2015 Nissan Juke Nismo RS - Review and Design

The Nissan Nismo legend continues to grow with another new model for Europe. As the flagship of the new Juke range, the Nismo RS has been previewed at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, hot in the wheel-tracks of the flagship Nissan GT-R Nismo.

With more power, a sharper chassis, stronger brakes and extra equipment, the new Nissan Juke Nismo RS builds on the existing and hugely popular Nissan Juke Nismo to create a more extreme version of the top selling compact crossover.

Like every Nismo model, the RS is infused with motorsport inspired design, aerodynamics and engineering to deliver thrilling performance and handling in a road car.

"With Nissan Juke Nismo already accounting for three per cent of all Juke sales in Europe, the enthusiasts' desire for more performance is clearly there. The new Nismo RS version offers just that and cements Nismo's reputation as creators of digital age performance," said Guillaume Cartier, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Nissan in Europe

Benefiting from Nismo's extensive global motorsport experience, the Nismo RS's advanced 1.6-litre DIG-T engine has been fine-tuned to boost power to 218PS (160kW) from 200PS (147kW) while torque in two-wheel drive/manual transmission versions is increased from an already healthy 250Nm to 280Nm. To ensure the chassis can successfully transfer the extra torque to the road, 2WD models also benefit from the addition of a mechanical Limited Slip Differential on the driven front wheels.

An LSD is not required in four-wheel drive versions which have Torque Vectoring, Nissan's Xtronic transmission and 250Nm of torque. Xtronic transmission models now feature standard fit steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts to control the eight-speed manual mode.

The performance gains are matched by an improved soundtrack with a retuned exhaust system providing a sportier engine note thanks to a large diameter muffler.

Other improvements linked to the increased engine performance include strategic body strengthening to increase torsional stiffness still further, while the brakes have been enhanced for even better resistance to fade under repeated hard use - front disk size has increased from 296mm to 320mm, while the rear discs are now ventilated. Revised spring and damper settings complete the chassis changes.

The Juke Nismo RS is set apart with red brake callipers and discreet 'RS' badging on the front and rear. Inside, the RS logo appears in the rev counter while a distinctive suede wrap covers the instrument binnacle. The final finishing touch inside is an unusual water print finish on the shift knob/paddle shifters and the central cluster.

Options on the RS version include special Recaro sports "bucket" seats, Xenon headlamps, Nissan's Around View Monitor and Safety Shield which includes Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Moving Object Detection giving visual and audible warnings to avoid potential collisions.

New Juke Nismo RS is available in a choice of three exterior colours - White Pearl, Black Metallic or Silver Grey - with a single bespoke interior treatment: the predominantly black Nismo cabin.

The Nismo RS's aerodynamic exterior has lower front and rear bumpers, wider wings and sill side skirts, plus a dark chrome V-motion grille - complete with Nissan's new brand signature - and tailgate spoiler to better control airflow. Developed using experience gained on the racetrack, the aerodynamic upgrades reduce front and rear lift without increasing drag.

Nismo exterior design cues include red door mirror caps and a red pinstripe that encircles the bottom of the car. The picture is completed with new LED daytime running lights set within the lower air intake grilles at the front of the car, while eye-catching 18-inch alloy wheels accentuate the new Juke's bold stance.

The Nismo treatment continues inside with a performance-oriented steering wheel, pedals, gauges, gear knob and door trims. Special suede-trimmed Nismo sports seats with red stitching provide extra support and comfort during cornering.

The Nismo RS also benefit from a number of further changes introduced across the entire new Juke range. The most obvious external changes include redesigned upper lamps, revised 'boomerang' tail lamps and door mirrors which incorporate LED side turn strip repeaters.

Despite its performance potential, the Juke Nismo remains highly practical. 2WD versions now benefit from a 40 per cent increase in carrying capacity, for example, thanks to subtle reshaping of the luggage area, while a two-stage floor and fold flat rear seats make the space even more flexible.

"New Juke Nismo RS conforms exactly to the Nismo ethos, providing an instant performance feeling in a premium design inspired by our motorsport activities. The result is engaging, exciting and accessible," said Guillaume Cartier, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Nissan in Europe.