Nissan Juke Nismo RS confirmed for Aus

Only 240 units are confirmed for Australia. “The Nismo Brand and its range of cars are admired all over the world, we are delighted to offer small SUV buyers a Nismo option,” said Nissan Australia managing director, Stephen Lester.

“The Juke Nismo RS has the increased power and torque expected of a Nismo model, and a design that is consistent with its Nismo siblings. We expect the Juke Nismo RS to attract a dedicated group of buyers.”

Nismo features start with tuning the 1.6 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine from the current Juke Ti-S to deliver 160kW of power (up from 140kW) and 280Nm of torque (up from 240Nm) for the 6-speed manual version. In the AWD CVT version, maximums are 157kW and 250Nm.

That additional output comes from optimising the ECU settings, as well as fitting stronger con rods, stronger clutch cover and a dual mass flywheel on the manual version, while both versions get a freer-flowing Nismo exhaust system.

On the manual FWD variant, the transmission has an improved gear set and a shorter final drive ratio, while the Xtronic system on the AWD Juke Nismo offers eight step gearing - up from the usual six stes.

To suit the increased performance, a series of body and chassis reinforcements start with re-tuning and lowering the suspension, reinforcing the front suspension links and recalibrating the electric power-assist steering to deliver what’s described as “a more exciting and agile drive feel”.

Front brake discs are larger (320mm) units and ventilated rotors have been added to the rear, with red-painted calipers and upgraded brake pads fitted. Appearance upgrades start with 10-spoke Nismo RS alloy wheels, Nismo front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a roof spoiler, as well as a Nismo grille, rear diffuser, red mirror caps and RS badging.

Colour choices are limited to Ivory Pearl, Pearl Black and Platinum. The interior features suede-trimmed Nismo sports seats with contrast red stitching, a leather-accented shift knob, and a leather and Alcantara steering wheel with a red centre mark.

An intelligent key, push button starting, red Nismo tachometer and Nismo-branded front kick plates and carpet mats are other features, with gloss black detailing, a black roof liner, carbon-look finish on the head unit and gear shift surrounds, plus suede trim on the door panels and meter hood.

Safety, comfort and driver-assistance features are as per the Juke Ti-S. Priced at $37,790 for the FWD six-speed manual and $41,490 for the AWD CVT version, the Nismo parts add a premium of more than $7,500 over the Juke Ti-S. See your Nissan dealer for details.