Nissan Juke sets to shake up the segment

You've got to have some sympathy for car makers. It can't be simple thinking up a different name for every new model. Granted, the easy option is to think of a number — literally — but there's something about a name that will generate interest.

With Renault calling its compact roadster the Wind, creating something memorable has been raised to new heights. And like it or not, the approach has got people talking.

Keeping it in the family, Nissan — the other half of what the two firms affectionately call an alliance — has already got form in this department. Who would have thought that something called a Qashqai could have been so popular?

Now it's the turn of the Japanese maker's Juke to feel the heat of the spotlight. No doubt the marketing types would like you to think of the Juke as a feisty, urban-centric vehicle for style-conscious motorists. And in a roundabout way they would be right, because the Juke has been styled and positioned to attract such a demographic.

Crossing paths

Having abandoned some conventional models — Primera, Almera — some time ago to concentrate more on the increasingly lucrative crossover market, cars like the aforementioned Qashqai, X-Trail and larger Murano have done wonders for Nissan's global balance sheet.

You wouldn't know from your first glance at the Juke that Nissan used to be ultra-conservative when it came to design. Looking like a cross between a Micra and a shrunken Qashqai, the Juke's bold exterior is a world away from similarly priced cars in the hotly contested compact family market.

And it's the Juke's appearance — bulging headlights, flared arches and wide stance — that Nissan hopes will give it a competitive edge as buyers become more adventurous in their next choice of car.

There's no question of form overtaking function with the Juke, though. The Qashqai is proof that Nissan can deliver on both counts, and the Juke is no different. While common design themes have found their way inside the car's cabin, the funky little Nissan sacrifices absolutely nothing in the name of practicality.

A genuine rival to more conventional compact cars, the Juke boasts a raised driving position, supportive seats, ergonomic controls and good all-round visibility. The centre console shaped like a motorcycle fuel tank is a nice touch, but it doesn't detract from the car's airy and accommodating cabin. A flat rear load space and folding rear seats top off an altogether impressive set of features.

Although pitched at trendy urbanites, the car is just as comfortable on highways and twisty roads as it is looking pretty in stop-start city traffic.

A lot of this is down to Nissan's thorough development programme and the simple fact that the company has been producing solid handling and refined cars for some time now. Recently, attention has also been focused on improving engine choices and in conjunction with Renault, the results are really encouraging.

European buyers seeking a flexible all-rounder are flocking to the Juke's 1.5-litre, 108bhp diesel option; a proven motor in both Renault and Nissan vehicles offering refinement, performance, flexibility and economy. The same goes for the snappy gearshift of the six-speed manual transmission, also found partnered with a pair of 1.6-litre units, keeping petrol fans happy. One is turbocharged (187bhp), one not (115bhp), making the latter a popular choice with many buyers thanks in part to its sensible running costs, while a Juke powered by the former assumes the unofficial title of flagship model.

In this guise you also gain all-wheel drive, which is one of an increasing number of intelligent part-time systems. Ordinarily power is sent to the front wheels, however, when a loss of traction is sensed some of it marches rearwards. Also, power can even be altered from left to right on the rear axle to fine tune the car's balance even more precisely.

Across the range the transmission choice is generous, with the diesel and turbo petrol models getting a six-speed manual and the non-turbo 1.6 making do with a five-speed manual. Furthermore, a CVT can be had on the petrol units.

With three trim levels (Visia, Acenta, Tekna) to choose from, Nissan's generosity extends to comfort and safety equipment. Alloy wheels, AC, MP3-compatible audio unit, power mirrors, stability control and six airbags are all standard. Larger alloy wheels, climate control, USB audio input and Bluetooth feature in Acenta-badged cars, while leather seats, a reversing camera, keyless ignition and auto headlights are present in the range-topping Tekna models.

Verdict

Thanks to the Juke, Nissan is continuing its successful assault on conventional market sectors with its decidedly unconventional models. As the baby of the company's growing number of crossover models, the Juke cleverly combines look-at-me styling with a level of competence that matches any of its traditional rivals. In fact, if we had such a thing as a "Buy it" sticker, we'd definitely plaster it smack in the middle of the new Juke.

Specs & rating

• Model: Juke
• Engine: 1.6-litre turbo
• Transmission: Six-speed manual AWD
• Max power :187bhp @ N/A
• Max torque: 240Nm @ N/A
• Top speed: 200kph
• 0-100kph: 9.5sec
• Price: N/A
• Plus: Attention-grabbing looks, small but feisty engine options
• Minus: Are you ready for this kind of image?