Nissan ups excitement with CVT Automatic and All-Wheel Drive Juke

2013/05/20

• JUKE sales success story set to continue
• New Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) auto model brings driving ease to the line-up
• New CVT auto AWD turbo model raises the JUKE pulse even further

ROSSLYN, South Africa – Nissan announced the introduction of new CVT automatic and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versions of its popular JUKE range in South Africa.

The new JUKE models join the existing four-model line-up, adding options which will extend the sales success of the compact crossover's, enjoyed since its launch towards the end of 2011. 

To date, over 6,600 JUKEs have been sold locally, emphasising its appeal to the market as a fun, trendy and funky crossover alternative. The JUKE 1.6 DIG-T Tekna model, with its zesty turbocharged engine, also found favour with South Africa's motoring journalists this year, proudly occupying a spot as one of the 2013 WesBank/SAGMJ Car of the Year finalists.

Nancy Reddy, Manager of Product Marketing for Crossover Vehicles at Nissan South Africa, reiterates the JUKE's core values: “The Nissan JUKE is pure offspring of the Nissan bloodline where innovation, inspiration and ‘never conforming to the norm' form the genetics which drive our crossover thinking.

“Daring, energetic, filled with pure adrenalin and being downright fun-to-drive – these are the attributes which made the JUKE an instant hit in the South African market. The JUKE's attitude, spunk and not being just another ‘me too' car makes one sit up and take notice, even amongst the motoring industry's gurus – the JUKE won CAR Magazine's ‘Best Buy' award for 2013 in the category for Best Light SUV/Crossover. With the extension of the range to include a CVT automatic in 2WD and AWD models, there are now even more options for the spirited JUKE customer.”

XTRONIC CVT and ALL-MODE 4x4i

Seamless acceleration

The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) can be compared to a conventional automatic gearbox. However, unlike the conventional automatic transmission the CVT uses two pulleys with a steel belt running between them to continuously vary its gear ratios. Together with this technology, the vehicle's expanded computer processing capabilities allows the system to select the optimal engine ‘revolutions per minute' (rpm) from over 1000 gear patterns and adjusts according to the accelerator and vehicle speed. With the seamless shifting of the gear ratios, the CVT is able to avoid any shift-shock and deliver smooth driving, making it an exceptional transmission solution.

Fuel efficiency and driving comfort

The flexibility of a CVT allows the driving shaft to maintain a constant angular velocity over a range of output velocities. This allows the engine to run at its most efficient rpm for a range of speeds and results in an improved fuel economy compared to other transmissions.

As an end result, there is notable driving comfort.  The system sensitively perceives the current driving situation through calculating the JUKE's driving conditions, such as the gradient load or cornering load. Furthermore, this determines if the vehicle is driving in a city, highway cruise, or on a winding mountainous scenic route, allowing for fun, intuitive driving pleasure. 

Available exclusively in the turbocharged JUKE model, ALL-MODE 4x4i is an intelligent AWD system which distributes torque between the front and rear wheels via a torque vectoring system up to a maximum split of 50:50. Adjusted according to the driving conditions and vehicle behaviour – including steering input, yaw rate, lateral G and wheel speed – the torque vectoring system also manages power between the two rear wheels via an electronically-controlled coupling, with specific intention to reduce understeer while cornering.

Designed to enhance the JUKE's handling and provide more grip during cornering, ALL-MODE 4x4i enables responsive cornering as the driver intends. In the same vein as the fun-inducing turbo boost gauge which is displayed on the centre console, XTRONIC's antics are relayed in real time to the driver via graphics on the instrument panel.

New CVT automatic and AWD models add even more character

Bold looks, a sporty interior, an electrifying drive and a sexy personality - the Nissan JUKE is youthful and daring at heart with ‘fun' as its middle name. Now, customers who prefer the ease of use afforded by an automatic vehicle will also be able to express their personalities and lifestyles with two new CVT automatic models in the JUKE range.

The new Nissan JUKE 1.6 Acenta+ CVT auto makes use of the existing entry level model and elevates it to new levels of comfort. The smooth nature of a CVT automatic transmission means the JUKE is now able to exhibit another side of its youthful character with an easier driving style, while maintaining its fun-to-drive nature.

Complementing the new normally-aspirated CVT auto model is the new Nissan JUKE 1.6 DIG-T Tekna AWD CVT auto model, which pairs the new transmission to the exciting turbocharged antics of the range-topping model and adds the enhanced driving poise of AWD. Not only affording a similarly smooth drive with its CVT automatic transmission, but with the extra grip and better road holding inherent with AWD, the turbocharged engine's might – 140 kW and 240 Nm to be precise – is made even more thrilling.

Both new JUKE derivatives are examples of Nissan's forward thinking and ability to break with tradition to provide two more good reasons for any purveyor of a fun, sporty, trendy and electrifying car to take a look at the Nissan JUKE.