Nissan Juke n-tec 1.5 dCi

With a load of equipment and a stylish new look, the n-tec is set to be one of the most desirable models in the Juke range. At £17,690, it’s about the same price as a top-spec diesel Renault Captur or Peugeot 2008, but those models are more spacious and a lot more fuel-efficient, too.

The new Nissan Juke n-tec is expected to be the range’s best-seller. It’s based on the Acenta Premium trim level, and costs £300 extra, but you do get some added visual flair for your cash. There are stylish bi-colour 18-inch alloys, gloss black B-pillars and door mirrors, and some subtle black flashes in the bonnet-mounted sidelights.

Nissan has debuted its new Google Send-To-Car in the n-tec, as part of its latest Connect infotainment system. It’s fitted as standard, and allows you to input directions on your phone or laptop and then send them to the sat-nav before you get in.

Nissan’s marketing it as the stand-out feature of the n-tec, but it’s worth mentioning that from this point on, it’s available on all Jukes. Engine-wise, you can get any of the usual Juke offerings in n-tec trim, ranging from the 115bhp 1.6-litre petrol up to the 187bhp 1.6 turbo.

Our car was powered by the 1.5-litre diesel, which produces 108bhp, and as ever it sounds a little rough under acceleration. Performance is reasonably punchy, but the 58.9mpg fuel economy is now eclipsed easily by the Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur.

As with other Jukes, the ride is comfortable and body control fairly good. But it’s still not a particularly involving car to drive, with the numb steering limiting the fun a little.

Boil it all down and you get a car that’s just as well equipped and feels exactly like the Acenta Premium, but costs £300 extra. Whether or not you think it’s worth the extra outlay depends on how much you like the flashy wheels and gloss black details.