Review: 2011 Nissan Juke SL AWD: A turbocharged love-hate relationship

The Nissan Juke is definitely one oft the more stylized vehicles on the road today. Love it or hate it, it's different.

Words by Andy Lilienthal, photos by Curtis Reesor

There have been a number of cars in the last decade that immediately polarize people. Remember the Pontiac Aztek? Who could forget. But people that liked them were rabid about them. The Scion xB was another polarizer—it was love it or hate it. Heck, even Nissan’s own Cube falls into this category. You can add another to the list: The Nissan Juke. It’s been my experience that people either seem to think the car’s styling is forward and avant-garde, or they think it’s hideous and over-styled. I’ll admit: When Nissan first showed off its Juke, I wasn’t a fan. However, over my week with the Juke, it began to grow on me. However, the car never grew on fellow contributor (and my wife) Mercedes. She still thinks it looks like a design assignment that was never finished.

 Regardless, the exterior styling is undeniably different. Its low-mounted round headlights are flanked by the top-mounted, protruding turn signals. The Juke’s side profile is equally interesting. It’s somewhat bulbous; certainly shapely. Mercedes and I both agreed that the rear is arguably the Juke’s best asset. The sweeping taillights even have a hint of Volvo to them. The whole thing looks a bit amphibian-like to me. This Juke also had the optional spoiler adding a hint of sportiness.

My Juke SL rolled on attractive 17-inch wheels. The car’s stance looks more like a crossover than a hatchback. Then again, Nissan bills the Juke as a crossover, so there you have it.

Next-gen Suzuki Jimny concept to bow in India

 The 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi India may bring our first look at the nex gen Suzuki Jimny 4x4. The current model has been on sale since 1998 in most parts of the world, sans North America. The pint-sized 4x4 has a reputation for being tough as nails but is starting to show its age after nearly 14 years without a redesign. Well, that will likely change shortly.

Merry Christmas from Subcompact Culture

From our small-car family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas!

Three Essentials for Winter Driving (brought to you by AutoAnything.com)

If you had to pick only three items to have on your vehicle in harsh winter weather, AutoAnything suggests tire chains as one of them. Tire chains improve traction on your tires when driving through icy temps and heavy snow. With easy to install features and long-lasting durability, they make sure you and your precious cargo get safely to your destination. No more frowning faces or u-turns when you hit that “Chains Required” sign out on the trail. Load up all your gear and hit the slopes in no time with a sturdy set of tire chains on your ride.

Now that you have your wheels covered, make sure you have crystal clear vision out on the road. A set of performance heated wiper blades ensure that your view while driving through winter weather, is always spot-on. Heated wiper blades have the power to melt ice and snow and give you an advantage over that rough weather. With easy-to-install designs and a custom size made just for your ride, you won’t have to spend your time freezing your fingertips off with an ice scraper. With a hidden heating element inside the core of the wiper blade, snow and ice don’t stand a chance on your windshield. And better yet, the wiper blades operate with a switch mounted inside your cab, so you won’t need to change them out in summer.

Last but not least, make sure your paint and wheels are protected as much as possible while out in the winter wonderland. A durable set of mud flaps repels mud, rocks, road debris and more from damaging your paint. They also extend the life of that most recent wash. Constructed of heavy-duty materials, mud flaps are also custom-fit for your exact year, make and model. Installation is quick and easy to get you out of the garage and back on the road in no time. So, this winter, make sure your ride is geared up and ready with these three automotive essentials.

Please be sure to support Subcompact Culture sponsor AutoAnything.com!

What car have you seen with the lowest miles in relation to its age?

People often talk about high-mileage vehicles—cars with 300,000+ miles on them. What makes theses stories even more impressive is when the car isn't that old, such as the driver who racked up 354,000+ miles on his 2007 Yaris (likely many more by now). However, every now and then you run into the opposite: A car with amazingly low miles on the odometer.

