Nissan can’t go wrong with 4x4s. The X-Trail was seen as the benchmark for such models when it was first unveiled.

And it was only surpassed by another Nissan, the Qashqai, which manages to appeal to young and old with equal success.

Now, we have another potential hit on the way: the Juke.

This model, which will become the smallest in Nissan’s family of 4x4s, was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March and will go on sale here in the summer. Prices have yet to be announced.

Developed from the Qazana concept car, the Juke is billed as an SUV crossover which means it is both an SUV (sport utility vehicle) and a sporty hatchback.

As such it will compete with models such as the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Meriva.

Nissan says the Juke is a cross between a compact SUV and sports car and will “breathe new life into the traditionally conservative B-segment market”.

Despite its small footprint, the Juke will feature a torque vectoring four-wheel drive system and will be available with powerful 1.5-litre diesel, 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines. Manual and CVT (continuously variable transmission) system will also be available.

Inside, the Juke will seat five and Nissan is promising competitive levels of head and legroom along with a 251-litre boot capable of swallowing a golf bag or large suitcase.

Pierre Loing, vice president, product planning, of Nissan Europe, said: “The Juke takes the best elements of an SUV and sports car and combines them.

“It’s roomy yet compact, robust yet dynamic and practical yet playful. These are qualities that seem to contradict each other, yet come together in Juke to create something that’s genuinely unique.”

Nissan expects the model to prove a hit with B-segment (Fiesta) customers, but also feels the Juke may attract drivers of larger C-segment (Focus) vehicles with its mix of qualities and unique styling.

Juke was created at Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in the heart of London, and refined at Nissan’s Design Centre (NDC) in Japan. Principle engineering took place in Japan with European input and Juke will be built in Sunderland.

Trim and equipment options will follow the established Visia, Acenta and Tekna lines while a full range of accessories has been developed for owners who want to personalise their Juke still further.

Nissan’s UK managing director Paul Willcox said the Juke was good news for the British motor industry.

He said: “With the industry still under pressure, we’re delighted to be leading from the front for the UK manufacturing industry. The success of the Qashqai, Note and Micra shows there’s nothing our Sunderland plant can’t achieve. Looking further ahead, we have every expectation that this sales success will continue.

“Following the announcement that the all-new Electric Leaf model will also be manufactured in Britain along with the Juke crossover model, the future is looking very bright for Nissan in the UK.”