Nissan Juke Acenta Premium dCi 110 first drive

This is the facelifted version of the popular and distinctive Nissan Juke, a compact crossover that rivals the likes of the Skoda Yeti and Citroën C4 Cactus.

Revisions for the new 2014 version include a restyled front and rear end, new alloy wheels, a different audio system, a host of additional customisation options and myriad other detail changes.

Nissan has even managed to boost the available storage space in two-wheel-drive models, as tested here, with the luggage area growing by 40 per cent to 354 litres. That puts the Nissan Juke's boot capacity on a par with the likes of a many a conventional hatch, whereas previously it matched only small city cars.

Tested here is the manual 1.5-litre dCi diesel model, an engine unchanged from 2013, in the third highest trim level – Acenta Premium. It's a comprehensively equipped car, replete with a 5.8-inch sat-nav and media system, DAB radio, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, a reversing camera and climate control.

Very easy to get on with. The first thing that strikes you is the spacious interior; even in the rear there's ample room for six footers.

The Nissan's cabin impresses elsewhere. Visibility is good, with the high seating position granting further improved all-round views, and the vast majority of materials used throughout the cabin feel of a suitably decent standard.

It's also gratifying to see Nissan paying attention to the smaller details. For example, in front of the gearlever is a rubberised pad that firmly locates any mobile phone. Besides providing you with somewhere convenient to put your phone, it positions it conveniently by the USB and auxiliary ports.

There are only a few minor gripes with the Nissan Juke's cabin. Folding electric wing mirrors aren't standard, somewhat counter-intuitively given the comprehensive kit list, and the steering wheel doesn't adjust for reach.

The Juke's split-level boot should serve most people's requirements but, stowed underneath in another compartment, it's somewhat disappointing to find only a tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel.

Nevertheless, the Nissan Juke is both practical and comfortable inside – and smart-looking fabric choices and some thoughtful touches serve to deliver an ambiance befitting of its price and character.

On the road the Nissan proves to be a competent car. Its steering is comparitively precise and quick to react, it's easy to maneuver and it comes to a stop from speed without fuss.

The ride quality, however, isn't quite what some buyers might hope. In line with the Juke's purported slight sporting and youthful nature, it's quite stiffly sprung. While it consequently doesn't lean to an unpleasant extent in corners, and handles in a capable fashion, it does unfortunately tend to crash and jar over bumps.

Elsewhere, it's much as you might expect. The economical 1.5-litre diesel engine can be coarse when pushed hard, and always feels slightly agricultural, but it serves up plenty of low-end torque and rarely leaves you wanting.

The Juke's six-speed manual transmission offers up a short, notchy throw; although occasionally slightly obtrusive its overtly mechanical action does make the Nissan feel a little more involving to drive.