Case in point, I took my elderly neighbor's car in for an oil change then washed it. It's a 2007 Hyundai Accent with 6,379 miles on it. No, I didn't forget a digit. That's basically what the guy at the oil change place asked. My neighbor is in her 70s and rarely ever drives. In fact, she probably wouldn't have this car if her '86 Chevrolet Sprint hadn't been totaled in a fender bender. That car, she says, only had 45,000 miles on it in 2007!

In the same vein, my co-worker inherited his mother's '78 Ford Fairmont with just 27,000 miles on it. I've racked up those miles in as little as nine months! The car is, of course, in mint condition, and looks as if it rolled off the assembly line last year.  

What car have you seen with amazingly low miles for its age?
 

The Teal Terror gets its bumper on.

The Teal Terror finally got its bumper finished and mounted last week thanks to some co-workers with fabrication skills, a few trips to the hardware store, and help from my dad. The Shrockworks winch bumper is built like a brick shithouse. Wait, maybe a metal shithouse? Is shithouse one or two words? Whatever: It's super solid. It's got brush guards, welded eyelets for D-shackles (more recovery options than the single factory tow hook), and frankly, looks good, in my not so humble opinion.
Next stop: a WARN VR8000 winch and installing my WARN lights.

Gregory's Toyota Tercel track toy

Gregory Jones' Tercel track car isn't a high-horsepower beast. It isn't a rear-wheel-drive slide monster. It is a Toyota Tercel and it is awesome.

Gregory has put a bunch of work into this Tercel, and I'm sure it has surprised more than a few people on track day. I recently ran across photos of his car on the Micro Image forum site, and thought I'd share.

Review: 2012 Kia Rio EX: A new level of maturity for Kia’s smallest hatchback

2012 Kia Rio EX on a crisp fall day in Oregon. The Rio's styling is simple and clean.

I remember the first time I ever saw the Kia Rio. No, not the all-new 2012 Rio, the 2001 Kia Rio: It was chartreuse in color, somewhat ungainly, and powered by a 1.5-liter engine that didn’t make 100 hp. It was basic transportation. The 2012 Kia Rio has come light years from what the first-gen Rio was, and has improved quite a bit over the previous model. The model has matured, and it’s now set to take on the best of the best in the b-segment. Competition is getting fiercer by the month in the subcompact segment, and Kia has certainly upped its game with its latest subcompact.

A Suzuki Jimny in FJ Cruiser clothing

Take one Suzuki Jimny, add a dose of N's Stage parts, and you now have an extremely capable 4x4 that happens to look like a 3/4 scale Toyota FJ Cruiser. I believe N's Stage calls this the "Little Monster." Although I typically like a car to look like the brand it is (e.g. not a Suzuki trying to look like a Toyota), this just works. Also love the trailer. What I wouldn't give to own a Jimny, and this one in particular. So cool.

Subcompact Train Culture: Speeders

Mercedes and I were driving north on Highway 101 heading into Garibaldi, Oregon on Saturday when something small and yellow caught our eye zooming down the railroad tracks along side us. Then we noticed a few more of them, this time in orange. A couple years ago, I saw a few of these diminutive rail cars in Portland, and was equally curious then, but wasn't able to stop. What the heck are these things? Oh well; they'd alluded us again, or so I thought.

We pulled into Garibaldi and noticed a large old locomotive billowing steam into the air. Being somewhat of a closet railfan, we decided to stop and check out the steam-powered locomotive and vintage railcars. Lucky for us, the little vehicles we'd just seen pulled into the station. I had to find out more.

Fiat 500 gets three-star overall crash rating from NHSTA

The folks at the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently crash tested the 2012 Fiat 500. Unfortunately, the car only got a three-star rating overall. The frontal score netted four stars, as did the rollover test. The side-impact score, however, only got two stars. This means the Fiat 500 joins the ranks of the Dodge Caliber and Ford Escape in the three-star club.

Above is the video from the side-impact test. Below, is a photo of the front-impact test.

