Nissan Juke review: facelifted 1.2 turbo driven

This Nissan Juke is a bit like Lady Gaga. Both suffer from a severe identity crisis, are loved and hated by the public in equal measure, but are bewilderingly successful. However, after three years and 420,000 sales globally, the Juke has been handed a warm towel and told to freshen up.

The big news is that the 1.6-litre petrol has been binned for a new 1.2-litre turbo. It's a fantastically smooth and punchy engine that is down on power compared to the 1.6 (114 vs 116bhp), but has more torque (140 vs 116lb ft). This new low-end oomph, plus the characterful chirps and whistles that come with forced induction, means this new lump really suits the Juke's funky looks and ethos. Plus, it's more fun to drive.

Practicality has also been improved. A sunken floor has been scalloped out in 2WD models upping bootspace by a massive 40 per cent to 354 litres. However, if you like all four wheels to be driven, you'll have to make do with 205 litres.

Nissan has barely changed the aesthetics - it's hard to know where they'd start anyway. The front and rear lights have been tweaked, and there are slightly revised bumpers. Unfortunately, nothing has been done on the inside - which is starting to look and feel a bit dated.