IF YOU’RE looking for the design changes, bring a magnifying glass because there are new bits at both ends of this updated Juke, but they’re nothing major.

Bigger news comes with a new personalisation programme, allowing owners to customise their car with coloured plastic trim inside and out.

There are also a bundle of updated engines, including a new turbocharged petrol option, the DIG-T 115.

This one, though, is fitted with the latest version of the 108bhp 1.5 dCi diesel, which has been tweaked for even better fuel efficiency.

As before, you’ll either love it or hate it. The looks are probably the most controversial of any mainstream car, but it doesn’t seem to have affected sales with almost 35,000 finding homes in Britain last year alone.With the new interior customisation options, there’s the chance to make each Juke look more or less unique – a big selling point and potentially a reason for existing owners to upgrade.

Because of its polarising looks, its image has a little edge to it that buyers like, and even though it’s now a common sight, many people still see it as a cool choice.

Front wheel-drive versions like this benefit from a 40 per cent boot space boost thanks to ditching the spare wheel well and adding a second luggage compartment.

Overall, the amount of stuff you can fit into it is amazing, but since it’s over two levels you do need to put some thought into your packing in order to get the most out of the space.

The cabin is pleasantly spacious, and four average-height adults should be comfortable until the road gets bumpy, at which point the guys in the back might find their heads within regular bashing distance of the roof.

Carrying four people is bad news for driving enjoyment, because for all the dainty diesel’s quietness and refinement at urban speeds, it struggles to haul a full car and fuel economy suffers badly.

Get rid of passengers and real-world economy should be good.

Under normal circumstances the dCi lump is very pleasant, cruising smoothly and growling a little under acceleration. There’s plenty of kit to enjoy using on the move, from driving mode selection to sat-nav, and even cruise control for those motorway slogs.

Some of the switchgear feels a bit cheap, though, which is a bigger issue the higher up the range you go.

The entry-level Juke looks like good value, and by making sure the higher models have lots of tempting tech, the more expensive choices stay justifiable.

The available space is an impressive statement of value, too, but the Juke does have stiff competition from newer rivals. Its fresh impetus of fuel economy should help keep it popular.

Like most high-volume cars, this one pulls buyers in from all walks of life and personality types. But Juke buyers will definitely go into dealerships already in love with its looks, before weighing the purchase up against their needs for size, space and practicality; areas in which the Juke does surprisingly well. Young families are prime candidates, as well as older buyers looking to downsize into something funky.

This car summed up in a single word: Independent.

If this car was a musician it would be a punk rocker; brilliant to those it was designed for, and it doesn’t care a jot what everyone else thinks.