The Brussels Motor Show approaches at a rapid pace, and in the coming weeks the car world is receiving the automotive media community to have a look at the new year and the models it will exhibit at the show.

Nissan Belux was the first to hold its annual reception, and also took the occasion to present the new Juke.

Just read further!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The new Juke…

Communications Manager Nissan Belux Melvin Keuter welcomed us, and led us to a separate room where we stood for the first time eye to eye with the new Juke,

where Rémy Le Gall, Chief Marketing Manager for the Juke presented us the highlights. Almost 1 million JUKE have been sold since it defined the compact B-crossover segment 9 years ago, and its successor comes with larger dimensions and an athletic stance, up to 19-inch alloy wheels and coupe style ‘floating roof’ design.

Equipped with full LED technology as standard, the latest JUKE retains its circular headlamps alongside with new Y-shaped signature which complements Nissan’s V-Motion grille. An exclusive body colour, Fuji Sunset, now completes the line-up of 11 colours.

The new JUKE is roomier for both passengers and their belongings, with – most importantly- rear-seat knee room increased by 5.8 cm, rear head room by 1.1 cm and a boot capacity of 422 litres – providing 20% more storage room. New soft-touch materials on the dashboard, door trim and footwells offer a premium feel, complemented by standard monoform sporty seats and optional Alcantara® or leather upholstery. Offering a new level of personalisation, the all-new N-Design grade package ensures that customers can truly make their JUKE their own.

Multiple colour combinations for body, roof and interior upholstery are available. Exterior personalisation is also offered, with customisable bumpers, side sills and, as said earlier, 19-inch alloy wheels.

Dimensions are as said somewhat larger, now 4,210 mm length; 1,595 mm height; and a width of 1,800 mm for better roominess while remaining compact and lighter by 23 kg. Thanks to high strength steel, the new model features a more rigid platform that offers better stability, performance and cornering capabilities, and new levels of confidence and control. The JUKE is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder DIG-T turbocharged petrol engine with 117 PS. Available with a 6-speed manual or sporty 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) paddleshift transmission, and a driving mode selector (Eco, Standard, Sport), drivers can match their driving style to any driving scenario.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility

Featuring Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology, the new model is the most connected Nissan ever. Nissan’s advance ProPILOT technology, which offers electronically assisted steering, acceleration and braking, will be available on the JUKE for the first time. Designed for highway use in single-lane traffic, the ProPILOT system accelerates and slows downs for the driver to maintain the right distance and speed and also keeps the car centred within the lane. In addition, JUKE offers a full package of safety technologies, including Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Recognition, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Intervention. This warns the driver when a car gets into its blind spot and brings JUKE back in the lane.

Connectivity, Infotainment, and BOSE® Personal® Plus

With the new NissanConnect infotainment system, customers can use Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto to mirror their smartphone apps on the 8-inch touch screen display. Drivers can also access TomTom Maps & Live Traffic or activate their In-Car WiFi to allow passengers connecting their laptops or tablets. The NissanConnect Services app offers customers control over multiple aspects of their car. Nissan JUKE owners can now check the door lock status of their vehicle and lock or unlock their Nissan directly from their smartphone. For increased safety, drivers can also check their tyre pressure and oil level before departing on a trip. To make JUKE drivers’ lives even easier, Google Assistant compatibility gives them control over functions including vehicle lights and sending destinations to the car’s navigation system by talking to their smart device. Drivers and passengers can also play louder with the Bose® Personal® Plus sound system. With eight speakers – including two sets of Bose UltraNearfield speakers integrated into both front seats headrests – listeners can enjoy immersive music…

The all-new Nissan JUKE will continue to be produced in Sunderland, U.K. The new JUKE will be offered from 20 990 euros and will premiered at the Brussels Car Salon.

Models to be seen at the Brussels show…

Electromobility will be key, and besides the LEAF, Nissan is offering a new Nissan Charge App. This allows Nissan electric drivers to have access to more than 130,000 charging stations all over Europe.

This is the result of the collaboration of Nissan and PlugSurfing. Owners can find the best charge terminal via a dedicated smartphone app for Apple and Android devices. The searches can be filtered by LEAF model, loading speed and authentication methods, so that owners can find quickly the best place to charge. The drivers can use the app to guide them to the selected charging point. Via their phone, they can then start and stop their remote recharge session on compatible stations. The Nissan App Charge also includes the points of recharge available at Nissan dealers and partners displaying competitive rates.

Have also a look at the LEAF e+ which has 62 kWh battery power, and the 40 kWh version which is available from 36.540 Euros onwards. Also have a look ,at the e-NV-200 Evalia, the light van with 200 km range and 705 kg payload.

At the other end of the spectrum there is the fiftieth anniversary of the Nissan GT-R with a special version called 50^th Anniversary Edition. The GT-R Prestige version will be displayed on the Nissan stand. Moreover, visitors to the show will be able to admire Nissan GT-R NISMO model year 2020 in the palace dedicated to Dreamcars. For customers, there will also be available a special track edition at the dealerships with a NISMO-tuned suspension.

And what is now the common denominator between Micra, Qashqai and XTrail? The answer is “N-TEC”, Nissan technology, Intelligent Mobility and style. Last but not least, there are the pick-up Nissan Navara and NV300 and NV400 vans…

A look at the Nissan future…

According to Koen Maes, Managing Director of Nissan Benelux, Nissan will focus in the near future on ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) improvements, preparing for future Euro norms and also further WLTP norms and regulations. The electrification of the line up is further pursued, with the crossover model range being introduced to e-power with the alliance partners.

Last but not least, there is the Ariya, the future harbinger of Nissan Intelligent Mobility. This new Nissan Concept, introduced on October 23 at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show, signals the dawn of a new era for Nissan as the company embarks to redefine its brand philosophy for the next evolutionary phase of the automobile. But more of this beautiful car in a future special report…

Hans Knol ten Bensel