Step up to the 2013 Nissan Juke SV to behold this funky-looking subcompact crossover in its midlevel trim garb. Though touted as seating 5, this little ute realistically handles 2 adults and 3 small children, while the cargo area still has room for only 35.9 cubic feet of stuff, and that’s with the rear seats folded. Some nifty moves, however, and a turbocharged 4-cylinder powerplant might make up for a few perceived deficiencies.
Said powerplant is a 1.6-liter turbo-toting inline 4-cylinder (I4) arrangement boasting variable valve timing (VVT) and direct injection (DI) technology. Mated with either the standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) with auto-manual Sport mode, or an available 6-speed manual transmission, this blown four-banger puts out 188 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, good enough for an estimated 27 mpg city/32 highway with the standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration and the CVT. The stick shift, alas, drops mileage to 25/31.
Additionally, this midlevel trim boasts the touted Integrated Control (I-CON) System allowing 4-mode, driver-selectable interface of climate control and other cabin functions with proper throttle response for desired performance and fuel economy.
Appearance-wise, look for this upgraded Juke to adorn its quirky profile with standard 17-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable mirrors and a power sunroof. Inside, this pint-size crossover sports premium cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, full power accessories, and a leather and simulated alloy, tilt-adjustable steering wheel mounting audio and cruise controls. Air conditioning, of course, remains standard, as does Bluetooth hands-free communications, with the MP3-capable single-CD player and 6 speakers bolstered by an auxiliary iPod interface and satellite radio.
The brand-new Midnight Edition Package is available to the midlevel 2013 Juke SV and boasts a Sapphire Black roof-mounted rear spoiler and mirror caps, as well as black 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The Sport Accessory Package, meantime, adds stainless steel exhaust tips and upgraded exterior trim pieces to the rear spoiler, while the Chrome Accessory Package adorns the offbeat exterior with chrome body side moldings and rear hatch accents.
Splash guards, exotic cabin illumination and added exterior protection coatings are all offered as standalone options, as is a memory-card-based navigation suite with a 5-inch color touchscreen display mated with a rear-view camera and premium audio components.
Safety-wise, this latest Juke SV comes with standard 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. A remote antitheft alarm also comes standard, while front fog/driving lights are optional.
