Take a deep breath. The official photos of the new Nissan Juke have been released

This is the new Nissan Joke... sorry, I mean Juke. Nothing spectucular regarding the mechanical parts, just extreme styling. No further comments, cause I'll become very nasty... ok, I will make just one comment. It's horrible, even the Fiat Multipla looks good compared to this!!!

• Based on the Renault Nissan Alliance B platform

• Inside, the centre console design is inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank... I don't want to know what was the inspiration for the exterior

• ALL-MODE 4x4-i is a new development of Nissan�s electronic all-wheel drive system and now features torque vectoring technology to enhance agility and reduce understeer when cornering

• In Europe, three different engines will be available: 
• One diesel, 1.5-litre dCi, producing 110 hp and 240 Nm of torque
• Two 1.6-litre petrol units. The first one develops 117 hp, while at the top of the range is a new turbo-charged petrol engine (MR16DDT) with direct injection. The engine is one of the most powerful in its class, developing 140kW (190PS) and 240 Nm

• In terms of transmissions, the two-wheel drive turbo-charged 1.6-litre petrol engine is available with a six speed manual, while a CVT transmission with a six-speed manual mode will be available on the range-topping all-wheel drive version of the turbo-charged petrol engine. The naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol is available either with a 5-speed manual or the updated XTRONIC CVT and the 1.5-litre diesel engine is available with a 6-speed manual

• UK sales begin in October

Source: Nissan UK Media Site

READ MORE - Take a deep breath. The official photos of the new Nissan Juke have been released

Nissan's latest Joke... eeer, I mean Juke

Yesterday, Nissan revealed a teaser image (manufacturers seem to like this kind of game, a darkened silhouette here, a restricted view there...) of its latest small crossover. To be honest with you, at the beginning I thought that it doesn't worth writing about it, but then again, it maybe worths mentioning it...

Nissan unveiled Qazana concept at Geneva motor show back in 2009 and now, again in Geneva, the production version will make its premiere. Back then, Nissan Design Europe�s vice president Alfonso Albaisa had told CAR that the production version would keep many of the show car's cues when it goes into production.

Well, it seems to be true and I don't know about you, but to my eyes it looks horrible. But then again, I don't like the Qashqai either (ok, after the recent facelift it looks a bit better...)! Modern car design seems to be entering into a new era, as it is the key factor in order to attract buyers. How do you draw people's attention though? Either by designing an ugly car or a very elegant one, and this is an example of the first approach.

I really don't get it how it's possible Nissan to produce cars like Micra, Tiida, Qashqai and Juke, while on the other hand is producing Skyline GT-R and some very nice Infinitis... In general, Japanese manufacturers have some trouble when it comes designing a car (e.g. Subaru and Mitsubishi), but in Nissan's case, I can't quite get my head around...

READ MORE - Nissan's latest Joke... eeer, I mean Juke