2011 Honda CR-V.

The 2011 Juke comes with either front or all-wheel drive and I think the near $1,500 cost of AWD is well worth it not only for the added traction but also because it improves the handling characteristics of the vehicle. You see, when Nissan adds AWD to your Juke you also get a fully independent rear suspension in lieu of the standard torsion beam.

Basic S models start at only $18,960 very nicely equipped with everything that any modern driver needs coming as standard. For that price you get air conditioning, standard CVT automatic, 17-inch alloy wheels, AM/FM CD unit with iPod integration, Bluetooth, power windows, power door locks and much more. An S model with AWD starts out at a bit over $20,000 which is amazing for a vehicle with this many features.

The mid-level SV trim adds the option of a six-speed manual and standardizes a power moonroof, tinted-glass, leather wrapped steering wheel, upgraded seat upholstery, push-button start, automatic temperature control and XM satellite radio. For an SV two wheel drive model the price is $20,260.

The top of the food chain on the 2011 Nissan Juke order list is known as the SL and it comes with expensive feeling leather, six-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio with subwoofer, in-dash navigation, a back-up camera, auto headlights and heated front seats among other goodies for $22,550. Again, keep in mind that AWD is still extra.

It's nice to know that you can get a high style AWD family SUV with all of the goodies and still have change back from $25,000! Try and get out of a Mini dealership with that kind of budget in a similar spec and you will find it is nearly impossible.

I for one and am a big fan of the 2011 Nissan Juke and personally cannot wait to get some drive-time scheduled in the coming year. The 2011 Nissan Juke is at your Nissan dealer now.

NissanUSA.com