Nissan Juke Rocks Japan

The gamble Japanese manufacturer Nissan took when designing the very unconventional Juke model seems to be paying off, as the model turned almost into an instant hit on its home market, receiving a staggering 10,900 orders in under a month since its launch. For comparison, Nissan was targeting a monthly sales figure of only 1,300 units. The color of choice for the customers, Nissan says, is Radiant Red, the same color in which the car was first shown.

The Juke, currently available in Japan and Europe, is powered by a 1.6l MR16DDT turbocharged engine, in either 2WD or 4WD configurations. According to the carmaker, the car achieves SU-LEV certification by emitting 75 percent fewer exhaust emissions than 2005 standards. The unit blends the power equivalent of a 2.5l engine and the fuel efficiency equivalent to a 1.8l one, being the perfect choice for those seeking both power and low fuel consumption figures.

The Japanese carmaker also announced today it will add to the Juke range the HR15DE 1.5-liter engine with dual injectors, the first mass-produced engine of its kind.

Features of the Nissan Juke include auto light system, ABS, EBD, SRS airbags, RearView Monitor Carwings Navigation System (Digital Internal HHD) with advanced mapping update system, fastest route calculation function, built-in digital tuner with automatic signal tuning (12 SEG/ 1SEG) and an iPod compatible entertainment system.

The vehicle proved to be equally as popular in Europe, where it secured, also in a small period of time, no less than 15,000 orders. In Europe, the vehicle is being offered in a choice of three engines, two petrol and one diesel.