WHEN I first saw Nissan's Juke in the metal I was far from convinced it was a winning shape.

But having driven three or four different models the way it drives has really grown on me.

The Juke is avant garde and funky in a way few other cars match, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and not everyone likes tghe exterior styling.

That said, it's more British than any Ford and comes with built-in Nissan reliability, which is not to be sniffed at.

Petrol engines are all 1.6-litres, with 94, 115 or 187bhp, while the diesel is 1.5-litres with 108bhp. Most will be front wheel drive but top end models have been available with four wheel drive as well.

All are smooth and powerful, although if you like better performance, avoid the base 1.6 petrol.

All have a comfortable ride - even the sporty 187bhp flyer - and yet still take the corners quickly and safely.

There's fair space inside, but rear legroom is short behind my six foot frame and the boot is small. Oddly, despite the lowering roof line, headroom is not too bad.

Equipment is good in lower models and excellent in the top Tekna as you would expect, including good sat nav, stability control, Bluetooth, cruise and a rear parking camera.