New 2011 Nissan JUKE

 New 2011 Nissan JUKE Heats Up CUV Market in Japan

A month after unveiling one of its newest models,Nissan announced that the upcoming 2011 Nissan JUKE has received almost 11,000 orders in its home country, Japan. It still has yet to be seen how the uniquely styled compact crossover will be received in the United States, but Japanese buyers have taken a liking to the new JUKE with initial order estimates of 10,943 eclipsing original expectations of just 1,300. The Nissan JUKE will be sold in Japan, Europe and the U.S.

One of the more promising aspects of this announcement is the fact that these don’t appear to be just hand raisers requesting information, it is genuine customers that have made specific orders. This has allowed Nissan to break down the demographics of its newest model, and the results are probably just as surprising as the amount of orders. Despite a styling that would seem to be targeting younger buyers, the largest age group for Japanese orders is the 50 to 59 demographic with 23 percent and the second most is the over 60 crowd represented 21 percent of all orders. In all, JUKE orders exceeded Nissan’s expectations eightfold with buyers 40 and over accounting for 63 percent so far.

Judging by Nissan’s percentage breakdown, red is by far the most popular color in Japan with 29 percent of orders choosing the Radiant Red exterior color and 59 percent choosing the red interior. Options for U.S. models of the JUKE have yet to be released, but the sporty compact crossover will likely be available in similar colors as the Japanese model which include Pacific Blue, Meteorite Brown and, one of the more popular colors in the U.S., silver (Diamond Silver). The Japanese-spec Nissan JUKE is available in two trim levels, 15RS and 15RX, but the U.S.-spec trim levels should be similar to the current North American lineup with a base S and a more equipped SL model. Like the Nissan Cubeand Nissan Rogue, the JUKE could also add a more customized look with a Kr?m edition model.

European JUKE models will offer three engine options, but those set for U.S. consumption will offer a single engine: a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four that is expected to deliver around 180 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. The JUKE will come standard with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, while all-wheel drive and continuously variable transmission (CVT) will be the main drivetrain options.

The peppy engine and small size should make it a unique vehicle here in the States, but whether or not buyers can get past the JUKE’s odd styling has yet to be seen. One of the most polarizing aspects of the JUKE is its frog-inspired front-end design with angular marker lights positioned atop the widely flared front fenders. The actual headlamps are circular and are mounted on each side of the grille. The profile and rear view of the JUKE are less ostentatious and help tie the new model in with existing models in the lineup. The hidden rear door handles fit the styling of Nissan SUVs like the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Armada, while the boomerang-style taillights look like what can be found on the Nissan 370Z.

The all-new 2011 Nissan JUKE will hit U.S. dealerships this fall with a starting price that is expected to be well under $20,000.

 

Written by Jeffrey N. Ross
Date : 07/09/2010