NISSAN'S Juke is an in-your-face kind of motor - so developing the Nismo hot hatch version is just inciting a riot.

Responsibility here lies with the company's Japanese-based performance division - which explains the Nismo name as it is derived from Nissan Motorsports International.

Nismo racing cars have competed in the Le Mans 24-hour race and currently take part in Japan's domestic Super GT and the FIA GT championships - but the Juke is the first Nismo-badged road car in Europe.

The eye-catching front-wheel drive crossover model takes no prisoners with the direct-injection turbocharged 1.6-litre turbo beast under the bonnet hurtling the Juke from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 134mph - helped by a slick six-speed manual gearbox. The Nismo can also be specified with four-wheel drive and a CVT automatic gearbox.

The extra power doesn't come at the expense of fuel consumption or emissions though as these are the same as the Juke DIG-T on which the Nismo is based.

The sporty feel extends to the suspension and chassis which have been stiffened making the ride firm but far from uncomfortable.

As a result corners can be taken without the body roll which can be the curse of a car with a tall stance like the Juke. Levels of grip are adequate although the front end begins to drift wide if you push too hard in corners.

Thankfully the Juke achieved a maximum five-star safety rating in a Euro NCAP crash test as it is fully populated with airbags. There are also a host of electronic gizmos designed to keep you out of trouble in the first place.

The exterior of the car is even more outlandish than the normal Juke with an aerodynamic body kit featuring lower front and rear bumpers, wider wings and sill side skirts. There's also a modified grille, tailgate spoiler and snazzy 18-inch alloys.

If a normal Juke has attitude, the Nismo is in full rebellion.

The interior is similarly brash with suede-trimmed Nismo sports seats sporting red stitching and deep side bolsters as well as suede trim for the door liners.

The best thing about the steering is a fancy wheel which features Alcantara and leather trim plus a host of buttons to let you control life's essentials such as the audio system.

The black centre console is stylish as are the red Nismo signatures on the gauges and gearknob.

There's plenty of space up front, but things may get a bit tighter for taller adults due to the Juke's sloping roofline. Boot space is adequate and there are a number of handy cubby holes while the rear seats fold flat if more room is required.

The ciminal element must always be considered when it comes to stopping a hot hatch going walkabout and Nissan protects the Nismo with an engine immobiliser and state-of-the-art alarm.

The Nismo may look a bit pricey at £20,000-plus but Nissan leave little if anything out when it comes to the equipment list.

So expect satellite navigation, cruise control and a host of other goodies designed to justify the expense of a package that, judging by my time with the Juke, will certainly get you noticed.