2013 Nissan Juke Nismo

Speed, control and design are all included in the turbocharged Juke NISMO that Nissan recently loaned to me. The Sapphire black with a hint of blue exterior paint is enhanced with signature red accent stripes on the outside and in the vehicle’s interior. The red mirror covers compliment the dome shaped turn signals that are slightly raised above the hood for an aerodynamic look.

Along with the red side mirrors, the exclusive NISMO package includes racing style front seats with additional bolstering, shift knob, gauges and an Alcantara and leather-wrapped steering wheel with a red accent stripe at the top center wheel position. NISMO’s front LED accent lights, customized front grill and rear spoiler match the performance of a NISMO-tuned 1.6 liter direct injection turbocharged engine with Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), suspension and steering. The CVT has a sport mode and torque vectoring all wheel drive while pushing 18” alloy wheels.

I had the opportunity to drive this same Juke while attending this year’s Rocky Mountain Driving Experience in Denver in June. I drove the Juke from the Garden of the Gods on some canyon roads between Colorado Springs and Denver. While quizzing the Nissan representative that rode with me in the car about some of the features of the Juke, he pointed out the Integrated Control System (I-CON) is a new feature Nissan would like to make more prevalent in their vehicles. The I-CON has a climate and drive mode selector that converts the back-lit buttons accordingly. The interchangeable buttons surround a small digital information center that displays climate and drive information like inside temperature, fan speed and fuel economy.

The extra options of this Juke included a Nissan navigation system with a 5” full-color touch screen display with XM NavTraffic and back up camera. I was impressed with the sound quality of the Rockford Fosgate ecoPUNCH premium audio system which includes a subwoofer for that extra thump. Phone connectivity can be wireless through the Bluetooth handsfree system. All audio and cruise control settings can be accessed from the steering wheel. Music can also be played from an iPod, smartphone or other MP3 device through the USB Connection port, although it can’t be streamed via Bluetooth.

Overall, I had a lot of compliments about the look and design of the Juke from passengers, passersby and fellow parking lot attendees. The NISMO Juke has great control and fulfills the sporty desire many drivers have while travelling around town or through windy canyon roads and highways.

You can find the 2013 Nissan Juke Nismo AWD at Wilson Motor Company located at 328 North Main in Logan. (866) 579-2209
See Wilson’s complete inventory on Cars435.com
Base MSRP: $25,290
Price as Driven: $27,710