2018 Nissan Juke Visia 1.6 petrol

Summary:

It's cheap and gets the job done, but boring

Faults:

The electric fan motor may fail, creating a risk of overheating if not checked in time.

Dashboard warning lights (ABS or airbag) illuminated due to loose connections or moisture in the connectors.

Wear on engine mounts or suspension components after repeatedly driving on roads with potholes.

The heating/A/C blower motor wears out.

General Comments:

Given its price, you could call it a reasonable car, on par with a C3. I say "reasonable" rather than "cheap" because, for a compact car, it comes with a significant price tag.

Evaluating it as a means of transport for necessity or leisure, I think there is room for improvement, especially regarding interior space utilization. What is the point of it looking big if a Nissan Micra offers almost the same amount of cabin and cargo space?

Things I don't like include the steering wheel adjustment, the feel of the gear shift, and the limited range, especially once the low-fuel light comes on.

It's certainly a bold design. The roofline is reminiscent of the GT-R, and the flared wheel arches project a muscular image. The front end is perhaps the least attractive feature.

The body sits high enough and offers reasonable approach and departure angles, allowing it to easily navigate paths where many others might hesitate to venture. On the downside, the shape is not aerodynamic, which impacts fuel consumption when driving at high speeds.

It has modest equipment levels (at least the Visia version) but given that it is the cheapest of all the Juke models, one could say it is acceptable.

It handles quite well and is stable on the highway, where it consumes significantly less fuel than in the city.

Its engine is the Nissan MR16DDT. This is a 1,618 cc turbocharged, intercooled unit featuring direct injection and variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust sides. It generates 190 hp at 5,600 rpm and delivers a flat peak torque of 240 Nm between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm.

The fact that cabin soundproofing isn't particularly strong is actually a plus; while the engine is audible at idle, it sounds like music to the ears above 4,000 rpm.

To summarize the car's pros and cons, generally speaking, I would say:

Pros: Highly distinctive design, smart button layout, easy to gauge dimensions for parking, Nissan Control (3 driving modes), steering feel, very reasonable fuel consumption, highly effective traction control/ESP, good price-to-equipment ratio, customization options, satisfactory Nissan Connect system.

Cons: Interior space and trunk size, steering wheel adjustable only for height, extensive use of hard plastic, location and size of the lower information display, body roll, lateral grip, manual gearshift feel, short fuel reserve range, limited off-road capability.

Considering it is a relatively inexpensive car, I rate it favorably. Although I would prefer a 208 or a C3, it is better than many similar cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th August, 2026