Last week, the new Nissan Juke was voted Continental Irish Car of the Year by the Irish Motoring Writer’s Association.  So, what is it about Nissan’s new baby that brought it to the top of the pile?

Is it its concept car looks, which seem to blend bits of 370Z, Murano and Qashqai?  Debatable.  For some, it’s the hottest thing on the market; for others, its like a frog on steroids.  While it is spacious enough in the front compartment, anyone much over 5ft 6ins will find things cramped in the rear, where narrow doors impede entry.  Once inside, there is not a lot of leg room.  The reason for this is that the Juke is built on a modified Renault Nissan Allicance platform, which is also used by the Clio and the Micra.  This means a wheelbase of only 2,530mm, in contrast to the 2,615mm wheelbase of the competition’s runner-up, the Kia Venga.

Still, there is a lot to like about the Juke.  Open the door and you find a very ‘designer’ interior which, overall, works well.  (Incidentally, the vehicle’s styling was undertaken at the company’s European Design Centre in London.)  Then, take it out on the road and at times you might think you are behind the wheel of a small sports car.  When it comes to dynamic characteristics, one can sense that the engineers did a good job in getting such decent responses from a vehicle of this height.

If the platform is shared with Renault, the 1.6-litre petrol engine - under the bonnet of the test car – is all Nissan.  This is quite an advanced unit, so its low emissions put it in tax band B, the same as Renault’s 1.5-litre dCi diesel, which is also available – though with a €2,000 surcharge.

However, drivers who have come to love this diesel may be willing to pay for far more torque (240Nm vs 158Nm) and similar power output (110bhp vs 117bhp).  Remember, too, that much of the extra initial cost will be recouped over the vehicle’s lifetime in cheaper running expenses, thanks to some 20 per cent better fuel consumption and lower diesel average prices for diesel fuel against petrol.

Those who want a Mini Cooper S rival can go for a turbocharged / intercooled 1.6-litre petrol unit, which is good for 190bhp and produces the same 240Nm torque as the 1.5-litre diesel.  Motorists who need an automatic gearbox will find one offered with the regular 1.6-litre engnie though, being of the CVT type, it is not as efficient as DSG-type twin clutch units.

The Juke weighs 1,225kg empty, which is failry heavy for a car of its size, so the ratios of the five forward gears are relatively short, enabling the engine’s 117bhp to provide reasonable performance, provided you rev it out towards the limit in true petrolhead fashion.  This gives the impression that you are going faster than the time from rest to 100km/h of 10.3 seconds would suggest.  Top speed is quoted at 178km/h.  Fuel consumption worked out at 7.9 l/100km over the test period.

One of the ‘trick’ aspects of the Juke is the Nissan Dynamic Control System, with screen and two control buttons.  Pressing the D-Mode button and selecting Sport gives full access to the engine performance, producing the figures quoted above.  Selecting Normal brings softer throttle responses, making the car seem a lot more sluggish, though full power is still available if you are prepared to wring the engine’s neck.  Select Eco mode and it feels that the car has gained half a ton and lost two cylinders, but one can achieve impressive reductions in fuel consumption.  (Maybe clever Nissan engineers have found the ideal way to beat the unescapable tax increases which motorists will face after next week’s budget.)

When it comes to handling and roadholding, the Juke start to shine.  Firm suspension means little body-roll in corners, and the car responds well on tight, twisty bends, going exactly where pointed.  Grip is good too, though there is some weight transfer on a fast bend, which can kick in the standard traction and ESC systems.

The electric power steering gives little feedback, which is worsened when Sport mode is selected, though the steering does stiffen up.  Comfort is acceptable at all times and the brakes are strong.  The Juke’s neat 4.14 metre overall length and elevated driving position make it very easy to drive in traffic, while visibility for rear parking is quite fair.  The car has a small turning circle as well.

The cabin interior has hints of motorbike influence around the console and gear shift emplacement.  Even the main dials are similar to a motorbike’s in their design, and overall, it works.

On the more practical side, there is room for two decent cup holders and spacious door pockets.  The front seats are good, but getting the ideal driving position is compromised by a steering wheel without telescopic adjustment.  The rear compartment is a tight fit for adults, while the boot capacity is small, even with the underfloor space included.

While standard XE equipment is not bad, moving up to the SV spec brings worthwhile items such as hands-free Bluetooth mobile phone link, cruise control and 17-inch alloy wheels.  The Dynamic Control System is also part of this pack, which costs an extra €1,300.

Overall, the Nissan Juke is an interesting newcomer with very decent dynamics, giving a fun factor.  However, its usefulness for families is hampered by its short wheelbase.