In 2018, after eight years on sale, Nissan produced the one-millionth Juke in its Sunderland plant. Throughout its short life, the quirky little crossover became seriously successful and, whether you like it or not, the second generation Juke is in the cards. Not only in the cards, but Nissan is close to finishing its development. I expect it to debut later in 2019 or early 2020. Unlike the previous generation Juke, the new one will employ novel technology introduced with the CMF-B platform from Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. It is the same platform used for the construction of the latest Renault Clio which means that the new Nissan Juke will support a hybrid system. If Nissan grows some balls, it could offer the Juke in an all-electric guise too.

While all of you wait for the date of its release, I am sharing with you all I know about the new 2020 Nissan Juke.

How Will The New 2020 Nissan Juke Look?

While this may sound surprising, one of the main reasons for people buying the Juke is its quirky looks. The new generation, thus, cannot be completely different compared to the old Juke. I feel that Nissan will do with it the same thing Renault did with the Clio. According to the spy shots of the new Juke, it is clear that the signature front double lights will remain. Albeit changed a bit. The upper ones will be LED day running lights with the lower ones acting as headlights. It is a similar story to what we already had, although the shape of the front light sections is entirely new. Spy photos do reveal a larger V-shaped grille and trapezoidal lower air intake. Look closely, and you will see that the mirrors migrated from the glasshouse to the doors, while the rear door handles remained just behind the rear glass. It is a successful design for sure, but I am a bit disappointed that Nissan did not go a bit further with the redesign. This way, you are most likely to think about the new 2020 Nissan Juke as a mere redesign and not as an entirely new vehicle. But it is entirely new! Believe me.

Not only did it receive a somewhat different rear end with horizontally positioned taillights, but it seems that Nissan stretched its wheelbase a bit. The Internet warriors throw around rumors about the 2020 Nissan Juke having a 0.8-inch longer wheelbase. This could go far in creating more legroom for the rear passengers. Lack of it was a significant issue for the first-gen Juke.

Clearly, that would be different compared with what Renault did with the Clio as the little French city car is shorter overall.

Finally, while the shape may evoke much the same styling as before, the Juke should be a bit more aerodynamic. After all, the first Juke has a Drag coefficient of 0.35 Cd. That's the same as the 2008 Toyota Sequoia. You know, a full-size SUV that measures 80 inches in width. I am sure that the 2020 Nissan Juke's drag coefficient will drop significantly.

What Will The New 2020 Nissan Juke Be Like Inside?

Note: current Nissan Juke pictured here.

Do you know that the motorcycle fuel tank inspired the central tunnel design in the Nissan Juke? Look at it; it looks like it. Some liked it, but many did not. I believe this has to go away in the new generation. Zooming through the spy photos, I saw that the new model comes with a so-called "floating" display. I hate that term, so I'll say, that 2020 Juke will have a screen on top of its dash. It is expected considering that everyone does it today. And it is smart thinking as you don't have to move your eyes away from the road to glance at it. Again, if Nissan grows some balls, it could keep that other screen for the air con (and torque, and G force dial). Only, it could move it to a better place.

So, expect digital dials instead of analog ones on the screen that can, depending on a version, measure 7 or 10 inches. The comprehensive infotainment system is a must in a car of this stature. Expect everything - from a voice recognition system to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

I did say that the Juke will probably grow a bit. With extended wheelbase and a bit more width, the cabin should be a far comfier and more inviting place. Also, 10.5 cubic feet of space in the trunk was nothing to write home about. That number will grow too.

2020 Nissan Juke Drivetrain, Performance, and Technology

With competition like the Hyundai Kona, Ford EcoSport, Chevy Trax, Audi Q2, Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-3, Kia Stonic, and the Citroen C4 Cactus, the new Nissan Juke has to be more technically sound than ever. Considering it rides on the same CMF-B platform of the Renault Clio, I can say right now that it is. Renault managed to slash the weight of the new Clio considerably. The lightest new Clio tips the scales at 2,330 pounds. Considering that lightest Juke currently tips the scales at 2,912 pounds, I wonder how far under 2,900 pounds the Juke can go in its novel interpretation?

With less weight, better aerodynamics, and new engines, the Juke should be far more fuel efficient than before.

Apart from the 1.5-liter turbodiesel in European models that returns 50+ mpg, the 2020 Juke will likely have a modern 1.3-liter, turbocharged gasoline engine as one option. Currently available in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Renault Megane, and a variety of other cars, the new 1.3-liter engine has a wide power range of 115, 130, 140, and 160 horsepower. The Juke is likely to get the entry version with 115 horsepower and, I believe, a high-end version with 160 horsepower. This engine rated at 140 horsepower can return up to 42 mpg in the Renault Megane IV. The Juke should be similarly efficient.

More importantly than that is the probable inclusion of the E-Tech hybrid propulsion system that debuted with the new Clio. Renault is adamant that the system offers unparalleled levels of electrification.

"The E-TECH block is built around a gasoline internal combustion engine (1.6L) whose action is supplemented by two electric motors powered by a battery . The whole system is dynamically controlled by an intelligent multimode gearbox without a clutch, designed by Renault’s design studio to offer the most efficient level of electrification at all times."

Apart from the modern propulsion solutions, the 2020 Nissan Juke will have a comprehensive suite of safety technologies as standard. That includes a 360-degree camera, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active park assist. Nissan ProPilot Assist Technology should be in the cards as well.

2017 Nissan Juke - U.S. specifications

2015 Nissan Gripz Concept

Back in 2015, Nissan introduced the Gripz Concept. It pretty much confirms all the assumptions I made about the new Juke.

Plus, the Gripz is a hybrid. Sort of.

"The Nissan Gripz Concept is equipped with an EV technology based Series hybrid system 'Pure Drive' e-Power. An efficient petrol engine is used to power the electric motor found in the Nissan LEAF."

While I believe that the Nissan Juke Hybrid will have the same hybrid system as the Clio, I would be thrilled if Nissan goes an extra mile and configure it with the similar layout to what it showed in the Gripz Concept.

Read our full review on the 2015 Nissan Gripz Concept

Conclusion

Stylistically, the 2020 Nissan Juke will be as recognizable and as quirky. Technologically, it will be a complete departure from the car it replaces. The new 2020 Nissan Juke is lighter, smarter, connected, fuel efficient, and electrified. Plus, it will give Juke enthusiasts precisely what they needed - slightly better rear legroom, slightly more room in the boot, and peppier engines to play with.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Nissan Juke.

Read our full review on the 2015 Nissan Gripz Concept