Nissan Prices 2011 Juke At $18,960

Nissan‘s controversially styled Juke has been priced at $18,960 for the base Juke S, which comes with front-wheel drive and a CVT gearbox. The 6-speed manual version will cost $20,260, while cheapest four-wheel drive model Juke S AWD (which is only available with a CVT) will cost $20,460. The top of the line Juke SL AWD will cost $24,550.

While the Juke is a strangle looking vehicle, its unique styling, turbocharged 188 horsepower engine and sophisticated torque-vectoring AWD system should make it an attractive proposition to the more upscale MINI Countryman and the rather staid Subaru Forester. The Juke will go on sale, but Autoguide is set to test drive the Juke next week at its launch in Vancouver, Canada.

[Source: Nissan]

Hit the jump to see the official press release and check out Juke Forums for more.

Nissan Announces U.S. Pricing for All-New 2011 Nissan JUKE
– Bold New Urban Sport Cross Starts at Under $19,000 USD MSRP –

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan JUKE sport cross – including a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) of just $18,960 USD. The all-new JUKE goes on sale in October at Nissan dealers nationwide. JUKE fuses the best qualities of a sports car, including a sporty driving position, dynamic handling and powerful engine, with the best aspects of an SUV – such as a robust lower body, raised ground height, improved visibility and confident stance.

“We believe JUKE’s unique combination of motorsports-inspired exterior and interior design and unexpected levels of technology – along with a starting MSRP under $19,000 – is going to propel JUKE into the heart of the fast-growing compact hatchback/crossover market,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

The 2011 Juke is available in eight models, each powered by a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) Turbo engine rated at 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The engine, the first application in North America, combines the power of a larger engine with the fuel economy of a smaller powerplant. Nissan JUKE MSRPs (USD) include:
Model/Transmission

JUKE S CVT FWD
$18,960 USD

JUKE SV MT FWD
$20,260 USD

JUKE SV CVT FWD
$20,760 USD

JUKE SL MT FWD
$22,550 USD

JUKE SL CVT FWD
$23,050 USD

JUKE S CVT AWD
$20,460 USD

JUKE SV CVT AWD
$22,260 USD

JUKE SL CVT AWD
$24,550 USD

About the 2011 Nissan Juke
Unlike traditional entries in the fast-growing compact hatchback/crossover market today, the all-new JUKE offers bold styling, unexpected levels of performance and an advanced torque vectoring AWD system with performance technology usually reserved for premium vehicles.

JUKE’s aggressive styling brings a breath of fresh air to the segment. Built on Nissan’s proven global B-platform, JUKE looks exactly like it drives – fun, bold and exciting. It features a powerful front end treatment with the turn signals integrated into the front fenders, a high beltline and coupe-like falling roofline. Other exterior details include body-colored outside mirrors and front door handles, “hidden” rear door handles and standard 17-inch wheels and tires.

The JUKE interior is equally aggressive with bolstered front seats, a wide instrument panel and a unique center console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank and finished in a high-gloss paint. The gear shift sits on top of the console, with a high-mounted shift lever for sporty driving. In the rear, a fold-down 60/40-split bench seat and flat load floor provide passenger and cargo hauling flexibility. Available interior features range from leather-appointed seats and RearView Monitor to Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition and Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately). A long list of safety features is also standard, including six air bags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

Powering JUKE is a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) Turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine rated at 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Two transmissions are offered – Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with S-Mode and a 6-speed manual transmission (SV FWD and SL FWD models only). Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg City and 32 mpg Highway for JUKE CVT FWD models.

JUKE’s torque vectoring AWD system splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels and can also can split torque from side-to-side across the rear axle. When cornering, the system helps reduce understeer and enhance the vehicle’s cornering feel.

Another new-to-Nissan technology debuting on JUKE is the innovative Integrated Control (I-CON) system. It combines control of the automatic A/C and the three-mode drive selector – Normal for everyday driving, Sport for a more intense performance feel and Eco for maximum efficiency, adjusting throttle response, transmission (CVT mapping) and steering feel for the precise ride the driver desires.

The 2011 Nissan JUKE sport cross is scheduled to go on sale in October 2010. Customers wanting more information about JUKE, including specification information on a particular model, can go to the “Reserve Your JUKE” site at http://www.nissanusa.com/apps/presell/juke.