The showroom-ready version features many touches from the Qazana concept that previewed it, including circular spotlights at the front, a wide-mouthed grille, pronounced wheelarches, hidden rear door handles and chunky, four-square proportions.

Inside, the cabin is just as stunning with a centre console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank, finished in high gloss paint. Large twin chrome-ringed dials mark out the instrument binnacle, while the fascia also features color displays for the ventilation system. With seating for five and a rear bench that splits and folds flat, plus a hatchback boot and plenty of cubby holes, it should offer decent practicality too.

Beneath the skin, the Juke features a development of the same platform that underpins the Micra and the Clio of Nissan’s Alliance partner, Renault. Front-wheel drive versions get MacPherson struts with a torsion beam at the rear while four-wheel drive models have a multi-link rear suspension modelled on the system found on Qashqai.

The latter gets ALL-MODE 4×4-i – a new development of Nissan’s electronic all-wheel drive system, which now features torque vectoring designed to enhance agility and reduce understeer when cornering. However, don’t expect much off-road ability. “Juke was born in an urban environment and that is where it will spend most of its life,” said Simon Thomas, Nissan’s European senior vice president for sales and marketing.

Three engines will be available: a 1.5-litre diesel and two 1.6-litre petrol units. Topping the petrol line-up is a new direct injection turbocharged unit that produces 187bhp and 240 Nm of torque. It is the only engine to be available with four-wheel drive and gets a new six-speed CVT automatic.

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