Refreshed 2013 Nissan Juke offers more colors, better safety and infotainment

Nissan is updating the Juke small crossover for 2013 with new colors, a new appearance package, and new safety and infotainment systems.

The biggest change for 2013 is the addition of the Midnight Edition package. The $1,200 option comes with 17-inch black wheels, black rear-roof spoiler and black mirror caps. The package, which will be available in September, saves buyers $500 over the cost of the options purchased individually.

Along with the new package, three new paint colors will be offered. Atomic gold, Brilliant silver and pearl white will join the color palette, which already includes such funky hues as Electric blue and Cayenne red.

A rearview camera and a revised Rockford Fosgate audio system are added to the Navigation Package on SV models. The SL trim gets premium audio standard.

The 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder continues to power the Juke, making 188 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. That power is routed to either the front wheels or all four through a continuously variable transmission or six-speed manual.

The Integrated Control system (I-CON) also stays. It combines air-conditioning and driving-mode control with a knob on the center console. Three driving modes are offered: normal, sport and eco. The Juke's three trim levels —S, SV and SL—also remain.

We'll find out pricing closer to the September launch date. We're pretty sure it'll be a bit less than the twin-turbocharged Juke-R.

By Jake Lingeman