The 2022 Nissan Juke Hybrid has been revealed for the European market, but it’s not headed for Australian showrooms.
Whereas the hybrid versions of Nissan’s latest-generation Qashqai small and X-Trail mid-size SUVs use the Japanese brand’s E-Power technology – which uses the petrol engine as a generator for the electric motor – the Juke Hybrid borrows its mechanicals from the related European-market Renault Captur E-Tech hybrid.
That sees a 69kW/148Nm 1.6-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors – one developing 36kW/205Nm, and the other a 15kW ‘starter generator’ akin to what’s usually found in a lesser mild-hybrid system – and a compact 1.2kWh battery.
Nissan claims a combined output of approximately 105kW, sent to the front wheels through a unique automatic gearbox that lacks a traditional clutch and, according to Nissan, incorporates four gears for the petrol engine, and two for the electric motors.
A combined fuel consumption of 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres is claimed – a reduction of 20 per cent over the equivalent 84kW petrol model in the combined cycle, or 40 per cent in the city.
The Juke Hybrid starts in all-electric mode, and can be driven at speeds of up to 55km/h on battery power. An electric driving range figure isn’t quoted, however Nissan says “during testing … engineers have achieved up to 80 per cent of an urban drive in pure [electric] mode.”
Hybrid-specific upgrades include a dedicated ‘EV’ switch to lock the car in zero-emissions mode (if there’s enough battery power), and regenerative braking functionality across the car’s three drive modes (Normal, Eco and Sport).
While the Juke Hybrid features Nissan’s ‘one-pedal’ e-Pedal system, as per the Leaf electric car, the electrified Juke can only decelerate the car to “creep speed”, or approximately 5km/h – and requires the driver to press the foot brakes to bring the car to a complete stop.
Styling differences between the Hybrid and standard Juke include ‘Hybrid’ badges on the front doors and tailgate, a new mesh grille pattern, a gloss black strip along the top of the grille, and the addition of Nissan’s new corporate logos.
Changes made in the name of aerodynamic efficiency include a smaller grille opening area, modifications under the bumper to improve airflow, a radiator grille shutter (which closes to streamline air when cooling is not needed), reprofiled front tyre guards and rear roof spoiler, and a cover for the underside of the rear axle.
Buyers can choose from 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels – also new across the petrol-only Juke range for 2022 – or 19-inch ‘aero’ wheels inspired by the Nissan Ariya electric SUV.
Inside, changes include a power gauge replacing the tachometer – with Chargo, Eco and Power modes, like a Toyota hybrid – plus a power flow view for the instrument cluster screen, E-Pedal and EV buttons, and a smaller 354-litre boot, down 68 litres due to the addition of the battery.
The 2022 Nissan Juke Hybrid will go on sale in Europe in the northern summer of this year (June to August).
It’s believed there are no still plans to bring the Juke Hybrid to Australia, with a Nissan Australia spokesperson telling Drive in October 2021: “A Juke hybrid is not currently planned for Australia in the short term.
“Having said that, as a business electrified products are part of our future plans and we look forward to what is coming starting with e-POWER on Qashqai next year [in 2022]. “
Keyword: 2022 Nissan Juke Hybrid revealed for Europe, no plans for Australia