It's clear the Juke wasn't built for mass appeal. It rides too firm for some, and the cabin is too small for many. Driving fun, a few well-executed controls and reasonable value offer some vindication — probably enough to earn the Juke a niche group of buyers.

However, Nissan makes three other hatchbacks or crossovers whose prices overlap the Juke's, and there are literally dozens more alternatives across the industry. Whether the nameplate can garner a few rabid enthusiasts — and establish Nissan's performance heritage among affordable cars — is the automaker's gamble.