Performance arm Nismo targets a new
generation of hot hatch fans
The introduction of a completely new breed
of performance car is something to celebrate, but the launch of a whole new
performance brand is an even rarer and more special occasion. This week, the
Autocar road test is marking both as Nismo – Nissan’s dedicated motorsport arm
turned go-faster road car specialist arrives in the UK. And its introductory
model is a hot hatchback from way out in the left field: a 197bhp Juke
crossover.
The
governing maxim of the Nismo brand is ‘innovation and excitement for everyone’
A barrage of questions presents, ranging
from the straightforward (read ‘easy to answer’) to the other sort. What is a
Nismo Nissan? Are the people who design them, develop them and build them
different from those who make regular Nissans? What kind of performance
machines can we expect them to be? Distinct from, say, a Volkswagen GTI or a
Vauxhall VXR? How, exactly, can we expect them to drive? And how high should
our expectations be of them as dynamic entertainers?
You’re about to find out. You’re also about
to learn what happens to a high-rise super mini when you bolt in an engine from
an experimental race car. Here’s a clue: it doesn’t’ hang about.
Design and engineering
The governing maxim of the Nismo brand is
‘innovation and excitement for everyone’. Theirs is a fresh take on the
performance derivative, for a generation of buyers who first came across Nismo
through video games such as Sony’s Gran Turismo series. Above all,
accessibility is key.
We
heartily approve of the red door mirror caps and red pinstripe body trim, both
of which are set to become Nismo styling hallmarks
There are clear parallels with Ford’s ST
models. Like a Ford ST, the Juke Nismo was engineered by a team of dedicated
performance specialists. The project included input from Nissans’ design center
in Paddington and its technical canter in Cranfield, but it was signed off in
Japan, by Nismo itself. And, like a Ford ST, the Juke Nismo is built on the
same production line as its lesser range-mates, to keep its price realistic.
Unlike the ford Fiesta ST that we road
tested last week, however, the Juke Nismo is a crossover super mini, complete
with raised ride height and esoteric styling. It has stiffer springs and
dampers than a standard Juke, as well as larger 18-inch alloys and a revised
steering set-up. But there has been no drop in ride height, there are no wider
tracks, no larger brakes and no saving on kerb weight.
Power comes from Nissan’s 1.6-liter DIG-T
four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Here, the unit gets a 10bph and 7lb
ft peak output hike, making 197bhp and 184lf fit in all, without impacting on
emissions; the Juke Nismo emits no more CO2 than a regular 1.6-liter
DIG-T. Ostensibly, though, this is still the same used by the Le Mans
Deltrawing racer – albeit in a lower state of tune.
That power goes to the front wheels in the
six-speed manual version – the one we’re testing. There’s also a
four-wheel-drive version that runs stepped continuously variable transmission.
Outwardly, the usual extended bumpers and
side sills distinguish the car, but of much greater impact is the enlarged
front air dam, flanked by LED running lights. This is a car that stands out
from the crowd. Meanwhile, we heartily approve of the red door mirror caps and
red pinstripe body trim, both of which are set to become Nismo styling
hallmarks.
Interior
The cabin benefits greatly from the focus
imposed by Nismo. The designers’ aim was to add simplicity, perceived quality
and a strong sense of purpose. In all three, they’ve succeeded. And they’ve
done so without removing the underlying character of the Juke’s cockpit, which
remains appealingly distinctive.
The
driving position is high, but many won’t mind, although it is slightly poorer
for the lack of reach adjustment on the steering column
The darker trim on the transmission tunnel,
center stack and headlining make the cabin look and feel quietly upmarket,
without clamoring for visual attention. Your gaze is allowed to fix instead on
the more important functional parts of the interior, such as the multi-modal
Nissan Dynamic Control System (NDCS), just head of the gearlever, which allows
you to tweak throttle response and steering effort levels, and cycle through
trip computer information, with the same switchgear that you use to change
climate control settings. Eye-catching, too, are the tactile Alcantara-trimmed
steering wheel and the generously supportive suede sports seats.
There isn’t a great deal of passenger space
– plenty of regular super minis offer more – but the raised hip point makes
getting in and out more easy than it might be. The driving position is high,
but many won’t mind, although it is slightly poorer for the lack of reach
adjustment on the steering column. Nissan is a regular offender on that charge,
for which there is little excuse these days.
That apart, there’s plenty to like about
the Juke Nismo’s interior. This isn’t a very practical car, but hot hatch
clientele probably won’t expect much on that front. Equipment levels are
generous, but so they should be for the price, and there’s just enough
go-faster flavor to whet the appetite. So far, then, so good.
