Next-Gen Nissan Juke Emboldens Its Own Style

Nissan Motor Co. says the design of the all-new Juke mini-crossover will be as radical as the first-generation model, but in a different way.

The 2019 Juke won’t look like the outgoing vehicle (pictured) or any other current model, Nissan global design boss Alfonso Albaisa tells Autocar.

Describing the new Juke as an “urban meteor” with attitude, Albaisa credits the original car’s success in Europe to its polarizing design. He says the new car captures the same essence without being derivative.

European buyers embraced the Juke, which helped launch the supermini crossover segment in the region. But the funky styling never caught on in the American market. Nissan recently discontinued the vehicle in the U.S. and is replacing it with the similarly sized Kicks crossover, which features more conventional styling.

Designed by Nissan’s design studio in London, the new Juke will ride on a stretched version Renault-Nissan’s V platform, which also carries the Renault Clio and the Nissan Micra small cars. Powertrain choices are expected to include a range of 3- and 4-cylinder engines, including a 1.5-liter diesel, with optional all-wheel drive.

Nissan is expected to unveil the new Juke later this year, possibly at the Paris auto show in October. Sales are due to begin next spring in Europe.