Nissan Juke Tested July 2010

Rating Quick Summary Average. Nissan has aimed its diminutive crossover at an imaginative new niche, but can it replicate the success of the all-conquering Qashqai?

Full Road Test

With the Murano and Qashqai already in place, Nissan completes its crossover range with the Juke - a car aimed squarely at the crowded small car market.

The competition couldn't be any tougher. The Juke's broad shoulders will have to make some space alongside several household names, and unlike the ultra-successful Qashqai it does not have the benefit of being the new kid on the block - cars like the Suzuki SX4 and Kia Soul have already introduced the nation to the concept of a pseudo-SUV appearance in a supermini mould.

Nevertheless, Nissan - fast becoming a master at finding a gap in the market - believes it has found an unexplored niche to squeeze the Juke into. Rather than positioning the car as a straight crossover, the manufacturer is punting the idea that its new model is a seamless blend of compact SUV looks and sports car character.

The design makes the car seem bigger than it really is. The Juke is built on the same platform as the Micra, albeit a lengthened and widened version. The crossover feels reasonably roomy inside, and there's certainly enough space in the back to carry two more adults. Nissan's adventurous sense of styling also extends to the cabin, where the centre console is reputedly modelled on a motorbike's fuel tank.

The vast majority of Jukes sold will use Nissan's conventional front-wheel drive chassis, but the car will also be available with a slightly more sophisticated all-wheel drive system which includes torque vectoring traction control and multi-link rear suspension rather than the standard torsion beam.

Like most crossovers, the Juke has no off-roading pretensions whatsoever so Nissan has been free to keep the centre of gravity low and concentrate on limiting body roll in fast corners. As a result the car handles with a bit more aplomb than you'd expect from a high-sided model. A sports car it is certainly not, but the wider track and firm suspension do at least make quick progress a reasonable prospect.

Half-decent pace is assured by the brand new 187bhp 1.6-litre DIG-T petrol engine Nissan has introduced with the Juke. The turbocharged lump is specifically designed to jam a finger in BMW's eye and provide the Juke with enough pep to compete with the forthcoming Mini Countryman, the car closest to the Juke in concept, if not price.

A less powerful petrol engine is also available beneath the range topper, as well as the trusty 1.5dCI diesel lump which suits the Juke's temperament better than you might think.

As Nissan has cleverly cast the diminutive crossover into its own little niche, it's difficult to characterise the car in an entirely satisfactory way. It isn't as good to drive or as handsome as a Ford Fiesta or a Mini Cooper or a Citroen DS3, but the Juke's distinctiveness is likely to appeal to people in a way those cars don't.

The Qashqai sold like hot cakes against the Ford Focus and the VW Golf off the back of respectable handling, sensible pricing and unique styling. The Juke enters the fray holding the precisely same trump cards. Bet against it at your peril.

Breakdown Styling The Juke's critical feature. Some will despise it with the heat of a nova and for others it will be the reason they buy the car. For our money the crossover isn't as well-proportioned as its big brother, the Qashqai, but it certainly wins points for sheer ambition. Handling Nissan are pitching their 'sports crossover' concept to anyone in earshot, but the Juke isn't going to make anyone ditch their supermini on handling alone. That said, it's component enough, and better than most people will expect. Decent body control and reasonable grip make up for the vague steering. Comfort The Juke's ride quality takes the edge off the bumpy stuff, but its overall firmness is clearly a compromise that had to be made to meet handling expectations. The car feels comfortable to sit in though, and the high riding position comes with its usual benefits. Quality + reliability The Juke is a cheaper car than some of its rivals and this shows inside. Nissan has introduced a dual-mode system on the dash which changes the function of a number of buttons at the flick of a switch - it's a nifty idea tarnished by the chintzy tactility of a child's toy. Performance The new direct-injection 1.6-litre engine does make the Nissan feel pokey, but its performance is slightly compromised by the tone of its shrill voice. The engine will pull all the way to its redline, but that cannot be achieved without the driver pulling a face at the noise. The 1.5dCI is as faithful as ever, and actually seems a better match for the six-speed manual gearbox. Roominess The Juke pulls the same crossover trick as the Qashqai - it feels bigger inside than a conventional hatchback of the same size. Adults will not feel aggrieved at being asked to sit in the back, and, as you'd expect, there's head room to spare. Running costs The range topping 1.6-litre petrol engine is apparently good for around 40mpg, but you can expect that to fall drastically with enthusiastic driving. Nissan claims the 1.5-litre diesel will better that to the tune of 55mpg so we'd expect high 40s from everyday driving. Value for money So long as you avoid the top spec 4x4 model (which pushes the Juke firmly into Mini Countryman Cooper S territory) and the entry-level version, the car represents reasonable value for money. Visia, Acenta and Tekna make up the trim levels, with the mid range Acenta offering the best compromise between equipment and cost. Stereo / Sat nav Nissan's ageing sat nav did struggle at times on test, and it's cursed by its small screen. Expect to see a better version filter down by the time the Juke's facelifted. The stereo is nothing to write home about, but was sufficient for our meagre requirements.

Need to know Replacement Date: 2016 We like: 1) Brave styling 2) That crossover sense of space 3) Competent handling We don't like: 1) Cheap dashboard fascia 2) Ride might be a little too firm for UK roads 3) Slightly lifeless steering Best and worst: Best: 1.5-dCi Acenta Most fun: 1.6-DIG-T Acenta Worst: n/a