When the Nissan Juke burst onto the automotive scene in 2010, it’s fair to say it caused a stir. Its unconventional styling sparked debate, with some automotive critics less than enthusiastic. However, the public’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive, and the Juke carved out its own niche, becoming a trendsetter and prompting rivals to play catch-up in the design stakes.
With the recent news of the Juke nearing the end of its production run and a successor on the horizon, we decided to revisit the most exciting iteration of this bold crossover: the range-topping Nissan Juke Nismo Rs. Forget the standard models; the Nismo RS is where the Juke story gets truly interesting.
Beyond “Eww”: Understanding the Juke Phenomenon
The initial reaction to the Juke’s aesthetics was often… blunt. “Umm… eww?” might have been a common sentiment among car enthusiasts. But this knee-jerk reaction missed the point entirely. The Juke wasn’t designed to be universally adored by traditionalists. It was a deliberate departure, and it resonated deeply with a vast audience. Nissan tapped into something different, and the sales figures spoke volumes.
It’s almost impossible to discuss the Juke without acknowledging its “divisive looks.” Yet, Nissan deserves credit for daring to be different. In a market often dominated by homogenous designs, the Juke stood out. While some manufacturers chased trends with increasingly convoluted and fussy styling, the Juke maintained its unique identity for seven solid years. If it were truly as universally disliked as online forums might suggest, it would have faded into obscurity long before its 2014 facelift. But it didn’t. People kept buying it, proving that unconventionality can be a powerful draw.
Now that its time is drawing to a close, you might even find yourself missing the Juke’s distinctive presence on the roads. Its replacement, the Nissan Kicks, is already facing criticism for adopting a more conservative and, dare we say, derivative aesthetic. The Juke, love it or hate it, was undeniably original.
Nismo Magic: Unleashing the Juke’s Performance Potential
So, what makes the Nismo version special, and particularly the RS model? Nismo stands for Nissan Motorsport, the automaker’s in-house performance and motorsports division. Think of Nismo as Nissan’s equivalent to Mercedes-AMG or BMW M. Any Nissan race car competing in official factory-backed series carries the Nismo badge.
Does this mean the Juke Nismo RS is a race car in disguise? Not quite. Nismo also lends its expertise to create enhanced, high-performance road cars. You’ll find the Nismo treatment on flagship models like the Nissan GT-R, where it unleashes a staggering 600 horsepower, and the 370Z.
The Nissan Juke Nismo RS operates on a more modest scale, and it remains front-wheel drive, but within the Juke lineup, it’s an absolute powerhouse. A standard Juke produces just over 100 horsepower. The turbocharged “DIG-T” petrol variant boosts that to nearly 190 horsepower. The Juke Nismo pushes it further to around 220 horsepower – effectively doubling the output of the base model.
To complement this power surge, the Nismo RS receives significant upgrades: a larger, more robust braking system, a mechanical limited-slip differential to improve traction, and a stiffer, sport-tuned suspension for enhanced handling. Visually, it adopts the signature Nismo color scheme – typically pearlescent white or black with striking red accents – and Nismo badging is proudly displayed inside and out.
Sporty? Yes. Refined? Not Entirely.
Interestingly, the Nismo RS model manages to be almost the polar opposite of the standard Juke in many driving aspects.
In a regular, non-Nismo Juke, you’ll find a car that feels willing but ultimately a bit sluggish. Even the 190hp DIG-T engine can feel less potent than its numbers suggest, a characteristic also shared with the Nissan Pulsar. These models possess city car agility – unsurprising given the Juke’s B-segment platform and its close relation to the Renault Clio. They’re responsive and zippy in urban environments, but their performance ceiling is relatively low.
The Nismo RS breaks free from this mold. In its most responsive driving mode, it still demands to be in the correct gear for optimal performance around town. However, once unleashed on open roads, it reveals itself to be genuinely rapid. Furthermore, the Nismo-tuned exhaust delivers a satisfyingly sporty soundtrack.
