A HYBRID version of Nissan's iconic compact crossover, the Juke is slated for launch in the summer with the promise of not just better economy and lower emissions, but also increased performance compared with the existing petrol-engined model.

The new hybrid powertrain is a collaborative effort between Nissan and its alliance partner Renault and features a new generation 94hp Nissan internal combustion engine which has been specifically developed for working as part of a hybrid powertrain application.

Nissan has also supplied the main 49hp electric motor while its French partner Renault provides other key parts including a 15kW high voltage starter/generator and a 1.2kWh water-cooled battery as well as an innovative, low-friction, clutchless gearbox which the company claims ensures optimal power use.

The net result, says Nissan, is a powertrain providing 25 per cent more power than the current petrol engine option, with a 40 per cent reduction in fuel consumption on the urban cycle, and up to 20 per cent in mixed motoring.

The new powertrain will always start up in fully-electric mode, says the company which claims its engineers have achieved up to 80 per cent of an urban drive in pure EV mode, with short hybrid phases to recharge the battery, reaching speeds of up to 34mph in EV mode only.

While most of the wizardry is hidden from sight, there are minor cosmetic changes to distinguish the new Juke Hybrid model including a series of small changes to optimise its aerodynamic efficiency.

Additionally, there are Hybrid badges on the front doors and the tailgate while the mesh front grille, which has a smaller opening area to maximise aero efficiency, features a strip of black gloss material where it meets the hood, putting it in line with other electrified Nissan models which share this same design motif.

Modifications have also been made to the bodywork below the bumper to improve airflow and, uniquely for the hybrid, a radiator grille shutter has been added, allowing airflow to be automatically adjusted according to cooling needs, reducing aero drag as much as possible.

The rear spoiler which is mounted above the rear window has been re-profiled for cleaner airflow behind the car. And, in front of the front wheels, the tyre spoilers have been reshaped and repositioned to clean the airflow, while the rear axle has gained a cover which smooths the airflow under the car.

Little changes inside the cabin, other than rearranged instruments one of which includes a power gauge, with the needle moving between "charge", when energy regeneration is taking place, through "eco" when propulsion is electric and "power" when the internal combustion engine and electric motor combine.

The underfloor electrical gubbins reduce boot space slightly to 354 litres - 68 litres less than the petrol version. With rear seats folded, however, Nissan claims that the 1,237-litre load space remains best in class.