Nissan Juke Hybrid: Good intentions are not good

First: the color. Even before the car was delivered, Nissan Austria jokingly advised us to close the side windows completely so that no one would accidentally drop a letter. In retrospect, this bad joke stands out positively from the overall evaluation of the Nissan Juke.

Hybrid engine disappoints in practical tests

Only die-hard Juke fans will notice the visual changes in the latest facelift. And there are few of them, although the Juke also attracts attention in other colors. The real game changer, however, should be the new hybrid engine, which is now available as an alternative to the 114-hp three-cylinder. In theory, the advantages of the full hybrid make sense: it runs on electricity as standard and is only supported by the combustion engine when it is absolutely needed. In practice, unfortunately, nothing remains of the hoped-for increase in efficiency. On the contrary, an average of over six and a half liters is hardly a claim to fame for a car weighing 1,400 kilos. In addition, driving comfort also suffers. As a driver, you have absolutely no influence on which engine is currently in operation. Combined with the slow-shifting four-speed automatic transmission, you often feel at the mercy of the rather unique technology. You have to like the fact that the driving mode and the engine noise rarely harmonize. Bottom line: If you think the new Juke is great, go for the petrol engine – or buy a full-fledged electric car.

On the SN test drive: Nissan Juke 1.6 Hybrid

5-door plug-in hybrid SUV, 4-cylinder petrol (69 kW/94 hp), electric motor (36 kW/49 hp), system output 105 kW/143 hp, 4-speed automatic, front-wheel drive. Dry weight 1,444 kg, boot 422-1,305 litres, WLTP consumption 5.1 l/100 km, 115 g CO2/km, 6.6 l in test, Prices: from € 31,490, test vehicle € 36,290.

What you like about the Nissan Juke 1.6 Hybrid: Design – although not necessarily bright yellow.

What do you like least about the Nissan Juke 1.6 Hybrid: Hybrid engine, transmission.

What are the surprises in the Nissan Juke 1.6 Hybrid: Obvious quality defects (driver's seat squeaks).

The Nissan Juke 1.6 Hybrid is ideal for: Anyone who wants a hybrid juke.