This crossover achieves genuine hot hatch pace. This shouldn’t be entirely unexpected, considering it shares many fundamental components with the Renaultsport Clio RS and possesses a similar weight. Nissan officially quotes a 0-60mph time of around seven seconds for the Nismo RS, but this figure seems almost conservative in real-world driving. In a straight-line sprint, only the Peugeot 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport is likely to edge it out in this class.
Now, for the “but.” While the standard Juke is surprisingly enjoyable to drive in its own right, offering a touch of charm often missing in this vehicle segment, the Nismo RS takes a different path. Its ride is exceptionally firm – not jarringly uncomfortable, but firm enough to make you consciously plan routes to avoid railway crossings and poorly maintained roads. While it maintains reasonable urban manners, as long as you carefully navigate speed bumps, it’s not ideally suited for long journeys focused on comfort.
Long journeys might also be curtailed by fuel economy. For a car of this size and power, the Nismo RS’s fuel efficiency is merely average. In testing, it proved to be around 20% less fuel-efficient than the Clio RS. This less-than-stellar economy is coupled with a rather small 46-liter fuel tank. This combination meant fuel range anxiety could set in after only 100 miles into a 300-mile trip, potentially requiring an inconvenient fuel stop.
However, the biggest drawback for the Nismo RS emerges on twisty B-roads, the kind of roads where a hot hatch should truly shine. The limited-slip differential seems inadequate to effectively manage the engine’s torque output, resulting in significant understeer when accelerating out of corners. Even during less demanding maneuvers, like accelerating from a roundabout, requires delicate steering and throttle inputs to maintain composure.
The Juke’s inherent height also contributes to noticeable body roll. While the suspension loads up progressively enough, any significant application of power quickly overwhelms the inside front tire.
This isn’t to say the Nismo RS is slower through corners than a standard Juke, but it’s arguably less engaging and enjoyable until you reach a straight stretch of road.
Inside the Nismo RS Cabin: A Step Up in Sportiness
The interior of the Juke has always been a distinctive space. You could make a joke about “at least you don’t have to look at the exterior anymore,” but the cabin is actually quite stylish and well-designed.
A standout feature is the center console, styled to resemble a motorcycle fuel tank, flowing from the seats to the dashboard. While the design inspiration might seem unusual, it effectively ties the front and rear of the cabin together and places the gear lever within easy reach. In standard Jukes, Nissan offered customization options for the center console color, but in the Nismo RS, it’s finished in a more understated plain black.
However, the Nismo RS cabin distinguishes itself with ample use of suede-like materials and contrasting red stitching, elevating the ambiance compared to lower-spec Jukes. Ergonomically, the layout is generally well-considered. Experiences pushing a Juke Nismo around autocross courses have demonstrated that the cabin layout is genuinely driver-focused and functional.
The infotainment screen, however, feels dated and small by modern standards. This is a clear indication of the car’s age, but at least it’s present. It includes a usable navigation system and Bluetooth phone connectivity, although call quality lags behind newer systems. Touchscreen responsiveness, particularly when scrolling maps, is also somewhat sluggish. DAB and internet radio are included as standard features.
Below the main screen is a color information display that toggles between climate control and driving mode data, operated by dual-function buttons. Its low position makes it slightly difficult to view at speed, making it more practical to leave it in climate control mode most of the time. Standard equipment includes supportive sports seats trimmed in a blend of suede and Nismo red accents. Surround-view reversing cameras were an optional extra as part of a safety pack, but a basic reversing camera was standard. Aside from optional white paint, the test car was essentially a standard-spec Nismo RS.
This means the Juke Nismo RS misses out on some technologies now commonly found in B-segment cars. Heated seats, for instance, aren’t even an option. LED headlights are also absent. Despite these omissions, for a relatively compact and older vehicle, it offers enough features to keep most drivers content for everyday use, even if it shows its age in certain areas.
