When Nissan->ke62 introduced the Juke->ke3600 in 2011, its hip styling in a rather bland segment made it a near immediate hit. To this date, it is still the swan in a class filled to the brim with ugly ducklings. Add to that a base turbocharged engine that pumps out 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of twist that allows it to hit 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds, even with a cruddy CVT backing it up.

That was 2011 and now we are moving into the 2015 model year, so it is time for a mid-cycle refresh. And a refresh the Juke received, as Nissan unveiled the Euro-spec Juke at the Geneva Motor Show->ke228 this week. Sure, a few of the engines won't make their way to the U.S., but we did get a nice look at how Nissan added in its new design language and revised the only U.S.-bound engine: the 1.6 DIG-T.

Overall, the refresh is, well, refreshing. The Juke looks like a whole new car, despite sharing most of its sheet metal with the 2014 model. Unfortunately, the Juke's interior is largely carried over, but the interior was never a complaint, except for cargo space, which was address with this refresh.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Nissan Juke.

2015 Nissan Juke

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Nissan Juke
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 188 @ 5600
  • Torque: 177 @ 2000
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The revisions to the 2015 Juke are far from revolutionary, as Nissan did not want to completely undermine the Juke's design language, but it knew the model was due for a refresh. Up front, the new Juke gets revised headlights to match the rest of the Nissan lineup. These restyled headlights include new bi-intensity LED running lights and xenon headlight bulbs. The changes continue with the front bumper becoming more flush with the grille and an all-new insert under the bumper to give it a sportier look.

On the sides, the only changes are new turn signals integrated with the side-view mirrors and new cameras for the available All Around Monitor.

Around back, the boomerang-style taillights received a light revision and a new LED lighting system. The rear bumper also got a healthy dose of new styling with faux, angular air outlets, round reflectors and a new under-bumper insert that adds a little sportiness to the compact crossover.

Rounding out the changes are three new exterior colors -- Sunlight Yellow metallic, Ink Blue metallic and solid Red -- and a new palette of wheels to choose from in 16-, 17- and 18-inch sizes.

New Headlights In Detail

Wheelbase

99.6 inches

Overall length

162.4

Overall width

69.5

Overall height

61.8

Track width (front)

60

Track width (rear)

60


Interior

Not much changes on the inside of the new Juke, with exception of the new base grey hue that gives the cabin a more techy feel. Buyers can also opt for interior packages that add hints of red, white, black or bright yellow.

When you open the rear hatch, you will notice the biggest change to the interior, as Nissan restyled the cargo area's layout to enhance its cargo capacity. In two-wheel-drive models, the trunk space actually grows by 40 percent to 354 liters (12.5 cubic feet) with the seats up. Nissan also revised the rear-folding seat to allow it to fold completely flat, adding even more cargo space. A new two-stage floor adds even more versatility to the cargo hull.

Yellow Accents In Detail

Cargo Area

Head room without moonroof (front)

39.6

Head room with moonroof (front)

38.6

Head room (rear)

36.7

Leg room (front)

42.1

Leg room (rear)

32.1

Hip room (front)

51.5

Hip room (rear)

48.4

Shoulder room (front)

53.6

Shoulder room (rear)

51.4

Step-in height (front)

16.7

Step-in height (rear)

17.1


Drivetrain

Since Nissan has only revealed the European specifications, I'll have to decipher what will make it to the U.S. and what likely will not. The engine that I can assure you will not make its way to the U.S. is the 1.5-liter dCi diesel, which puts down 81 kW (81 horsepower) and 260 Nm (191 pound-feet) of torque. This diesel engine is a direct carryover from last year's model.

An all-new 1.2-liter DIG-T gasoline engine replaces the old 117 PS, 1.6-liter engine in Europe, and could possibly find its way into the U.S. as an entry-level engine, but it is unlikely. This small-displacement, turbocharged engine puts down a respectable 85 kW (113 horsepower) and 190 Nm (140 pound-feet) of torque. This tiny engine uses auto start/stop technology to reduce CO2 emissions to just 126 g/km and reduce fuel consumption to just 5.5 liters/100 km (43 mpg) -- that accounts for a 13 g/km drop in emissions and a 2.2 liter/km (13 mpg) drop in fuel consumption from the 1.6-liter it replaces.

The engine that I am sure will be the only one in the American lineup is the 1.6-liter DIG-T, which Nissan revised with higher compression, reduced internal friction and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system. This amounts out to 140 kW (188 horsepower) -- the same as last year's 1.6 DIG-T -- and a peak torque at lower engine revs. The real changes to this engine show in terms of its emissions, as this engine now puts out just 139 g/km of CO2 -- a 20 g drop from last year's model.

There is no mention of the standard gearbox, but I am willing to bet that the five-cog manual will carry over from last year. Optionally, buyers can opt for a six-speed manual on the 1.6 DIG-T engine or a new Xtronic transmission for increased fuel economy.

We'll bring you all of the American specifications one Nissan releases them.

Type

1.5-Liter dCI Diesel

1.2-Liter DIG-T

1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) DOHC 16-valve turbocharged 4-cylinder engine

Horsepower

81 hp

113 hp

188 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque

191 lb-ft

140 lb-ft

177 lb-ft @ 2,000 – 5,200 rpm


Prices

There is no information on pricing yet.

Competition

Kia Soul

When I had my crack at the 2014 Kia Soul! I noted that its cabin was downright gorgeous, but the outside is still hideous. The Nissan certainly trumps it in outward looks, but the Kia still has its number is useful interior. Unfortunately for Kia, the Soul's rear seats do not fold flat, leading to a tougher time loading cargo.

the Soul also loses steam in the power department, as the Juke's 188-pony four-pot crushes its most powerful offering by 24 horsepower. I am sure Kia will soon respond with a turbo version of the Soul, but that has yet to happen.

Scion xB

There's something about the compact crossover realm that makes automakers lose all concept of design, as the Scion xB is even uglier than the Soul... To boot, the xB's cabin is very cheap and dated, and its 158-horsepower engine is nothing to write home about.

Hyundai Tucson

Now, if you're looking for something that is not a cube on wheels, and are will to spend more money and go a little larger, than you can look into the Hyundai Tucson. In 2014, the Tucson checked in about $2k more than the Juke, but it featured a larger cabin, 25.7 cubic feet of cargo room and an optional, 182-horsepower engine.

Conclusion

In a class of underpowered cubes, the Juke is the obvious winner. It has all the style that others in its class lack, and in order to match its styling, you have to move up into a pricier segment of crossovers. The Juke does, however, still offer little cargo room with the seats up and not much more with the seats folded. On the other hand, it performs really, really well.