Nissan Juke Visia

The striking Nissan Juke SUV goes head-to-head with both small SUVs like the Citroen C4 Cactus and Peugeot 2008, as well as small superminis like the Ford Fiesta and Kia Rio.

The Visia is the entry-level trim in the Nissan Juke range and comes available with the 93bhp 1.6 petrol or a more efficient 109bhp 1.5-litre diesel engines.

The basic Nissan Juke does not offer the option of an automatic gearbox – you have to go for the more expensive Acenta for that. You'll have to do without four-wheel drive, too, as that's only an option on the top-of-the-range Tekna or sporty Nismo versions.

The good news is even the base Nissan Juke Visia trim comes with a decent level of standard equipment. The Visia comes with side and curtain airbags, anti-skid control (ESP), a trip computer, air conditioning, rear electric windows, 16-inch alloys and electric door mirrors.

It’s no surprise the 109bhp diesel offers the lowest running costs, averaging an impressive 70.6mpg. The petrol, meanwhile, returns 47.1mpg.

Good points

The Nissan Juke cleverly bridges the gap between a small hatchback and an SUV. The entry-level Visia trim will appeal to those who might normally have bought a supermini, and it's easy to see why they might be drawn to the small SUV.The Juke offers striking looks and a commanding view of the road ahead thanks to its high driving position – and once you’ve bought it, it won’t break the bank with its running costs.If that hasn’t won over the potential supermini owner, no doubt the Visia’s high level of standard specification will. The icing on the cake is the Nissan Juke even has good residual values when it’s time to sell.

Bad points

Where the case for the Nissan Juke begins to fall apart is with its drive. The raised ride height means increased body roll in bends – something both you and your passengers won't appreciate.Ride quality is also poor and the Juke can be tiring over long distances and uncomfortable over bumpy roads.Finally, some of its newer rivals, like the Peugeot 2008 have more space inside, both in the cabin and in the boot.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Tyre pressure sensors
• Passenger & Driver airbag
• Front side airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Manual air conditioning
• Height adjustable driver's seat
• Front electric windows
• Single CD player
• AUX stereo input
• Rear electric windows

Recommended optional extras

• Metallic paint

Our choice

The small 1.5-litre diesel provides the Nissan Juke with brisk performance and fuel economy of 70.6mpg. As a result it's our pick of the range.