Nissan Juke NISMO RS – better all round

At the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, Nissan pulled the covers off the new flagship of the Juke range. Called the Nissan Juke NISMO RS, the new model features improvements in power, handling and styling.

The Nismo RS’s 1.6-litre DIG-T engine has been tuned to boost power to 218 horsepower from 200 horsepower, while torque in two-wheel drive/manual transmission versions is increased from an already healthy 250Nm to 280Nm. To ensure the chassis can successfully transfer the extra torque to the road, 2WD models also benefit from the addition of a mechanical Limited Slip Differential on the driven front wheels. An LSD is not required in four-wheel drive versions which have Torque Vectoring, Nissan’s Xtronic transmission and 250Nm of torque.

The Juke Nismo RS’s exterior now features lower front and rear bumpers, wider wings and sill side skirts, plus a dark chrome V-motion grille and a tailgate spoiler.

The chassis has been strengthened to improve torsional stiffness, while the brakes have been upgraded with larger front discs and ventilated rear discs.

Highlights of the Nissan Juke NISMO RS:

• Power rises by 18PS to 218PS
• Torque increases by 30Nm to 280Nm (manual)
• Ride and handling enhanced
• Strengthened body structure
• Sports brakes and large diameter muffler
• Mechanical Limited slip differential standard on 2WD models
• Design changes include new V-motion grille, RS badges and red brake calipers, plus the option of Recaro bucket seats
• Choice of six-speed manual or Paddle-shift Xtronic transmission with eight-speed manual mode

Options on the Juke NISMO RS version include special Recaro sports “bucket” seats, Xenon headlamps, Nissan’s Around View Monitor and Safety Shield which includes Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Moving Object Detection giving visual and audible warnings to avoid potential collisions.