MORE than a decade ago Nissan started a new trend when it launched the funky Juke - a small SUV with its own distinctive style and bug eyed looks.

It was an instant success and started a trend for small crossovers with other manufacturers rushing to launch their own models and now the sector is crowded with offerings like the Ford Puma, Renault Captur and Vauxhall Mokka as well as the Peugeot 2008.

All these models have made a dent in the traditional family hatchback sales and their popularity continues to grow.

I have to say the first Juke did not make a huge impression on me but all that changed when the current model was launched with more style and a hugely improved cabin.

I have been sampling the newly arrived petrol hybrid version which offers141bhp from a 1.6-litre engine with electric assistance and delivers 25 per cent more clout while being 20 per cent better on fuel.

After moving silently off the blocks on electric power it will hit 62mph in 10.1secs and go on to 103mph. The dual clutch automatic gearbox suits the car's easy-riding nature and it is only slightly slower than the manual version.

Refinement is another area where the Juke has been improved and the ride is smooth and the car much quieter even at motorway speeds where it cruises at the limit without any strain or fuss.

The Juke is agile in town and on country roads and the handling is good with fine visibility. The steering is also sharper and provides enough feedback.

The Juke has kept all its style but it's still practical with decent space up front and sufficient head and legroom in the rear for most families.

Boot space is also good thanks to a lower floor and it can take 354 litres of luggage space while the normal combustion engine version without battery can carry 42 2litres.

The cabin itself is trendy and functional with smart use of colours and soft touch plastics - a clear step up in quality from the original Juke.

An eight-inch central screen looks after navigation and a number of other functions while the Bose sound system is an attractive standard feature in this Tekna Plus model.

During normal everyday use it returned around 50mpg and on a couple of longer runs I averaged 61.5mpg - a significant improvement over the standard engine.

This model is crammed with all the kit you could want and it also offers all the latest safety and driver aids.