Who is the Nismo RS For?
The Nissan Juke Nismo RS attempts to appeal to two distinct buyer groups simultaneously: those drawn to crossovers and those seeking the thrill of a hot hatchback.
This dual appeal, in theory, should make the Nismo RS exceptionally popular. Performance-oriented models often account for a significant portion of B-segment hatchback sales, and crossovers are the fastest-growing segment in the automotive market.
As the only B-segment crossover hot hatch on the market, it occupies a unique space. It combines the elevated driving position and higher roofline of a crossover with hot hatch performance characteristics. Putting aside the polarizing looks, it’s hard to imagine who wouldn’t at least consider a test drive.
Alternatives to Consider
Direct rivals to the Nissan Juke Nismo RS are surprisingly scarce.
Almost nothing else in this size category offers comparable performance, and conversely, almost nothing with this level of performance comes in a crossover package. It’s somewhat surprising that in the years since its launch, no other manufacturer with an in-house tuning division has attempted to directly compete. One can only speculate about what a Honda HR-V Type R or a Ford EcoSport ST might be like.
Therefore, potential buyers are more likely to consider traditional hot hatches as alternatives. These include established contenders like the Renaultsport Clio, Peugeot 208 GTI, Vauxhall/Opel Corsa VXR/OPC, and the Ford Fiesta ST. However, the latest generation Fiesta ST arrived on the market after the Juke’s production run ended.
Within the crossover segment, few models come close to the Juke Nismo RS’s performance. While not a direct competitor in the truest sense, the Mazda CX-3, particularly in its 150hp AWD configuration, is perhaps the closest alternative in terms of a sporty crossover experience.
Verdict: A Unique but Flawed Proposition
On paper, the Nissan Juke Nismo RS appears to be a “Venn Diagram” car, occupying a unique intersection of the popular hot hatch and crossover segments. In theory, Nismo RS models should be ubiquitous on our roads.
However, in practice, it falls short of being a truly compelling hot hatch due to handling limitations. While retaining some crossover practicality, the frequent refueling stops detract from its everyday usability.
The Juke Nismo RS is a car to appreciate for its distinctive interior and the sheer audacity of Nissan creating such a visually striking vehicle, let alone a performance version. It possesses the ingredients to become a cult classic in the future, especially with the Juke’s discontinuation.
However, in the current market, there are superior crossovers and significantly better hot hatches available for your money. But then again, car buying decisions are rarely purely logical or rational.
Nissan Juke Nismo RS – Verdict:
The Juke Nismo RS, while offering a novel concept and decent straight-line performance, ultimately feels compromised and confused. Its handling is wayward when pushed, and the ride is overly firm for daily driving. It remains, however, a uniquely conceived vehicle, which is increasingly rare in today’s automotive landscape.
Learn more about our rating system.
Performance:
Straight-line performance is undeniably strong, and braking is equally impressive. It offers a compelling performance package for the price.
Ride & Handling:
Ride quality ranges from average to poor. Handling is compromised by the Juke’s height, and power-induced understeer is a persistent issue, even on dry roads.
Space & Comfort:
As practical as any B-segment crossover, offering decent headroom but limited rear passenger space. The trunk is reasonably sized and features a variable floor. Sports seats are a highlight.
Equipment:
Lacking in some modern features, with limited options to compensate. This is likely due to its age, but considering its age, it offers a decent level of equipment.
Value:
While offering a relatively high level of performance for the price, it’s more expensive to purchase than rival hot hatches and significantly more costly to run.
Quick Facts:
Engine: 1.6-liter petrol turbo
Power: 215hp (218PS, 160kW), 207lbft (280Nm)
Weight: 2,900lb (1,315kg)
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
0-60mph: 6.8 seconds
Top Speed: 137mph (220km/h)
Price As Tested: £25,040
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