Better performance and greater efficiency

The new Nissan Juke Hybrid will arrive at dealers in August, at a starting price of 31,350 euros without discounts

Nissan’s electrified product strategy is gaining momentum and the new Juke Hybrid represents another milestone on the Japanese brand’s path to offering a fully electrified range by 2023. The Juke compact crossover or SUV has a highly advanced hybrid powertrain, providing high performance, low fuel consumption and low emissions.

Where traditional hybrids offer a thankless driving experience thanks to the combined operation of the combustion engine and the electric motor, the management of the new Nissan Juke Hybrid distinguishes itself by maximizing the time in 100% electric mode, which is much more appreciated by drivers. The main goal in the development of the Juke was to optimize the engine’s start and stop frequency system, which drivers find particularly inconvenient. For example, up to 80% of the Juke’s urban traffic is achieved in 100% electric mode, with short hybrid phases to recharge the battery before returning to electric mode.

The Juke Hybrid doesn’t just start with the electric motor, but can reach speeds of up to 55 km/h in electric mode, for a more energetic and consistent driving experience. The engine management automatically maximizes operation in electric mode and additionally includes an «EV» button on the dashboard that the driver can use at will to force the acceleration in electric mode, such as when driving through limited-speed residential areas, parking lots and in files. In these circumstances, if the battery’s state of charge permits, the Juke will operate as a 100% electric vehicle.

The hybrid engine of the new Juke consists of a 4-cylinder petrol engine, which produces an output of 94 hp and a maximum torque of 148 Nm. The electric motor produces 36 kW (49 hp) and a torque of 205 newton meters which, in combination with the petrol engine, brings the power to 145 hp. To complement all this, the Juke also has a 1.2 kWh water-cooled battery under the trunk.

The result is a powertrain that delivers 25% more power than the current option – which mounts the 3-cylinder petrol engine, with a displacement of 1.0 liter and 114 hp -, with a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 40%.% in the city ​​use, and up to 20% on highway routes. One of the main keys to this spectacular improvement lies in the new multi-mode automatic gearbox that offers optimum control over the propulsion power, be it electric, petrol or both. This gearbox has 4 gears in “petrol combustion” mode and 2 “electric” gears. For this reason, the starting of the vehicle is 100% electric and the 2 electric motors are used in combination to synchronize the gears, ensuring smooth, constant and immediate acceleration. The gearbox is controlled by an algorithm that manages the changeover moments and the regeneration of the battery. As a result, the driver enjoys immediate acceleration and reduced consumption (barely more than 5 liters in normal use).

When decelerating, the electric motor also acts as a generator, capturing kinetic energy, which converts it into electricity for storage in the propulsion battery. The regenerative braking function combines regenerative braking and traditional friction braking to achieve a natural pedal feel and efficient energy recovery, without the driver being aware of adjustments between the two systems.

The new Juke Hybrid also comes with a driving mode selector, which allows the driver to select Eco, Normal and Sport modes. The driving mode not only changes the hardness of the steering, the operation of the climate control system and the response of the accelerator, in the case of the new hybrid powertrain, but also changes the behavior of regenerative braking and the state of charge of the vehicle drums. In Sport mode, for example, the brake regeneration is set to a high level to maximize electrical power for better acceleration. In Eco mode, the demand for the air conditioning system is reduced to maximize efficiency.

As with the 100% electric LEAF, the new Nissan Juke hybrid is equipped with the e-Pedal Step system which, when activated, allows the vehicle’s movement to be controlled solely with the accelerator pedal. When you take your foot off the accelerator, moderate braking is applied and the Juke is decelerated to a speed of approximately 5 km/h. Extra classic braking with the foot can sometimes be necessary to slow down and is necessary to come to a complete stop. Using the e-Pedal quickly becomes intuitive and the effect is to reduce the driver’s workload while driving in the city, while maximizing the possibilities for hybrid battery regeneration.

The crossover coupé design with the rear door handles high in the frame and recessed (like its main competitor, the Toyota C-HR), characteristic of the new Nissan Juke, is retained in the new hybrid version, although there are some changes applied. a series of changes to optimize aerodynamic efficiency and identify the new hybrid Juke as the electrified version of the range. The grille of the new Nissan Juke Hybrid now features the brand’s new logo and also features a strip of gloss black material where it meets the bonnet, keeping it in line with other electrified Nissan models that share the same design motif. The grille design is now mesh and has a smaller opening to optimize aerodynamic efficiency. The rear spoiler, which is mounted above the tailgate, is profiled to generate a cleaner airflow behind the car. At the same time, new two-tone alloy wheels with a diameter of 17 inches or 19 inches are added to the range.

Inside, in the instrument panel, the right clock shows speed and the left has a power meter, with the needle moving between ‘Charge’, when the power is regenerated, ‘Eco’ when the propulsion is electric and ‘Power’ when the combustion engine and the electric motor are combined. On the bottom of the left watch is an indicator that shows the battery charge status.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.