HERE'S a question - what's the name of little high-rider that led the way to an avalanche of compact SUVs, currently one of the fastest expanding sectors?

No prizes for knowing it was the little Nissan Juke, some 15 years ago.

Refreshed and updated last year, the Sunderland-made five-door is going strong, and still punching above its weight.

In its latest form, it's treated to an automatic gearbox and petrol-hybrid power to aid both economy and performance.

These days, however, it must battle for attention with snazzy, newer models from most major manufacturers, including Peugeot, Audi, VW, and Renault.

The subject of our review is the hybrid N-Sport, with contrasting roof colour, wheel arch covers and mirrors. It also has sat nav, rear parking camera and LED headlights as standard.

Ours was in yellow, so bright it wouldn't shame a canary, with a black roof. So not a colour scheme for the introvert!

With a combined battery and petrol output of 141bhp. It's hardly surprising the small five-door picks up its heels pretty smartly with 62mph coming up is around 10 seconds and particularly rapid getaway from a standstill.

The combustion engine sounds a bit gruff when it's brought into play, otherwise the Juke is reasonably quiet with subdued wind and road noise.

The only fly in the ointment is the automatic gearbox which feels somewhat strained at times and changes can be a bit jerky. At cruising speed, however, its settles down to a relaxed gait. Three driving modes are available at the press of a button - Eco, Standard and Sport.

A smaller 1.0-litre three-cylinder version is available as the range's entry model.

The cabin is attractively styled with plenty of soft-touch plastic surfaces and flashes bright yellow to match the exterior paintwork. It's smart and snug with definitely has a classy feel. A 12.3in touchscreen operates many of the functions and is easy to get used to. A selection of physical buttons and knobs make adjustments on the move easier.

The current version is a tad larger which benefits rear legroom and boot space. The unassisted tailgate lifts to reveal a 422 litre cargo area, quite impressive considering the car's compact dimensions. Rear seats split and fold to increase luggage capacity to 1,250 litres.

Front seats are well-shaped and supportive. Legroom in the rear, though more generous than previously, remains at a premium.

Ride over decent surfaces is comfortable and poised, but the usual potholes and craters cause the Juke to lose a degree of composure. Body roll is well-controlled and the steering is pleasantly high-geared and direct with decent feedback, significant factors which help make the little Nissan an appealing driver's car.

Hybridisation has undoubtedly tempered the Juke's appetite for fuel. We averaged 47mpg with a best of 56mpg during gentle B-road pottering, which means that it has a range of around 500 miles between fill-ups.

Despite development and improvements over the last decade and a half, the Juke has retained its cheeky character and somewhat Marmite looks which, surveys have found, are two of the pathfinding model's main appeal to buyers.

£32,475

1.6-litre, 141bhp petrol-hybrid engine driving front wheels vis automatic gearbox

103mph

10.1sec

58.8

18

111g/km

: 28%

3yrs/60,000 miles

4.0