Is Nissan's Juke the 21st-century Bug?
30.07.11
Around here the Juke got the nickname frog in reference to the eye-like lamps bulging from the hood, a roughly three-dimensional teardrop shape and the big rear haunches from which it jumps forward when it goes on boost. Like the original Volkswagen Beetle, it’s a somewhat practical, occasional four-seat runabout of distinctive appearance.
But 70 years of progress mean similarities end there. The Juke’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine — the same size as many a Bug — is a turbocharged and direct-injected unit with 188 horsepower up top and 177 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 rpm onward. With a whistle from its turbine and mechanical smoothness the only thing that comes close is the MINI S-model’s turbo 1.6.
A front-wheel-drive Juke SV or SL is offered with a six-speed manual or the continuously variable automatic transmission standard on base and all-wheel drive models. The CVT helps with fuel economy, though there were more opportunities on my drives to explore the 188-hp than the 27/32 mpg. A small engine and 3,000 pounds won’t break the bank on recommended premium unleaded.
Source: Ventura County Star