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Platform
Juke is based on the Renault Nissan Alliance B-Platform and has a 2530mm wheelbase, is 4135mm long, 1765mm wide and 1570mm tall. To allow Acenta and Tekna models to use 17-inch wheels and 215/55 R17 tyres, the track front and rear is 1525mm (1505mm rear track on four-wheel drive model), the widest yet seen on the Alliance B-platform. As new models evolve so a platform will undergo a number of changes, and Juke’s underpinnings are no exception. For its application on Juke, it has been lengthened, widened and significantly strengthened and lightened to enhance safety, refinement, and fuel efficiency. Although the basic suspension system mirrors that found on other B-segment cars, with MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the back, a new cradle-type front subframe has enhanced the lateral stiffness of the assembly. Along with revised front suspension geometry, this has helped to promote better handling and ride comfort along with greater refinement.
The four-wheel drive version of Juke further benefits from a new multi-link rear suspension. When coupled to Nissan’s newly developed torque vectoring four-wheel drive technology to limit understeer, Juke’s handling is at the top of the class in spite of its higher ground clearance while comfort has been preserved. In an urban environment, the combination of higher ground clearance and large tyres means that speed bumps and poor road surfaces will not cause as much discomfort – or damage – as they would to a conventional sports hatchback. Despite its SUV looks and the comparatively high eye-point, Juke’s front and rear roll centre heights are as low as possible – closer to a conventional hatchback than a typical SUV – to reduce body roll in corners. Agile handling is also helped by speed sensitive electric power steering, standard on all models, and by increased upper body strength and stiffness. Juke incorporates a newly developed ring structure which connects the upper body to the rear suspension, thus increasing torsional rigidity. |
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