Nissan Juke is definitely different

2010-12-29 09:33:00 PST , , — (12-29) 09:33 PST , (AP) --

The name isn't the only thing that's different about Nissan's new, small, tall Juke hatchback.

New for 2011, the five-seat Juke looks bigger than it is and has oddball front styling. Round headlights can be mistaken for fog lamps and turn signal lights are positioned so high by the hood they can be seen from the front seat.

The only engine in the relatively lightweight Juke is Nissan's first-in-the-United-States direct-injection, turbocharged four cylinder that generates an impressive 188 horsepower and uses premium gasoline.

The decidedly distinctive personality of the Juke as well as the affordable purchase price are likely attractions for buyers.

Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $19,760 for a base, Juke S with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that operates for the driver like an automatic.

Buyers must pay more to pair the turbo four cylinder with a six-speed manual transmission. Starting MSRP, including destination charge for a 2011 Juke with manual and front-wheel drive is $21,060.

Meantime, the lowest-priced all-wheel drive Juke starts at $21,260 and has a CVT. All-wheel drive Jukes come only with CVT.

Juke competitors run the gamut from boxy small cars to small sport utility vehicles.

The 2011 boxy, five-door Kia Soul, which has virtually the same outer dimensions as the Juke, has a starting MSRP, including destination charge, of $13,995 with manual transmission and 122-horsepower, naturally aspirated four cylinder.

Another competitor, the 2011 Hyundai Tucson sport utility vehicle that's 9 inches longer from bumper to bumper and a couple inches wider than the Juke, has a starting retail price of $19,540 with manual transmission and $20,540 with automatic. Base engine in the Tuscon is a 165-horsepower naturally aspirated four cylinder.

Don't be surprised if people label the Juke differently. It looks like a small SUV, and riders sit up a good bit from the pavement, which is nice.

But the federal government's fuel rating agency, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, labels the Juke a small station wagon, and many journalists describe the Juke as a hatchback, albeit a bit taller and beefier-looking than other hatchbacks.

The test Juke was a mid-range SV trim model with all-wheel drive and topped out, with optional navigation system, at just under $24,000.