The original Nissan Juke was a game-changer – it shaped the small SUV landscape forever, thanks to its quirky styling and characterful cabin. But while it took Nissan almost a decade to launch a new one, the second-generation car couldn’t replicate its predecessor’s winning formula.

That’s partly because the market is now awash with talented rivals, but also due to the way the new car has been set up. The engineers have prioritised sharp handling, and as a result the Juke can feel a little brittle on UK roads. It’s bigger inside than before, but it’s still not the most practical model in its class. Limited engine choice and a long-throw manual gearbox cement its place just behind some seriously accomplished competition.

The Nissan Juke is the car that set the ball rolling for small crossovers and SUVs when it first arrived in 2010. It’s a segment of the market that has since exploded, filling out with similar offerings from just about every mainstream manufacturer. The quality of the opposition meant that the outgoing Juke was feeling its age; it was finally replaced at the end of 2019 by an all-new model.

The latest Juke still features much of what made the original car such a great success – bold styling, compact yet practical dimensions and a high-riding stance and driving position. But it’s 35mm wider and 75mm longer than before, while the wheelbase has grown by 105mm, so there is more interior space.