Nissan is going all funky with its new small hatch rival, the Juke compact crossover.

Aimed at the likes of the MINI, Ford Focus and even several compact SUVs, the Nissan is hoping to attract younger, male buyers away from more traditional small hatches. It says the Juke shares the same design DNA as its recently launched Cube.

Two- and four-wheel drive models will be offered, with the all-wheel drive versions using a revised version of the Qashqai's four-wheel drive system. Jukes with four-wheel drive will come with a continuously variable transmission as standard and will only be offered with Nissan's new 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

The new 1.6 turbo petrol uses direct injection and produces 187bhp, and Nissan says it delivers the power and responses comparable to a normally aspirated 2.5-litre motor's. Economy and emissions figures have yet to be revealed for any of the Juke's engines, but the crossover is relatively light and even the four-wheel drive model tips the scales at a relatively low 1,383kg.

A coupé-like roofline is accentuated by the rear door handles being hidden in the door frame. The tailgate opens onto a boot with 251 litres of luggage space and this can be extended to 550 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Nissan has also included several hidden storage compartments in the boot for added security.

Passenger space is on a par with a small hatch, such as Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf, as the Juke is longer, wider and taller than a Nissan Micra. The new crossover uses the same platform as the Nissan Note.

Nissan has designed the interior to appeal to younger buyers and the centre console is painted the same colour as the exterior bodywork, a cue that Nissan says was inspired by motorcycle design.

The Nissan Juke will be officially unveiled at the Geneva motor show next month before going on sale in the UK in the second half of 2010. Prices are expected to start at £12,000.

Alisdair Suttie - 10 Feb 2010