2017 NISSAN JUKE NISMO RS FIRST LOOK

2017 NISSAN JUKE NISMO RS FIRST LOOK BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

You know what I love most about Nissan?

They’re not afraid to take chances.  Just look at the Juke, for example.  It’s about as uniquely styled as anything you’ll find on the road.  And better yet, it comes in 2 very assertive flavors; NISMO and NISMO RS joining the 370Z and GT-R in Nissan’s NISMO-branded stable.

This RS is considered the ultimate Juke with its own exclusive engine, suspension, steering and brake tuning enhancements.  It begins with the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbo from the standard Juke.  But changes to the computer and a larger exhaust tube take horsepower from 188 to 215 and torque from 177 pound-feet to 210 for the front-drive 6-speed manual model.

AWD is an option as long as you’re OK with the CVT transmission and a little less potency from the engine.  When you stick with the 6-speed, you also benefit from the added bite provided by the limited –slip differential helping maintain acceleration during cornering.  Then again, the all-wheel drive system includes torque vectoring for better line control through corners. With improved acceleration and a sportier driving feel, the Juke NISMO RS is fortified by a series of special body and chassis reinforcements to increase rigidity.

The suspension has also been lowered specially tuned for a more agile driving feel.  Choose a front wheel drive model and get a torsion beam in the rear.  Opt for all-wheel drive and get a more sophisticated multi-link setup.  And of course, the steering has also been retuned.  The biggest changes from NISMO to NISMO RS Jukes on the inside include the addition of genuine Recaro seats and special RS touches.

Pricing for the fully loaded 2017 Nissan Juke NISMO RS FWD starts at $28,960 while the AWD model stickers for $30,960.