2011 Nissan Juke

It might not be love at first sight, but a drive in the 2011 Nissan Juke will have you seeing the inner beauty of this feisty little hatchback. The 2011 Nissan Juke packs a few surprises. A small 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is standard, but thanks to turbocharging and direct injection it cranks out 188 horsepower, more than the normally aspirated 2.5-liter engine in the Nissan Rogue. Connected to a manual transmission or an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT), the four-cylinder turbo makes the Juke one of the quickest small cars around while still being pretty frugal with gas. The Juke also boasts a sport-tuned suspension, quick steering and an available torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system that combine to provide entertaining handling.

Young drivers should find a lot to like in the 2011 Nissan Juke. Compared to other small hatchbacks like the Kia Soul, Mitsubishi Outback Sport and Scion xB, it offers a considerably higher fun factor. Of course, one might also consider the new Ford Fiesta, which isn’t as quick or as accommodating yet still fun to drive, and costs less besides. There’s also the Mini Countryman, which is more expensive but similarly a hoot to drive. When it comes down to it, though, we’re quite impressed with the Juke. Hopefully its bionic frog styling will become an acquired taste.

2011 Nissan Juke

The 2011 Nissan Juke is a four-door hatchback available in three trim levels: base S, well-equipped SV and leather-lined SL.

Standard equipment on the S includes 17-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, air-conditioning, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, a tilt steering wheel, a trip computer, Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker stereo with CD player, iPod integration, an auxiliary audio jack and steering-wheel-mounted controls.

The SV adds a sunroof, rear privacy glass, keyless ignition/entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded upholstery, satellite radio, automatic climate control and the Integrated Control (I-Con) system. Option highlights for the S include a Sport package (rear spoiler, stainless-steel exhaust outlet and unique wheels), a Chrome package (door handles, mirrors and side molding) and an Interior Illumination package (accent lighting and illuminated door sill plates). The SV can be had with those options as well as a Navigation package (navigation system plus the upgraded audio system). The SL likewise offers the Sport, Chrome and Interior Illumination packages.

Every 2011 Nissan Juke is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 engine that sends 188 hp and 177 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. A CVT is standard on the S trim.

The Juke’s standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags.

The front seats are well-bolstered and the steering wheel tilts but doesn’t telescope. With the rear seats up, there’s about 10 cubic feet of cargo space available but it’s useful only for shorter items due to the tapering roof.

The 2011 Nissan Juke’s energetic little four-cylinder feels more like a larger, non-turbocharged engine in that it provides a broad spread of power. Turned loose on a twisty road, the Juke is in its element, happily bounding from corner to corner.