With its unconventional exterior presentation, the Nissan JUKE grabs attention. But this vehicle’s strongest appeal is its clever fusion of utility and sportiness. In its third production year, the JUKE adds a new accessory option (Midnight Edition) in 2013. Available on all JUKE models (S, SV and SL), the Midnight Edition package features ebony-colored 17-inch alloy wheels, black roof spoiler, and black mirror caps. The 99.6-inch wheelbase JUKE’s standard suspension configuration is an independent MacPherson strut in the front and a torsion beam in the rear. All wheel drive versions offer a multi-link rear suspension.

The turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder on the test driven JUKE provided plenty of perkiness during highway driving. This engine hums with 188 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 177 pounds- feet of torque between 2000-5200 rpm. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) provided smooth shifts. (A 6-speed manual transmission is offered on the front wheel drive JUKE SV and SL models.) This compact SUV has 35.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row 60/40 split bench folded down. With rear seat upright, the cargo space compresses to 10.5 cubic feet. JUKE SL with the CVT and all-wheel-drive carries a MSRP of $26,650 and collects estimated mpg of 25 city and 30 highway.