After launching a CVT and all-wheel-drive version of the Juke back in May, Nissan has now expanded the local Juke range once again to seven models, courtesy of the introduction of the new Juke 1.5 dCi Acenta+.

Frugal diesel powerplant packs some performance punch

Nissan’s 1.5-litre common rail turbocharged diesel engine churns out 81 kW at 4 000 RPM and a handy 260 Nm of torque from as low as 1 500 RPM. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six speed manual gearbox.  

The Japanese car maker stated that the engine boasts a reduction in combustion noises as well as new-generation start-stop technology.  

Just like on the 1.6 DIG-T Tekna AWD CVT, drivers of the new 1.5 dCi Acenta+ will get to switch between three drive modes (Normal, Eco and Sport) via the interactive driver control system.

Whilst driving in Eco mode, the new Juke diesel limits the amount of torque produced to 220 Nm to reduce the overall fuel consumption. Sport mode, however, sharpens up the driving experience by adjusting certain factors including accelerator pedal feel and sensitivity.

TechSmart recently got a chance to get behind the wheel of the Nissan Juke 1.6 DIG-T Tekna AWD CVT (review), and found that this petrol powered crossover offered SUV practicality wrapped up in an eye-catching hatchback design. Also onboard for the ride was one of the best automatic transmissions we have come across in the smooth-as-silk CVT, along with oodle amounts of grip thanks to its all-wheel-drive system.

Although we did manage to get average fuel usage figure of 8.5 litres per 100 km via the Eco mode, the new 1.5 dCi Acenta+ is capable of delivering a claimed 4.2 litres of diesel per 100 km on a combined cycle (town and highway driving).

The interactive driver control system on the dash enables drivers to select between three different driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport) to suit their mood. 

Pricing

Nissan’s new Juke 1.5 dCi Acenta+ goes for a recommended retail price of R263 800, making it significantly more affordable than its petrol sibling - the range topping 1.6 DIG-T Tekna AWD CVT (R322 500). Included in this retail price is a standard 3 year or 100 000 km warranty and 3 year or 90 000 km service plan.

Standard equipment includes 17" alloy wheels, front fog lights, keyless entry and a start/stop button, an immobiliser, electrically adjustable and folding door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, electric windows all round, privacy glass in the rear, as well as a multi-function leather-bound steering wheel.

Buyers also net a multi-info trip computer, Bluetooth for hands-free telephony and audio streaming, four-speaker audio system with USB and iPod/iPhone integration, cruise control with a speed limiter function, plus a leather gear lever as standard features.

Standard safety equipment includes ABS with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and BAS (brake assist system), VDC (vehicle dynamic control), six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, an immobiliser and DataDot.

Nancy Reddy, product manager for Juke at Nissan South Africa said: “The recent expansion of the Juke range means that South Africans who dare to be different have even more to choose from.”

“The addition of the new diesel adds a whole new dimension to the Juke range, where absolute frugality meets unbridled driveability in a completely unique package. The new Juke diesel is exciting in every respect – whether that means achieving unbelievable fuel economy or enjoying the enormous amount of torque in a sporty drive,” Reddy concluded.

In other motoring related news, Peugeot recently launched yet another sporty addition to its local stable in the form of the updated RCZ Sports Coupé.