RESTING on your laurels can prove a costly exercise.

It's not a trap Nissan tend to fall into though, as demonstrated by its managing of crossover sensation the Juke.

The British-built model boxed off a whopping 420,000 sales in less than 40 months - eclipsing its compact rivals in the process.

But little more than three years down the line from its original launch, a revamped version is stamping its authority on the sector it created.

Among the changes to the latest Juke are a new front and rear design placing greater emphasis on refinement and  style, while under the bonnet is a new downsized 1.2-litre turbocharged engine and revised 1.6-litre DIG-T unit along with the Japanese brand's 1.5 dCi diesel.

The Juke also boasts improved four-wheel drive with Torque Vectoring System, new alloy wheels, the latest generation NissanConnect  interface, dynamic control set-up and the option of an opening glass roof.

And improvements in the luggage area have increased space by 40 per cent in two-wheel drive versions - up to 354 litres - plus a range of new colours and interior themes are available with the personalisation packs.

Nissan says it isn't just the entry-level models which have helped Juke become top seller in its area of the market as the most popular engine to date has been the 1.6-litre petrol unit while the flagship Tekna trim grade accounts for more than one third of all sales.

This model in mid-range Acenta Premium trim featured the 1.2-litre DIG-T petrol engine ensuring lively performance with close to 50mpg economy.

So it's both a rewarding and cost-effective car to drive too, as well as a definite improvement on the original Juke.

There's plenty to like about the cabin, which is well laid out with piano black and chrome around the centre console, gearshift and panel containing a pair of cupholders and oddments trays.

Space for three across the back is tight, but for a pair of rear adults there's adequate legroom and plenty of head space courtesy of a high roof. Rear passengers are also seated slightly higher.

And while the boot doesn't exactly look cavernous it's both deep and split level so you can pack plenty of stuff in. The rear seats also fold down 60/40.