Nissan Juke Enigma DIG-T 114 DCT 7 test drive: reviews, price, technical sheet

The Nissan Juke Enigma acts as a special-series caring for its design, within the range. But is this the most attractive finish?

Nissan Juke Enigma DIG-T 114 DCT 7 test – The Japanese urban crossover offers itself this high end Enigma special seriese which mainly relies on its style to stand out in the range.

A real enigma

The least we can say is thatit is aptly named, this Juke Enigma. Because it is indeed an enigma which hovers above this close cousin of Renault Captur, within the Renault-Nissan alliance, since its launch at the end of 2019. While the Asian only offersa single 117 hp petrol engine, his French alter ego, based on the same CMF platform, can boast ofa host of engines, rich in three petrol units, an LPG, a hybrid, as well as a plug-in hybrid. At a time when the Stellantis group no longer hesitates for a single moment to install the same engines under the hoods of Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Opel, its Franco-Japanese competitor still struggling to multiply synergies, as if sclerotic by ego quarrels, a painful legacy of the Carlos Ghosn era.

Engines that are long overdue

From the official voice of Nissan, we are promised the arrival new engines on Juke, unfortunately without precise timetable. For the moment, its uses a single engine to animate its range is similar to a big mess, in terms of commercial success. Clearly, this SUV kneaded with qualities deserves much better, but its parents do not seem to want to afford it.

High level of comfort

If onlyin terms of comfort, the Nissan Juke Enigma impresses, despite its pneumatic mounting 19 ″ low waist, one of its hallmarks within the range. Large black rims that do not affect the filtration power of its damping, worthy of a model of the superior category, and probably serving as a reference on the segment. Happiness never comes alone, its 3-cylinder is surprisingly discreet, when the overall soundproofing of the vehicle works wonders.

Modest but voluntary

This virtuous circle is completed by theexcellent management of the automated dual-clutch automatic gearbox (7-speed), of Renault origin, far from the rough CVT transmissions that Japanese manufacturers usually love. A very good point to take advantage of 117 ch of this Nissan Juke, again surprisingly voluntary, despite its low power level. On board, we can calmly consider long journeys, without fear of premature fatigue, especially since the driving position is flawless.

Worn on the drink

But the trips on board will unfortunately come at a high price, so much the machine struggles to contain its consumption. During our test, our average over 100 km was 8.8 l in urban areas, to come down to 7.8 l by mixing motorways and secondary network. Hence the urgency to offer new engines to this Nissan Juke, in order to cure its annoying penchant for unleaded. We regret that this variable comes to taint in this way a picture which seemed idyllic, until now.

The right finish?

On the style side, in addition to its large black wheels, the Juke Enigma is distinguished by dark body colors, stickers with an elegant pattern on the roof edges, as well as monograms bearing the image of this special series, on the C-pillars and on the central console. A cockpit which does not lack cachet, but which is satisfied with entry-level cloth seats, little in relation to its status of near-top of the range. At more than 29,000 euros, we hoped for a more opulent upholstery from this Juke Enigma. This leads us to better consider the Tekna finish, only 150 euros more expensive, with more rewarding seats, in particular equipped with Bose speakers in the headrests.

Verdict

This Nissan Juke Enigma will delight exterior styling customers. But this special series does not necessarily offer the best choice when it comes to the price / equipment ratio. If you set your sights on one of the references of the segment, although too greedy in fuel, it will be take the time to compare the endowments on the configurator online from the manufacturer to make the right choice.

Nissan Juke Enigma DIG-T 114 DCT 7
Tested version: 29,040 euros
From: 21,090 euros
Range offered: Gasoline 114 hp, from 21,090 to 29,840 euros

Technical sheet

Average manufacturer consumption / during the test (l / 100 km): 4.9 / 7.8
CO2 (g)/malus : 115/0 €
Fiscal power: 6 CV
Country of Manufacture: United Kingdom

Engine: 3-cylinder, turbo, 12-valve, 999 cc
Transmission: AV, 7-speed dual-clutch robotized gearbox.
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 117 to 5,250
Torque (Nm at rpm): 180 to 1,750
Weight (kg): 1,182
Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,21 x 1,80 x 1,60
Wheelbase (m): 2.64
Tank (l): 46
Max speed (km / h): 180
0 to 100 km/h (s): 10.4
Test tires: 225/45 R19 (Hankook Ventus S1 evo3)

Elbow width AV / AR (cm): 140/137
Front / rear roof clearance (cm): 105/88
Chest at 5 / at 2 (l): 422 to 1,305