Nissan Juke Hybrid: New powertrain boosts the crossover’s performance

The iconic compact crossover, the Nissan Juke, will be available with a hybrid powertrain for drivers who want performance and reduced emissions in their vehicle choice.

Powerful and responsive, the Nissan Juke Hybrid’s powertrain offers 100 per cent electric-only start up every time. Driveability is made more enjoyable as the Juke hybrid comes with great fuel efficiency benefits thanks to the smart multi-modal gearbox, regenerative braking, and a high-performance battery.

Nissan Juke Hybrid: Exterior design

The sporty coupe crossover design of the Juke remains on the new Hybrid version. Close attention has been paid to every detail and a series of small changes have been made to optimise its aerodynamic efficiency – and to identify the Juke Hybrid as the electrified version. “Hybrid” badges have been applied to the front doors and the tailgate.

The front grille sports the new Nissan brand logo and features a strip of black gloss material where it meets the hood, putting it in line with other electrified Nissan models who share the same design motif.

The design of the grille itself is now mesh and has a smaller opening area to optimise aero efficiency, made possible thanks to lower cooling requirements of the Hybrid version.

Modifications have also been made to the bodywork below the bumper to improve airflow.

The rear spoiler which is mounted above the rear window has been re-profiled for cleaner airflow behind the car, too.

All-new two-tone 17” alloy wheels will also be for visual impact and efficiency.

Nissan Juke Hybrid: Space and functions

Inside the cabin, the right-hand of the two dials shows speed and the left-hand dial shows a power gauge. The needle moves between “charge”, when energy regeneration is taking place, through “eco” when propulsion is electric and “power” when the internal combustion engine and electric motor combine.

A visual representation of the flow of power can be displayed on the 7” combi meter screen between the two dials, showing all the different energy flows in a simple and clear animation, maximising driver understanding of the system’s operation.

The boot space is 354 litres, a slight reduction of 68 litres compared to the petrol version, because of the 1.2kWh battery pack inclusion. With rear seats folded, load space remains best in class with 1237 litres, while rear knee room remains unchanged at 553mm.

Nissan Juke Hybrid: Powertrain and performance

The Nissan Juke Hybrid powertrain consists of a new generation, state-of-the-art Nissan internal combustion engine specifically developed for working in a hybrid powertrain application. It produces 69kW (94hp) and 148Nm of torque.

A result of the manufacturer’s Alliance synergies, Nissan supplied the main electric motor which produces 36kW (49hp) and 205Nm of torque, while Renault provided the 15kW high voltage starter/generator, the inverter and the 1.2kWh water-cooled battery, as well as the highly innovative gearbox.

The net result is a powertrain providing 25 per cent more power than the current petrol engine option, with a fuel consumption reduction of up to 40 per cent in urban cycle, and up to 20 per cent combined.

Key to the driving pleasure at the heart of the Nissan Juke Hybrid is an advanced low friction multi modal gearbox that provides optimal use of the propulsive power, whether electric, petrol engine, or both.

To reduce friction, this gearbox uses dog clutches instead of conventional synchroniser rings to shift the four “ICE” gears and two “EV” gears. Additionally, to reduce friction, this gearbox does not use a clutch.

All vehicle starts are 100 per cent electric, and the two EV motors are used in combination to synchronise the gears, delivering a smooth, connected, and responsive acceleration.

Nissan Juke Hybrid: Efficiency features

The car’s system will automatically maximise EV usage, but it also gets a dedicated EV mode switch that can be used as a feature for when the driver does not want the engine running.

This is particularly useful in residential areas, around built-up areas like schools, car parks, drive-through and in traffic jams. While battery state of charge permits, it will force the Nissan Juke Hybrid to operate as an electric-only vehicle.

When slowing down, the electric motor will act as a generator and capture kinetic energy, turning it into electricity to be stored in the hybrid propulsion battery.

The Nissan Juke Hybrid also comes with a drive mode selector, allowing driver to select Eco/Normal/Sport mode. In Sport mode, for example, regeneration under braking is set to a high level to maximise electric power for effective acceleration.

As with the LEAF pure EV, the Nissan Juke Hybrid will be equipped with Nissan’s e-Pedal step system, which, when activated, allows the progress of the car to be controlled using the accelerator pedal.

Using e-Pedal quickly becomes intuitive and the effect is to reduce the workload of the driver during their urban drive and in doing so, it provides a smooth & relaxing driving experience, while maximising hybrid battery regeneration opportunities, further enhancing the EV experience.