2011 Nissan Juke: Funky outside, fun inside

Before I ever got into the 2011 Nissan Juke, I was sharpening my pencil.

I was preparing to go all Chrysler 200 over it in a spate of carefully worded comparisons to turtles, puppies and Glenn Beck. (If you're not laughing or crying right now, please Google my name and Mr. Beck's.)

For starters, this compact crossover has the face of a bug. The bull-nose front end and sharply angled overhang makes the Juke look like a boat, and the round headlights (the ones down low) look like fog lamps. And the elongated turn indicators on the hood look like headlights. Nothing makes sense.

There are classic curves and modern sharp edges all around its body, like a cubist's rendition of a football. There's a fine line between polarizing and repulsive, and the Juke balances perfectly on that line.

Over the week I tested the Juke, I'll admit, its design grew on me. People certainly notice it and some, particularly drivers younger than me, liked it. The Juke's exterior is like the RoboCop statue destined for Detroit. Because its mere presence will evoke so much emotion -- both good and bad -- the statue becomes art.

The Juke's performance, of course, will win over many uncertain drivers. It bobs and weaves with the best of the compact crossover segment. It's downright fun.

The 1.6-liter direct injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing provides lots of gutsy low-end torque. All 177 pound-feet of torque kick in at just 2,000 rpm, making the 3,000-pound Juke feel quick and responsive. There was a slight turbo lag, but it felt more like a dramatic pause, giving driver and passenger a moment to appreciate the additional boost.

My test vehicle included the six-speed manual transmission. It was extremely smooth, though the shifts were long and I often had trouble shifting from fifth to sixth. It requires you to push your hand slightly away from you to avoid pulling the stick back into fourth.

The Juke also comes with an optional continuous variable transmission, which provides the best fuel economy in a front-wheel drive version with 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

Another notable aspect was the lack of torque steer in the front-wheel drive model. Many performance-oriented front-wheel drive vehicles tend to want to head for the ditch if a driver puts his pedal to the metal from a standstill. It's a product of physics that the right-side drive wheel pulls harder and causes that uncomfortable steering maneuver.

Its overall performance leans toward the sporty side, with an independent front suspension and rear torsion beam suspension that keep the body flat through cornering, despite its higher body. The all-wheel drive model includes a multi-link rear suspension. Overall, the ride is firm without being abusive.

Nissan has a long track record of building great engines, enticing exteriors and absolutely drab interiors. The Juke defies that preconceived notion as well. I found the Juke's interior even more than adequate. It's nice.

The interior feels like the antithesis to the exterior. Every part of the interior follows cool soothing lines. The shallow dash creates lots of space for the front passengers.

There were still some cheap interior components, such as the hood over the analog gauges. The clam-shell opening exposes the speedometer and tachometer, but the plastic is thin and looks like it will snap off after a few Detroit potholes.

My biggest complaint with this particular crossover is with the road and engine noise that seep into the cabin. I was expecting a much quieter ride, and the Juke didn't provide it.

Still, even with its gangly looks, the Juke is pretty impressive. The sporty ride may win a few customers, and all of that useful space -- 36 cubic feet when the second row is folded down -- provides lots of utility.

In a world where everyone seems to want to make a statement, the Juke's actions speak the loudest. It stands out in every crowded parking lot and is definitely a vehicle that makes you re-evaluate your first impressions.

Those are the kind of surprises that anyone should be able to appreciate, Glenn Beck included.