Nissan Juke

When you think of performance in the Nissan lineup you immediately conjure up images of the GT-R. The Japanese brand’s halo supercar is definitely a mighty force in the world of high performance, but you shouldn’t overlook what Nismo is doing.

In the U.S. buyers can choose a Nismo-flavored Juke, 370Z, maybe a Sentra in the near future, and of course, a batsh*t crazy GT-R Nismo that gets to 60 in under 3.0 seconds. They’re all really capable, as I found out; driving the standard 2015 GT-R, the Juke Nismo (with a manual!), and the lovely new 370Z Nismo.

Juke Nismo RS

Horsepower: 215 0-60: 7.0S Price (as tested): $28,345 The lowliest of the three, the Juke Nismo does have one thing going for it — it looks fantastic. It gets some racing bits like carbon fiber and Nismo inspired graphics. Unfortunately, the lifted hatchback (that’s essentially what it was), looks better than it goes. You’re stuck with a 1.6-liter engine that feels underpowered, even though it’s churning out 215 horsepower. You’re getting front-wheel drive only if you insist on scooping up the manual (AWD in automatic only). And you’re left with some uncomfortable amounts of body roll in the corners. The good news, though, is that this car even exists in the first place. No one in their right mind would have thought to put go-fast parts on a small SUV. It’s bonkers and completely lovable.

370Z Nismo

Horsepower: 350 0-60: 4.9 seconds Price: $47,725 If you read my original review on the 370Z Nismo, you know how mu...