Nissan Juke 1.6 DiG-T

Fret not! You might have spied the £20k price tag on this Nissan Juke first drive review, but rest assured: we've climbed into the top dog, turbocharged and 4x4 Juke aimed at Mini Cooper S territory. We've driven cheaper models in the range too (the Nissan Juke starts at a much more palatable £12,795), but the tech on the 1.6 DiG-T warranted a look first.

The Juke is Nissan's new crossover, a baby SUV to slot beneath Qashqai. At just 4.2m long, it's in the same ballpark as the upcoming Mini Countryman, although priced considerably below.

Nissan Juke: the tech story

This junior crossover is based on the Renault Nissan Alliance B platform; the same bag of bits you'll find under a humdrum Clio or Note, then. This architecture has been stretched and updated with a host of new tech, including on this range-topping petrol turbo a 4x4 option. This will remain a rare car on UK roads, however; way over 90% of Juke buyers will stick with front-wheel drive.

The 1.6 DiG-T is interesting as it heralds a new direct-injection petrol turbo engine in the Nissan empire. It's punchy on paper, pushing out 187bhp and 177lb ft of twist.

It's certainly, err, challenging to look at!

Yes, let's get the inevitable aesthetic argument out of the way now. The Juke is a Marmite car – you'll love it or hate it. Spend time with the car and you begin to 'get it', after the initial shock and awe. The front end is especially odd and a very busy design canvas, thanks to a multi-storey light show, the wine rack lower grille and the main air intakes. There's plenty to like in the GTR-esque raked canopy windowline, and those 370Z rear boomerang lights are cool too.

Inside is more modestly designed. It's less busy in here, with simple design and a few flourishes. A long centre console runs the length of the front compartment, styled on a motorcycle fuselage – you can pick red or silver metallic finishes, and it really brings the cabin to life. Even to these restrained eyes, the zingy red is the feature colour of choice.

Mid-range Acenta trim and upwards comes with Nissan Dynamic Control System, which replaces knobs and switches in the heating control area with some rather nifty soft keys. They're cleverly backlit and the glossy black buttons change purpose depending on whether you're altering the ventilation system or the car set-up. Sounds gimmicky, actually works well and cuts down on button clutter. It combines the best of touchscreens with physical buttons.
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