In the driveway: 2012 Toyota Yaris SE

We've got the 2012 Toyota Yaris SE for review this week. Seen here next to the Yaris that Mercedes and I actually own, you can see there's quite a bit of difference in the rear end treatment. In fact, the two are quite different both exterior and interior wise. They do, however, have the same 1NZ-FE 1.5-liter DOHC engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

I've only driven the new Yaris about 10 miles, but so far I can tell you the seats are probably the best in the subcompact class, with great bolstering—very sporty. Gone is the center-mounted gauge cluster, and the interior feels and looks a lot better than my 2007's.

In the driving department, the '12 Yaris SE feels like it has a very quick steering ratio. I know it truly is quicker than the standard Yaris, and it's noticeable. Unsurprisingly, the new Yaris' engine/transmission feels very similar to the previous generation's powertrain. It is, of course, nearly identical. Stay tuned.

SubCompactCarParts.com specializes in outfitting small cars

With the popularity of subcompact cars on the rise, more and more parts are becoming available to make your small car the way you want it. The latest outlet to set up shop is SubCompactCarParts.com.

From Chevrolet to Toyota, SubCompactCarParts.com offers a host of items for your subcompact car. The store is the lateset venture from Rob Tallini, owner of Road Race Motorsports. Rob firmly believes the future of automotive tuning lies in part with the small car segment, and this online store is proof of that belief.

Whether its a front lip for a Fiat 500, lowering springs for a Honda Fit, a cold air intake for a Kia Soul, or a swaybar for your Suzuki, SubcompactCarParts.com has a host of parts and accessories for most subcompact cars. Check them out at SubCompactCarParts.com.

Review: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ: A great American hot hatch

Chances are you already know that small cars are one of the fastest growing automotive segments in the U.S. It could also be said that today’s small car offerings are the best the U.S. has ever had. Even the domestic automakers, who have historically been eclipsed by the Japanese makes, are beginning to offer some world-class subcompact and compact cars. Of the “big three” American automakers, Chevrolet hasn’t exactly been known for offering the class-leading small cars. Think Vega. Chevette. Cavalier. Aveo. None of them were class leaders, nor did they set the bar with remarkable powertrains, performance, interiors, styling, or economy.

Then there was the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic turbo.

Dodge's new compact gets an old name, Italian blood

The Dodge Neon—love it or hate it—was a pretty popular car for Chrysler. When it was time to replace the venerable Neon, Chrysler introduced the Dodge Caliber, which has been not been the popular car they had hoped.

The Caliber is now slated to be put to rest and a new C-segment car be introduced. Today, Dodge announced this new car would be called the Dart—a familiar name to just about anyone who knows anything about 1960s Chrysler products.

Who needs a truck when you've got a VW Beetle?

How awesome is this? I wonder why it never caught on? Regardless, it's a very cool way to pull a decent-sized trailer, although they did say it was light weight. I wonder how much it weighed?

Yet another example of the original VW Beetle's versatility.

Honda N Concept 4 does retro right

I seriously love this thing. The Honda N Concept 4 is a retro version of the old Honda N cars from the late 1960s–early 1970s. Apparently this Kei car is going to go on sale next year in Japan. I'm sure it'll be too small for North America (and will likely fall unker Kei engine guidlines, so expect a 660cc engine) but if this went up for sale here, I'd seriously consider one. Love the looks. Simple, minimal, clean. It's retro done right. Be sure to check out the Carscoop link below for a host of pictures.

You may remember that Honda showed off the EV-N Concept at the 2000 Tokyo Auto Show. It was the three-door version of the N Concept 4.

SOURCE
Carscoop

Tips for Keeping your Vehicle Clean in Winter Months (brought to you by AutoAnything,com)

Tired of battling the elements every winter? Just because it’s messy outside doesn’t mean your vehicle has to be a mobile magnet for dirt or debris. Pick up these automotive accessories to keep your vehicle as clean as possible during those harsh winter months.

Start with a car cover for protection of your vehicle’s paint. Crafted from durable materials and built to extend the life of your vehicle’s exterior, car covers provide a custom or universal fit and are easy to install. With a great selection of the top brands and long-lasting warranties, your ride is sure to be protected through many winters to come.

