Nissan adds the Leaf and Juke to our 2011 offerings
Nissan is really looking to make some huge news with the 2011 lineup. First on the list of “wow” cars is the 2011 Juke. Set for release in October, the Juke is reminiscent of a pouncing tiger. If you’re the type of person that likes to blend in with the crowd, this car will not be for you. The Juke stands out in many different ways: from the very small size (100 inch wheelbase and 162 inches long) to the small price ($17,700 base, $25,000+ fully loaded). Sure, it’s bigger than a Smart Car, but it is still much smaller than a normal sedan. Driving down the street in a Juke is going to be a visual experience, for both the driver AND for onlookers.
The other car making headlines this year is the Nissan Leaf. NJ drivers have a great option for an all-electric model with the Leaf. This unique car will be able to go around 100 miles and 90mph on a single charge, which should take around 30 minutes to complete. Also of note is the fact that the federal government is offering a $7,500 tax credit towards the purchase of any all-electric cars, including the Nissan Leaf. NJ Nissan fans will undoubtedly appreciate that savings, which will drop the overall cost to just over $25,000.
Of course, Nissan is still impressing those that are used to shopping at a local used car dealer. NJ was near the epicenter of the Juke unveiling in New York this year, but even those looking to buy a used car from the 2009 or 2010 lineup will certainly be happy with what they get. But those looking to shop around for both older and newer models should definitely check out places that double as both a new car dealer and a used car dealer. NJ shoppers can head to nearby Hudson Nissan to see what piques their interest.
No doubt, Nissan is really going out on a limb with their upcoming offerings. US consumers have shown a marked shift towards smaller, more fuel efficient cars, and both the Leaf and Juke will surely whet the appetite of such consumers. But will these models sell well enough to make them worthwhile for Nissan as a whole? The answer to that question remains unclear. The entire future of all-electric cars rests on these first generation models, including the Leaf. The pressure is on, and the consumer dollar will ultimately give us an answer one way or another.
