It’s great to drive, but why is it so ugly? Meagan Karstens tests and detests.

“You won’t want to give it back,” said my colleague Sergio with a reminiscent smirk on his face, after hearing that I’ll be test driving the Juke for a couple of days. “It’s smooth on the road,” he added, “and it has unbelievable power... and the torque… and the suspension… and… and...”

*He went on and on (mostly techie, boy-speak that I didn't quite get) with such enthusiasm, that I actually called up the press dealership to request delivery of the vehicle A.S.A.P.

And then it arrived. And a wave of disappointment washed over me.

Because, you see, it’s not as attractive as the Yaris. Or the Terios Diva. Or the Corsa Colour Edition. Or the X-Trail. Or even the Qashqai for that matter.

It is ugly

The Juke is a B-segment crossover, which basically means it’s a high-riding hatchback. And while I like the big-car feel, I dislike Nissan’s styling on this one – particularly the shape, size and positioning of the front headlights.

Think I’m exaggerating? Take a look at it here.

But, it drives well.

The raised height makes mincemeat out of speed bumps, while the huge windscreen gives you a better view in the front.

Handling is great and many features – like aircon, a full-spectrum audio system with fantastic sound, electric windows and mirrors, folding backseats, tilt-adjusting steering and so on and so on – come standard. Even on the base, entry model.

As you move up the line (I drove the crème de la crème), you’re spoilt with add-ons such as an I-CON driver control interface with interchangeable Eco, Normal and Sport modes, cruise control, a rain sensor and a stop/start button.

For a more comprehensive look at the specs, read Wheels24’s Juke review.

What’s more? The Juke is light on the clutch, slick between gears, quiet on the long, open road and comfortable on a whole.

It’s also spacious. And safe.

Despite its lack in outer charm, the Juke’s inner appeal wowed me! A roomy, polished and sophisticated design that is complimented by many of the latest tech and security extras.

But it’s a guzzler 

For a 1.6 litre, it is really, really heavy on petrol. And I can count on one hand the amount of times I switched it from Eco into Sport or Normal drive. So it can’t be me. Or can it?

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Have you driven or owned a Nissan? Are they generally fuel-monsters?

The Nissan Juke is:
  By: Meagan Karstens