by Heather J. Richards

Created on: December 19, 2011   Last Updated: December 20, 2011

Would you believe it if you were told there was a beautifully crafted, sleek, just under $20,000 crossover that has a Top Safety Pick 2011 rating?  Well believe it.  Nissan has crafted the Juke, which is considered a compact crossover, with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that allows you to feed your need for speed (0-60 7.8sec), while giving you 28-34mpg city/highway. 

In order to receive the Top Safety Pick, “a vehicle must earn the highest rating (“Good”) in all four Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests:  high-speed, front and side crash tests, a rollover test, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts,” according to Nissan.com.        

Nissan is continuously working to be green, by improving their fuel economy and C02 emission levels.  The Juke holds its head high above its competition, the Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, Scion, and Toyota’s Matrix.  It is sporty, yet light, compact, and safe.  The interior is clean, and very mechanical looking, with its center console being “inspired by motorcycle gas tanks”, according to Car and Driver magazine. 

The Juke was created in Nissan’s European shops, in which was primarily targeted towards Europe, however it was also wanted by China, and increasingly in the US.  It is available in S, SV, or SL depending on what options you prefer. 

All 2012 Jukes are backed by Nissan’s 36-month/36,000-mile limited warranty coverage, and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain coverage.  It also comes with several package options, such as the Chrome where you can chrome out the mirror covers, door handle accents, body side moldings, and the rear hatch accent.  The sports package offers 17” aluminum-alloy wheels, rear root spoiler, and a stainless steel exhaust finisher.  With the navigation package comes a 5.0” color touch-screen monitor.  Also equipped with 6 upgraded speakers, and a Rockford Fosgate 8” subwoofer, to make any type of music sound better.  Also included is a USB connection port for your Ipod.  Lastly the Interior Illumination package offers illuminated kick plates, and interior accent lighting.  Other options available are Bluetooth, 60/40 folding rear seat, leather seats, heated front seats, a rearview camera, and keyless ignition. 

You also have a choice between Normal, Sport, or Eco drive modes, in which vary throttle response, and can save on gas.  Current owners have been heard to say that it “looks like a frog ready to pounce”, and “it’s really fun to drive” according to reviews on Car and Drivers website. 

So whether you are looking for something affordable, fun, comfortable, roomy, speedy, sleek, or green, you will find it all in Nissan’s 2012 Juke. 

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