Hi all. I upgraded from a 2014 juke nismo to a new nismo RS last week. Before it arrived I struggled to find a legitimate review of the nismo RS from anyone who previously owned the non rs model, so, for the benefit of anyone considering a change, but hasn't test driven an RS yet, here's what I think of it-
Power- there's a significant difference above 4500 revs. More that I expected.
Gearing- the RS doesn't reach 60mph in 2nd gear, but the rate of acceleration feels significantly improved. It definitely pulls harder than the non RS, and no one will feel that Nissan have failed them. The 18hp increase feels more like 50.
Exhaust- I notice a stronger burble at tick over, and a slightly deeper note under heavy acceleration, but if I hadnt read that the exhaust had been changed, I may not have noticed.
Suspension- it doesn't feel stiffer than my previous non RS.
Steering- feels identical to the non RS.
I think it's entirely unchanged.
Traction- this is a greatly improved feature of the RS. The wheels will still spin up, but it takes a great deal of effort to lose traction under acceleration, even on damp roads.
LSD- despite what I read online, this works! The RS doesn't understeer uncontrollably exiting roundabouts etc the way the non RS does. That takes a while to adjust to, but it's undeniable that it's effective.
Conclusion- to an non RS owner the RS is worth some serious consideration. I'm delighted that I changed. I'm thrilled by the extra performance, and pleased that I now have iphone streaming & a digital radio. Hopefully my front tyres will last longer than 3000 miles this time....!
Power- there's a significant difference above 4500 revs. More that I expected.
Gearing- the RS doesn't reach 60mph in 2nd gear, but the rate of acceleration feels significantly improved. It definitely pulls harder than the non RS, and no one will feel that Nissan have failed them. The 18hp increase feels more like 50.
Exhaust- I notice a stronger burble at tick over, and a slightly deeper note under heavy acceleration, but if I hadnt read that the exhaust had been changed, I may not have noticed.
Suspension- it doesn't feel stiffer than my previous non RS.
Steering- feels identical to the non RS.
I think it's entirely unchanged.
Traction- this is a greatly improved feature of the RS. The wheels will still spin up, but it takes a great deal of effort to lose traction under acceleration, even on damp roads.
LSD- despite what I read online, this works! The RS doesn't understeer uncontrollably exiting roundabouts etc the way the non RS does. That takes a while to adjust to, but it's undeniable that it's effective.
Conclusion- to an non RS owner the RS is worth some serious consideration. I'm delighted that I changed. I'm thrilled by the extra performance, and pleased that I now have iphone streaming & a digital radio. Hopefully my front tyres will last longer than 3000 miles this time....!
