The Nissan Juke I (facelift, produced 2014-2018) 1.5 dCi 110 horsepower variant was a significant offering in Nissan’s European lineup, designed to appeal to buyers seeking a fuel-efficient and stylish compact crossover. Positioned as a mid-range trim, it sat between the lower-powered 1.6L gasoline engine and the more expensive, higher-performance options. This facelift brought revised styling and updated technology to the original Juke, which had initially launched in 2010. The 1.5 dCi model was particularly popular in Europe where diesel engines held a substantial market share due to favorable taxation and fuel economy.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Juke |
| Generation | Juke I (facelift 2014) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 dCi (110 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV, Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.4-4.6 l/100 km (53.5 – 51.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8-3.9 l/100 km (61.9 – 60.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.0-4.1 l/100 km (58.8 – 57.4 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 104-107 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1750 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K9K |
| Engine displacement | 1461 cm3 (89.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.4 l (4.65 US qt | 3.87 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1230-1303 kg (2711.69 – 2872.62 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1770 kg (3902.18 lbs.) |
| Max load | 467-540 kg (1029.56 – 1190.5 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 354 l (12.5 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 797 l (28.15 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 46 l (12.15 US gal | 10.12 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1250 kg (2755.78 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 673 kg (1483.71 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4135 mm (162.8 in.) |
| Width | 1765 mm (69.49 in.) |
| Height | 1565 mm (61.61 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2530 mm (99.61 in.) |
| Front track | 1525-1539 mm (60.04 – 60.59 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1523-1537 mm (59.96 – 60.51 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.7 m (35.1 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16; 215/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Juke variant is the Renault-sourced K9K 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine, widely used across the Renault-Nissan Alliance, is known for its efficiency and relatively compact size. The 110 horsepower output was achieved through a turbocharger with an intercooler, and a sophisticated diesel commonrail fuel injection system. The K9K engine features a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder head, contributing to its durability. The engine’s 15.5:1 compression ratio is typical for a diesel engine, maximizing combustion efficiency. A 6-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this trim, providing a balance between fuel economy and driver control. While an automatic transmission was available on other Juke models, it wasn’t offered with the 1.5 dCi 110 hp engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5 dCi 110 hp Juke offered a practical and economical driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 10.6 seconds, making it adequate for everyday driving but not particularly sporty. The engine’s 260 Nm (191.77 lb-ft) of torque, available from 1750 rpm, provided decent pulling power for overtaking and navigating hills. The manual transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency, with taller gearing in higher gears. Compared to the 1.6L gasoline engine, the diesel offered significantly better fuel economy and more torque, but lacked the gasoline engine’s responsiveness. The Juke’s relatively high center of gravity and suspension tuning prioritized comfort over handling precision.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5 dCi 110 hp Juke typically came equipped with features such as air conditioning, power windows, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and alloy wheels. Safety features included ABS, front and side airbags, and electronic stability control. Higher trim levels offered options like climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, rear parking sensors, and automatic headlights and wipers. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional and durable design. The Juke’s interior was characterized by its distinctive motorcycle-inspired dashboard design.
Chassis & Braking
The Juke I utilized a front-wheel-drive platform with an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam suspension at the rear. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes were typically drum brakes on this trim level to keep costs down. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. The suspension was tuned for a comfortable ride, prioritizing absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Nissan Juke, and specifically the 1.5 dCi variant, was well-received in Europe as a stylish and practical crossover. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and distinctive design, but some found the interior space to be limited and the ride quality somewhat firm. Compared to competitors like the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008, the Juke offered a more aggressive and sporty aesthetic. The 1.5 dCi engine provided a compelling alternative to gasoline engines, offering lower running costs and improved fuel economy. However, the diesel engine came with a higher purchase price and potentially higher maintenance costs due to the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Legacy
The K9K engine, while generally reliable, is known to require regular maintenance, particularly regarding the diesel particulate filter (DPF). Proper servicing and the use of high-quality diesel fuel are crucial to prevent DPF issues. Today, used examples of the 1.5 dCi Juke are relatively affordable and represent a good value for buyers seeking a fuel-efficient and distinctive crossover. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for DPF-related problems and ensure the vehicle has a full service history. The Juke I, including the 1.5 dCi variant, played a significant role in popularizing the compact crossover segment in Europe and paved the way for the second-generation Juke.
