Nissan Juke Hybrid Car Review

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…the revised Nissan Juke which is also now available with the option of hybrid power for the first time. Electrification lowers the CO2 output and improves fuel consumption, plus adds more power, so should make it more appealing to fleet and leasing customers. Along with a mild facelift, including a new grille, new alloys, new keyless entry system, new stereo and new colours, the Juke small-SUV is offered with a 143hp hybrid powertrain based around a petrol 1.6-litre engine and an electric motor coupled to a 1.2kWh battery. The hybrid system allows full electric driving for short periods and regenerates electricity when braking or slowing down and in some circumstances when cruising at motorway speeds, however, the only fuel you actually need to put in the car is petrol. Nissan calls the powertrain E-power and a similar set up will be available in the Qashqai later this year.

While the non-hybrid Juke range has five trim levels starting Visia and Acenta, the hybrid version starts at the third point and moves up from there.

The trim levels for the hybrid are:

N-Connecta
Tekna
Tekna+

All models are well equipped with all hybrid trim levels including alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, DAB radio, Bluetooth, USB and Aux connectivity, cruise control, 8-inch control touchscreen, Carplay and Android Auto, connected services, rear view camera, keyless entry, climate control.

The price hike for hybrid is £3,230 over the equivalent manual gearbox petrol model. However, over the equivalent automatic petrol, it’s £1,730 more for the hybrid. Nissan claims stronger residual values for the hybrid will offset the higher list price when it comes to monthly lease rates.

Is The Nissan Juke Hybrid Suitable For My Fleet?

It may not be a plug-in, but the electrified hybrid system makes the Juke a strong proposition for those that aren’t ready for full electrification, or don’t have access to home or office charge points.

The CO2 figure sits at 114g/km or 115g/km depending on the alloy wheel size, which equates to a benefit-in-kind level of 27% or 28%. That’s competitive rather than excellent and would mean a 20% PAYE employee would be paying £122 a month in tax.

The only downside to installing a hybrid powertrain has been a reduction in boot space. With the battery located under the boot floor, this space has disappeared resulting in a 68-litre reduction in size. However, the remaining 354 litre boot is still plenty big enough for a week’s shopping.

Leasing A Nissan Juke Hybrid

Nissan has a strong fleet presence, but like many manufacturers with supply shortages the brand is currently favouring the more profitable channels to market. The Juke has yet to officially go on sale, so lease rates are yet to be offered through leasing firms. Full details and first deliveries should happen before the 72-plate change in September.

Driving A Nissan Juke Hybrid

Small SUVs can be fun to look at, but their primary role isn’t necessarily to be a fun drive. This category of car has to provide it all; ease of use, practicality, functionality, reliability and all at an affordable price.

However, Nissan’s technical centre, where it develops cars for Europe, is based in the UK (not far from Milton Keynes) and as a result, the new Juke drives particularly well on UK roads.

Pick the smaller 17-inch alloys and there’s a great combination of comfy ride and good body control that means you can just about have it all. Yes, it’s no hot-hatch, but that’s not the point. The Juke simply feels really well judged for everyday use. It’s also something that’s highlighted if you move up the larger 19-inch wheels which not only push the car up a tax-band, but also reduce comfort levels and start to return a more jiggly ride over uneven surfaces.

Nissan’s hybrid system always sets off in electric mode, although it can still turn on the engine initially to charge up the battery if needed initially. Out on the road there’s a very smooth power delivery and an almost imperceptible switch between electric and petrol power. The automatic gearbox is smooth shifting and doesn’t ever get ‘confused’ about which gear it should be in.

Nissan offers its e-pedal regenerative braking system on the Juke which the manufacturer claims will allow you to one-pedal drive; with lifting off the accelerator slowing the car and generating power for the battery. However, it’s not as forceful as systems found in full EVs or PHEVs and it doesn’t operate below 5mph. If you’re paying attention, it’s this transition where you can feel, through the brakes, that it’s not quite linear. However, for the majority of the time you won’t notice.

At higher speeds on the motorway the Juke is very settled and the extra power of the hybrid system is welcome. There’s some wind noise off the A-pillar at 70mph, but no more than you’d expect for a car in this class.

FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Nissan Juke Hybrid

Stick with the smaller wheels and the Juke is a great small SUV. Fun to look at, fun to drive, well equipped and relatively practical for its size. If you must still have a petrol, then hybrid’s the way to go.