The bottom of your vehicle gets the brunt of most damage while driving through the ice and snow. Protect your paint with a durable set of mud guards. Adding an extra line of defense against that kicked-up frozen wasteland, mud guards also provide a custom-fit to perfectly match your ride. Plus, you’ll help keep rocks and other debris from hitting other cars behind you, making the roads a safer place.

Now that you have your top and bottom covered, make sure to provide your vehicle’s front end with a line of defense. One of our car bras is sure to protect your front end from road debris. With an easy install, custom-fit and added styling, you are sure to turn heads on the road even in winter. Better yet, a car bra is sure to last through many winters and reveals a perfectly-protected paint job when you remove it in summer.

By protecting your vehicle with these simple auto accessories from AutoAnything, you are extending the life of your vehicle and doing your part to keep it clean during those harsh winter months.

Please be sure to support Subcompact Culture sponsor AutoAnything.com!

November 2011 subcompact sales

Ah, November. We're in the home stretch for 2011's sales year. Starting out its refresh with a bang is Toyota's Yaris, up 160.2%. Also riding the sales wave, thanks in part to a redesign, is the Kia Rio, up 123.5%. Somehow the Smart ForTwo sold nearly double the amount of cars it did last year, +96.2%, and the Mazda2 had a very healthy 73.4% increase in sales versus November, 2010.

Technically, the big loser is the Chevy Aveo, but that's because the hot-selling Chevy Sonic has taken its place, and new Aveos aren't being replenished. If you don't include the Aveo, the next biggest loser is Nissan's slow-selling Cube, down nearly 80% vs. 11/10. The Honda CR-Z is also not selling so hot.

Overall sales still belong to the super-popular Kia Soul, with the Nissan Versa in second, and Ford Fiesta in third. We'll see who takes the sales trophy next month.

Make/Model	Nov. '11 vs. Nov.'10	Units, Nov. '11	YTD Nov. '11 vs. Nov. '10	YTD Sales
Toyota Yaris	+160.2%	5604	-23.1%	28190
Kia Rio	+123.5%	2159	-24.2%	17956
Smart ForTwo	+96.2%	414	-13.6%	4627
Mazda2	+73.4%	801	+476.6%	12610
Nissan Versa	+38.2%	9291	+0.3%	89791
Kia Soul	+23.0%	6865	+52.5%	92643
MINI Cooper/S Hardtop	+17.4%	2383	-6.6%	25305
Hyundai Accent	+15.5%	4682	+2.2%	50285
Ford Fiesta	+2.3%	3552	+259.3%	64901
Scion xD	-8.4%	773	-6.4%	8693
MINI Cooper/S Convertible	-8.8%	271	-29.3%	4665
MINI Cooper/S Clubman	-13.3%	398	-15.9%	6428
Honda Fit	-24.0%	3307	+8.9%	54097
Nissan Juke	-25.5%	2514	+500.0%	32858
Suzuki SX4	-27.0%	829	+8.0%	11189
Honda CR-Z	-74.4%	305	+145.3%	10766
Nissan Cube	-79.8%	203	-35.8%	14053
Chevrolet Aveo	-99.1%	30	-35.9%	28577
Chevrolet Sonic	--	4496	--	10035
Fiat 500	--	1618	--	17444
MINI Crossover	--	1412	--	14702
MINI Coupe	--	286	--	700

2013 Scion FR-S is officially hot

The Scion FR-S was officially introduced today. It's the North American version of the Toyota FT-86 and Subaru BRZ. The FR-S is a rear-wheel-drive sports car with a 2.0-liter boxer engine by Subaru. The engine is set to make 200 hp and 151 ft./lbs. of torque, run on premium fuel, and rev till 7,400 RPM. Power will be put through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. It'll also come with 215/45/17 tires, have a McPherson strut front/double-wishbone rear suspension setup, and disc brakes all around.