Nissan Juke

2022 almost seems like a restart for the Nissan brand. This year sees it launch this hybrid version of the Juke, plus e-Power hybrid versions of the bigger Qashqai and finally, the all-new Nissan Ariya crossover. 

But back to the Juke Hybrid. You'll have to look hard to spot hybrid versions of the Juke on the outside, as the only giveaways are the new front grille design, with a smaller aperture to optimise aero efficiency, plus hybrid badging on the side and rear. If you choose the Tekna+ equipment grade, your Juke will be fitted with 19in Aero alloy wheels. 

Inside the Juke Hybrid, a power gauge replaces the rev counter. The central TFT display can show how the Juke is being powered, whether it's by the engine or battery. There is a button in the centre console for the 'e-Pedal,' and another EV button in between the two central air vents, for an electric- only drive. The interior changes in the Juke Hybrid include a boot that has dropped 68 litres to 354 litres because of all the hybrid kit.

The clever stuff happens under the bonnet. Nissan claims the Juke showcases a true multi-modal powertrain, rather than enhancing the internal combustion engine with electric assistance. It works by pairing a 94hp, 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 36kW (49hp) electric motor, 15kW high voltage starter/generator, inverter and a 1.2kWh water-cooled battery. This is all held together with an advanced low friction multi-modal gearbox that provides optimal use of the propulsive power, whether electric, petrol engine, or both. To reduce friction, this gearbox uses dog clutches instead of conventional synchroniser rings to change the four gears for the ICE engine and a further two for the EV motor - all designed to work together to give what Nissan describe as a "smooth, connected, and responsive acceleration". In fact, the Juke's hybrid system is similar to the one fitted to the Renault Captur E-Tech, which is also included in this group. 

BIK figure-wise, there's not much to choose between all four cars here, and on its own, the Nissan's 28% figure looks good. However, the similar Captur achieves a slightly better 26% figure, with the Kona just behind at 27%, but the real star is the Toyota Yaris Cross with its leading 25% BIK. The same goes for the emissions, with the Juke's 115g/km figure looking decent and the Hyundai just behind at 114g/km. But the leaders here are the 109g/km Renault and the winning Toyota with its 102g/km figure. 

The Juke's hybrid powertrain equals a fuel consumption figure of 55.4mpg. This looks more impressive when the Kona can only just do a bit better at 56.5mpg and the Captur at 57.7mpg, but Toyota's knowledge from producing hybrid models for more than 20 years pays dividends with the Yaris Cross's winning 62.8mpg figure. Having spent time with a Yaris Cross, this figure seems entirely believable as we couldn't get the test car to go below 50mpg according to the instruments.

The first-generation Juke was key to the development of the B-SUV sector and both first and second-generation versions have been popular with fleet buyers, but sadly not enough to make it the residuals champ here. In fact, it finishes in last place, with its 39.87% figure, although this could have something to do with the fact that it's the most expensive model. The Kona might be showing its age, despite the recent facelift, as it comes next with its 40.10% figure. The Yaris Cross is still fairly new to the market and so far, has dazzled us here with its consumption. Despite Toyota's reputation for reliability and dependability, it's 40.94% can only put it in second place behind the winning Renault Captur with its 42.81% figure. 

This is a close fight between the models we've chosen, and this can be best seen by the fact the Juke has only come top in one category, with the lowest SMR figure at £1,880. As such, the Juke finishes last, with its 51.04p overall cost-per-mile figure.

Nissan Juke 1.6h 143 N-Connecta  

P11D: £27,015

CO2 (tax): 115g/km (28%) 

BIK 20/40% a month: £120/£241

Fuel consumption: 55.4mpg

National Insurance: £3,415

First year VED: £180

Subsequent VED: £155

Engine size/power: 1,598cc/143hp

AFR: 17p

Residual value: 39.87%

Depreciation: £16,245

Fuel costs: £9,083

SMR: £1,880

Cost per mile: 51.04p

Hyundai Kona

Hyundai's Kona is one of the oldest cars in the group, with the original launched back in 2018. Since then, it has proved its one of the most durable in its class, spawning a full-EV version with 300-mile range, the hybrid we have here, and most recently, even a performance range-topper in the form of the'N.

Facelifted in 2021, the Kona received a new, wider front grille with larger lower air intake, slimmer headlights plus LED daytime running lights, and a restyled front bumper. Inside, there's a revised centre console and revised equipment grade, plus a new 10.25in digital instrument cluster and another 10.25in infotainment screen. 

Under the bonnet, this Kona Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-litre, 104hp petrol with an added 1.56kWh battery and a 43hp electric motor. Because of the small battery you don't plug it in, but it still betters the Juke with its 56.5mpg fuel figure. The Kona's 27% BIK and fuel figure are only marginally better than the Juke, which is a long way behind the Toyota, but is close to the Renault Captur. However, in terms of cost per mile, it finishes just ahead of the Nissan, putting it in third place.

Hyundai Kona 1.6h-GDi Premium 

P11D: £26,880

CO2 (tax): 114g/km (27%)

BIK 20/40% a month: £126/£252

Fuel consumption: 56.5mpg

National Insurance: £3,277

First year VED: £180

Subsequent VED: £155

Engine size/power: 1,580cc/139hp

AFR: 14p

Residual value: 40.10%

Depreciation: £16,100