Nissan Juke Sells Like Hotcakes

Japanese manufacturer Nissan outdone itself when creating the new Juke. Joining the carmaker's already crowded lineup of crossovers, the model came with perhaps the weirdest looks in its segment. Despite this, or maybe just because of this, the Juke is proving to be a hit on the carmaker's markets.

Nissan announced yesterday it has sold or booked about 50,000 Jukes worldwide in the four months since it was launched in Japan. In the home country, the Juke scored 20,000 orders, a number which is huge, given the fact that Nissan was hoping to sell only 1,300 unit sales per month.

The bulk of the orders for the Juke however come from Europe, where 30,000 placed their orders to date. In the US, where the model goes on sale this week, 17.500 people signed up for updates on the Juke.

"The demand for JUKE underlines customers' warm reception towards its innovative concept and value, breaking barriers in what is considered an all new category,” said Akihisa Suzuki, Nissan's Global Chief Marketing Manager for the Juke.

“It is not surprising that it's stylish design captures people's heart. Delivering a whole new experience by integrating the appeals of a sports coupe and crossover, drivers will be amazed by its agility and smart body motion control through advanced technology."

The Juke will be offered in the US with a single single engine choice, the 1.6l Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) Turbo, which develops 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.

The model comes equipped with six air bags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information, body-colored mirrors and front door handles, "hidden" rear door handles and standard 17-inch wheels and tires.