27 MPG combined doesn’t scream “efficiency champion,” but for the 2015 Nissan JUKE Nismo RS, it gets you a blend of practicality and fun driving that a specific group of drivers appreciate. This isn’t a car for everyone; it’s a turbocharged, front-wheel-drive shot of espresso for drivers who want quirky styling and a playful driving experience more than they want to save money on gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 25 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway for the 2015 JUKE Nismo RS. These numbers reflect the car’s turbocharged 1.6L engine, which is surprisingly strong but uses a bit more fuel when driven hard. Expect the turbo to activate frequently in city driving, which contributes to the lower MPG. On the highway, the six-speed manual’s relatively short gearing can keep engine speeds higher than in some competitors, raising fuel consumption. The front-wheel drive setup here is lighter and slightly more efficient than the all-wheel drive version on other Juke trims, so you’re already getting the best possible fuel economy the Juke offers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,150 for the 2015 Nissan JUKE Nismo RS. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, assuming a national average fuel price. Changes in fuel costs and your driving habits will affect this number. Expect higher expenses if you have long commutes or tend to drive fast. If you’re considering the JUKE Nismo RS, factor this cost in.

Real-world expectations

Drivers who enjoy the JUKE Nismo RS for its performance often report fuel economy close to the EPA estimates, and sometimes even better with careful driving. The turbocharger’s boost will definitely decrease MPG if you use it. Maintain consistent speeds and avoid accelerating too hard to stay close to the official MPG numbers. Expect MPG in the low 20s if you drive this hatch hard, which is likely sometimes. That’s the price of admission for a vehicle with this kind of personality.

How it compares

The MINI Cooper S, a similar car to the JUKE Nismo RS, achieves a slightly better combined MPG of 28 (manual transmission). A Volkswagen GTI, a more mature car, gets around 27 MPG combined with its manual gearbox. The Honda Civic Si gets a combined 31 MPG. These cars have similar, or better in the Honda’s case, performance with better fuel economy, but lack the Juke’s unique style. JUKE owners are willing to sacrifice some fuel efficiency for its distinctive looks and more aggressive tuning. If you only want good MPG, there are better choices, but none look like the JUKE. You can also view JUKE MPG across all years as a comparison.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Pay attention to tire pressure. The JUKE Nismo RS’s sporty style means it has slightly wider tires, which are sensitive to being underinflated. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which improves fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate to the recommended levels on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Watch traffic and drive smoothly. Quick bursts of acceleration from the JUKE’s turbocharger are fun, but use more fuel. You can minimize the need for hard acceleration and braking by predicting traffic and driving at a consistent speed, which will lead to better MPG. Drive with a light foot.

Avoid idling. Turn off the engine if you’re stopped for more than a minute or two. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes fuel. This is relevant in cities where stop-and-go traffic is common, a place where the Juke Nismo RS is already useful.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a steady speed, reducing changes in throttle position that hurt fuel economy. Using cruise control might be less fun than controlling the throttle, but can save fuel on long trips.

Keep up with maintenance. An engine that is well maintained is an engine that has better fuel economy. Change the oil, air filter, and spark plugs as recommended to help your JUKE Nismo RS run at its best. Ignoring maintenance can reduce performance and fuel economy. Review all Nissan fuel economy data if you are curious about trends over time.