Big-selling small SUV gets more tech and the choice of hybrid power across the range On sale Late March Price from £23,485
James Tute james.tute@haymarket.com
FIRST LOOK
WITH MORE THAN 293 million records sold, The Beatles are the biggest-selling recording artists in history. And while the Nissan Juke can’t claim quite the same popularity, it was still one of the best-selling new cars in the UK last year. Even popular artists need to evolve to stay at the top, though, so this small SUV has been treated to a host of upgrades for its mid-life facelift.
The most visually startling change is the return of bright yellow paint to the options list. If you look closer, though, you’ll find an improved interior and a heap of new technology.
Not least of these is a larger, higher-quality infotainment touchscreen. It now measures 12.3in rather than 8.0in and, while still being mounted high up, it’s angled more towards the driver to improve usability.
Nissan has upgraded the system’s software, too, adding movable ‘widgets’ for quicker access to frequently used functions. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now available, and the screen can play videos from a USB device when the car is parked up.
For drivers who want to talk to the screen rather than prod, the voice recognition system has been improved. A new ‘natural language understanding’ capability is said to increase the number of commands it can recognise, as well as coping with hesitant speech.
On N-Connecta cars and above, the Juke now gets a second screen: a configurable 12.3in digital driver’s display that can be switched between two main layouts. One is a 3D-effect view with space to display a sat-nav map and other information alongside the speed and fuel indicators; the other is a simple two-dial set-up. Controls for the display settings are on the steering wheel.
Elsewhere, the Juke is now available with a wireless phone charger, plus USB-A and USB-C sockets for the front and rear seat occupants. Those in the front should be comfier than before; the seats have been upgraded with new fabrics, quilted-effect inserts on Tekna trim and a redesigned armrest incorporating clips to take three payment cards. The glovebox is bigger, too.
The Juke already has a five-star Euro NCAP s
