2011 Nissan Juke Turbo in Mesa, AZ

Nissan calls the Juke a Sport Cross, which ties in with its claim that it's a crossover between a sports car and an S-U-V. In that respect it's like the Suzuki SX4 that's been around for 2yrs with the so-called sportcross field to itself, and the new Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with its launch just 2 mnths behind the Juke. Small crossovers are the 4th largest and fastest growing segment, so watch for more vehicles like this, many with all-wheel drive like these three. The Nissan Juke is built on Nissan's global B platform, that's been around long enough to be well proven. Its 1.6-liter turbocharged intercooled direct-injection engine is being seen for the 1st time in the U.S., but it too has been pre-owned by Nissan in Europe and Japan for some time now. The name Juke is meant to suggest flitting around town, or as a boxer might juke around the ring, and the vehicle does just that. It's got a short 96-inch wheelbase, and a stance and style that looks rather jukey. Its styling is aggressively quirky, as Nissan likes to take chances. It's 7 ins shorter and 3ins wider than a Nissan Versa hatchback, so you might get the picture. It's a 5-seater, but naturally this size doesn't leave much legroom in the rear. The standard rear seat is a fold-flat 60/40, however, so there is good cargo space behind the front seat. The seats are comfortable and the fabric sporty in the Juke SV, while the leather in the Juke SL is lovely. The middle console design is inspired by a motorcycle gas tank, and its hard plastic is painted a glossy color, deep metallic red in our test model SL. It's distinctive, and cool. The 188 horsepower with 177 lb-feet of torque provides brisk acceleration. The CVT transmission with its manual shifting is quick and sharp, however we found the six gear manual transmission detracts from some good qualities in the car, including the quietness and steering. The fuel mileage with all-wheel drive is an EPA-estimated 25 City and 30 Highway, and we're surprised that it's not more, given the modern 1.6-liter direct-injection engine.Features:Turbocharged, Front Wheel Drive, Powered steering, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, Aluminum Wheels, Tires - Front Performance, Tires - Rear Performance, Temporary Spare Tire, Automatic headlights, Power Mirror(s), Variable windshield wipers, Variable Speed Variable windshield wipers, Amfm radio, Cd system, MP3 Player, Aux Audio Input, Bluetooth Connection, Bucket Seats, Pass-Through Rear Seat, Rear Bench Seat, Cruise Control, Adjustable Steering Wheel, Steering Wheel Audio Controls, Driving computer, Engine Immobilizer, Anti-theft system, Remote-control entry, Power locking doors, Electric windows, AC, Rear Defrost, Power Outlet, Driver Vanity Mirror, Passenger Vanity Mirror, Front Reading lamps, ANTI LOCK BRAKES, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Stability Control, Driver Airbag, Passenger air bag, Air bag for passenger Sensor, Front Side Airbag, Front Head Airbag, Rear Head Airbag, Child protection system, Tire Pressure sensor