2011 Nissan Juke is Sportiness in a Small Crossover Package

The 2011 Nissan Juke is the smallest crossover in the Japanese brand’s lineup, but what it might lack in size, it surely makes up for in sportiness.

The 1.6-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine makes a zippy 170 pounds-feet of torque.  There is a continuously variable transmission that is found in other Nissan vehicles and is standard in the Juke, however you may also opt for a six-speed manual.

Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel is also available.

Just for fun, Nissan included an integrated control system that lets the driver choose from normal, sport and eco driving modes.

Normal is, well, for normal, everyday driving – to work, school, wherever. Sport is the one to use if you’re on a nice twisty road in the mountains and hoping to have a little fun. Eco is for when you really want to take it easy on fuel consumption.

And speaking of fuel consumption, the Juke does pretty well in not hogging gasoline, getting from 24-27 mpg in the city and 30-32 mpg on the highway, depending on which transmission you have and whether you have front- or all-wheel drive.

For safety, Nissan has included an airbag system that includes side-curtain and side-impact, and to help avoid crashes there are antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability.

If you like a crossover to look sportier than your typical wagon, the Juke is the pick.

Its design is athletic and aggressive, yet it still manages to retain some form of cuteness, although Nissan had guys in mind in designing this vehicle, so don’t talk too loudly about that last characteristic.

The stacked lights and circular lamps nicely set off the front grille. The bulging fender arches neatly house the 17-inch wheels.

But the Juke doesn’t just look the part of the sporty little vehicle, it actually lives it quite well.

Take it around a few corners, and you’re sure to experience some thrills, and its acceleration ability will certainly impress you also.

For comfort and convenience inside, air conditioning, keyless entry and iPod and Bluetooth connectivity are standard. The mid-level trim SV model, which the tester was, comes with push-button start, power moon roof and the integrated control system. The top-level SL trim delivers leather seats, navigation and a rearview camera.

The Juke ranges in price from $19,600 to around $26,000.

With fun driving dynamics and unique styling, the Nissan Juke makes a compelling case for those in the market for a small, sporty crossover.