2014 Nissan Juke now on sale

Jeanne McGann of Nissan Ireland with the 2014 Nissan Juke

Nissan has launched the second-generation of its Juke crossover to the Irish market, writes Trish Whelan.

This rowdy little brother to the Qashqai has always been the funky member of the Nissan family.

The new car has retained the mix of crossover toughness and sporty appeal that has seen it become a design icon. Showing its muscle, the car still looks as if it's on steroids.

The new car hasn't differed in size from the original launched around three years ago and which went on to win Continental Irish Car of the Year; the only differences are some changes to the front and to the rear, a new top specification level, and the 40 percent increase in luggage space in the 2WD versions thanks to a two-deck luggage system which makes the space more flexible. This takes the luggage capacity to 354 litres. The car can carry a large and a medium suitcase at the same time, and is also deep and wide enough to carry a chassis-type pushchair. Flat folding rear seats make it easier to load large objects. New Juke also gets an open-air panoramic glass roof which covers two-thirds of the roof area.

Juke comes with the latest generation of NissanConnect which offers smartphone connectivity, and satellite navigation, through the big 5.8-inch colour touch screen which doubles as a monitor for the latest version of Nissan's 'Around View Monitor'. This allows a complete 360 degree 'helicopter' view around the car to make manoeuvring safer.

Customers can stamp their own personality on their car with a new personalisation programme called 'Nissan Design Studio', offering a range of new colours and interior and exterior themes.

Power is from a 1.5 diesel diesel and a new 1.2 petrol engine. Tax Bands are from A3-C (€190 - €390). Despite all the extra features, prices remain the same as before, from €19,295-€26,095. A 1.6 petrol CVT fully automatic version is available priced from €22,395.

Three trims are offered, XE, SV and SVE (new).

The new colour palette now has ten colours and includes three new shades: Sunlight Yellow metallic, Ink Blue metallic and solid Red.

While there's a big list of standard features, optional extras include a sunroof (€1,000), Metallic/Pearl paint (€500), Nissan Connect (€750), Exterior pack (€630) and an Interior pack (€320).

Juke competes in the C-Segment crossover market, one of the faster growing segments right across Europe and Nissan Ireland expect to sell about 500 units a year.

All Jukes sold in Europe, are built in Europe at Nissan's enormous production plant in Sunderland in the UK, where Qashqai is also produced.

Rivals are Renault Captur and Opel Mokka.