Like the rest of the Juke lineup, the range-topping Nisan Juke Nismo RS has received a mid-cycle refresh. With more power, a sharper chassis, and stronger brakes, it is now a more lethal sports car.
Like every Nismo model to date, the RS benefits from motorsport inspired design, aerodynamics and engineering. At its heart is the Juke Nismo’s 1.6-liter DIG-T turbocharged gasoline engine, which has been tuned to produce 215 horsepower (218 PS) — 18 hp more than before.
Front-wheel drive models equipped with the manual transmission get their torque increased from 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) to 280 Nm (379 lb-ft). To ensure the chassis can manage that extra torque, it is fitted with a mechanical Limited Slip Differential.
All-wheel-drive models have their torque unchanged at 250Nm and don’t get the Limited Slip Differential, instead getting Torque Vectoring, and Nissan’s eight-speed Xtronic transmission with an eight-speed mode and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Both FWD and AWD variants get a stronger body structure, re-tuned spring and damper settings, larger front disc brakes (increased from 296mm to 320mm), ventilated rear disc brakes, and a modified exhaust system that delivers a sportier soundtrack thanks to the muffler’s larger diameter. Also present are lower front and rear bumpers, wider wings and sill side skirts, and a tailgate spoiler. Not just for show, these aerodynamic upgrades manage to reduce front and rear lift without increasing drag.
Strictly cosmetic updates include a dark chrome V-motion grille, red brake callipers and discreet ‘RS’ badging on the front and rear. The interior is also adorned with the RS logo, particularly on the rev counter, and features a distinctive suede-covered instrument binnacle and a water print finish on the shift knob/paddle shifters.
Xenon headlamps are optional, as are Recaro sports seats, Nissan’s Around View Monitor and a number of safety technologies such as blind spot warning, lane departure warning and moving object detection.
If you can bypass its oddball looks, the Nissan Juke Nismo RS promises to treat you to a fun time at the race track.