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CGI Reveal Pulls the Curtain Back on a Wilder Juke
The Nissan Juke has always been the brand's eccentric subcompact crossover—an attention-grabber with a personality all its own. Now, a new CGI rendering has pushed that personality even further, suggesting what a second facelift for the current Juke might look like as Nissan evolves its small crossover lineup for Europe.
From Kicks to Juke: Two small crossovers, two identities
In North America Nissan's smallest crossover badge belongs to the Kicks, a straightforward subcompact that's been sold globally since its 2016 production launch after debuting in São Paulo in 2014. In Europe, however, the Juke fills that role—and it has always favored bold styling over conservative packaging. Launched originally in 2010 and renewed for a second generation in 2019, the Juke shares CMF-B underpinnings with cars like the Renault Captur and the Renault Clio, but keeps a far more flamboyant design language.
Six years after its 2019 remake and a recent mid-cycle refresh, the Juke is still being tweaked both in reality and online. Reports have suggested Nissan could eventually offer a third-generation Juke as an EV—alongside the Micra EV and updated Leaf—though shifting political conditions in the EU mean internal combustion engines may remain viable for longer than previously expected.
Who made the CGI, and what did they change?
The latest digital reimagining comes from Dimas Ramadhan, the creator behind the Digimods DESIGN YouTube channel. Using CGI, Ramadhan applied styling cues borrowed from Nissan's more recent models to the smaller crossover:
- A V-shaped “V-Motion” grille inspired by the facelifted Qashqai.
- Eyebrow-style split LED headlights with DRLs to echo Nissan’s modern lighting theme.
- New, sporty black alloy wheels with a three-Y-spoke motif.
At the rear, Ramadhan diverged from Qashqai cues and instead hinted at tougher, more muscular taillight and bumper treatments reminiscent of the Armada (Patrol) Nismo—an unexpected mash-up that makes the compact Juke look almost menacingly scaled-up.
Design, market positioning and what this CGI actually means
While CGI renders are speculative by nature, they do offer clues about where a model might head stylistically. Nissan has tended to align its small SUVs with family styling themes to create visual continuity across the lineup—the Juke rendering simply takes that idea to an exaggerated conclusion. For buyers and enthusiasts, these images spark conversation about whether the Juke should lean even further into quirkiness or adopt a more mature appearance to broaden appeal.
Key takeaways:
- The Juke remains Europe-focused in identity compared with the Kicks.
- Platform and production links to Renault models continue under CMF-B architecture.
- Nissan’s broader electrification plans could shape the Juke’s future, but regulatory uncertainty leaves options open.
Performance and specs: what we know (and don’t)
At this stage the render reveals no mechanical changes. The existing Juke offers a range of petrol and mild-hybrid options depending on market, and an all-electric third generation has been rumored. Until Nissan provides official teasers or a prototype, expect styling evolutions to precede major powertrain announcements.
In short, the CGI rework celebrates the Juke’s daring design DNA while nodding to Nissan’s current family face. Whether Nissan’s next official update follows this wild path—or takes the Juke in a more restrained, electrified direction—will be one of the small-SUV stories to watch for 2026–2027.
"The render is a reminder that even small crossovers can be design statement pieces," says one industry watcher, "and the Juke has always been happiest when it stands apart."
Source: autoevolution
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