Nissan’s iconic compact crossover, the Juke, will soon welcome a new powertrain to its line-up with the addition of a hybrid option, delivering responsive performance combined with reduced emissions/consumption.
“Nissan’s electrified product strategy is gaining momentum and the Juke Hybrid which will join the line-up later this year will represent another milestone on our strategic ambition to have fully electrified range by 2023,” said Guillaume Cartier, Chairperson, Nissan AMIEO region.
Juke Hybrid will showcase a true multi-modal hybrid powertrain, as opposed to enhancing traditional internal combustion engines with electric capabilities, in turn delivering key customer benefits:
- 100% electric-only start up – every time.
- Enjoyable driveability in all circumstances.
- Excellent fuel efficiency thanks to the smart multi-modal gearbox, efficient regenerative braking and high-performance battery
Central to the development of the hybrid powertrain was the importance to Juke customers of a rewarding driving experience. And, the thrill of the drive can be matched by this new powerful, responsive and efficient powertrain.
The Juke hybrid powertrain consists of a new-generation, state-of-the-art Nissan internal combustion engine specifically developed for working in a hybrid powertrain application. It produces 69kW (94hp) and 148Nm of torque.
Its intelligent drive system governs the powertrain according to many parameters, with the objective of optimising the amount of time Juke spends in EV mode.
During testing, Nissan’s engineers achieved up to 80 per cent of an urban drive in pure EV mode, with short hybrid phases to recharge the battery.
The Juke Hybrid not only starts 100 per cent in electric mode, it can reach speeds up to 55kph/34mph in pure EV, for drivers to enjoy a strong, constant and sustained EV driving experience.
The system will automatically maximise EV usage, but Juke Hybrid also gets a dedicated EV mode switch that can be used as a feature for when the driver does not want the engine running, such as residential neighbourhoods and around built-up areas where there may be schools, car parks, drive-throughs and traffic jams.
When battery state of charge permits, it will force the Juke Hybrid to operate as an electric-only vehicle.
When slowing down, the electric motor will act as a generator and capture kinetic energy, turning it into electricity to be stored in the hybrid propulsion battery.
As with the LEAF pure EV, the Juke Hybrid will be equipped with Nissan’s e-Pedal step system, which, when activated, allows the progress of the car to be controlled using the accelerator pedal.
When the foot is lifted from the accelerator, moderate braking is applied. Additional foot braking may sometimes be necessary to decelerate, and is needed to achieve full stop (auto hold function can be selected for convenience).
Using e-Pedal quickly becomes intuitive and the effect is to reduce the workload of the driver during their urban drive. In doing so, it provides a smooth and relaxing driving experience while maximising hybrid battery regeneration opportunities, further enhancing the EV experience.
External modifications
The sporty coupe crossover design of the Juke remains on the new Hybrid version.
Close attention has been paid to every detail and a series of small changes have been made to optimise its aerodynamic efficiency – and to identify the Juke Hybrid as the electrified version. “Hybrid” badges have been applied to the front doors and the tailgate.
The front grille of JUKE Hybrid now sports the new Nissan brand logo and also features a strip of black gloss material where it meets the hood, putting it in line with other electrified Nissan models who share this same design motif.
The design of the grille itself is now mesh and has a smaller opening area to optimise aero efficiency, made possible thanks to lower cooling requirements of the Hybrid version. Modifications have also been made to the bodywork below the bumper to improve airflow and, uniquely for the hybrid, a radiator grille shutter has been added, allowing airflow to be automatically adjusted according to cooling needs, reducing aero drag as much as possible.
“The introduction of the new Juke Hybrid this summer will be another key addition to Nissan’s electrified range. We are in the middle of an electrified product offensive that places equal emphasis on eco-efficiency and driving pleasure.
“Like all of our electrified products, Juke Hybrid rewrites the rules in its segment thanks to the bold innovation that delivers more performance and more efficiency,” said Arnaud Charpentier, Region Vice President, Product Strategy and Pricing, Nissan AMIEO region.