Nissan extended its successful Juke range earlier this year with this limited edition model, the Shiro. The name means 'white' in Japanese, but it's available in the full Juke range of body colours, plus a special deep purple called Nightshade. The whiteness is in the details you see when you step inside.
The centre console, which has a shape said to have been inspired by that of a motorcycle fuel tank, is painted white and so are switch panels on the doors. There's white contrast stitching on the leather steering wheel, the gear lever, the new leather-clad centre arm rest and the seats, and the perforations in the leather seat facings show contrasting white fabric underneath. They're small details, but enough to give the dark cabin a subtle lift.
On the outside the Shiro is set apart by new two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels, silver mirrors and door handles, and a gloss-black centre pillar. There's a long list of standard equipment, including automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, Bluetooth phone integration, a touch-screen satnav and a colour reversing camera to make parking easier.
If the subtle white accents just aren't enough, there's also a Ministry of Sound package for another £200 that adds a white iPod Touch with docking cradle inside and white alloy wheels.
Unlike many special edition cars, the Juke Shiro is available with a range of engine and transmissions. The cheapest version comes with a 1.6-litre, 117PS petrol engine and five-speed manual gearbox. For another £200 you can add an automatic stop/start system, which might be a worthwhile addition if you spend a lot of time in traffic queues, or you can spend around £1000 more for a CVT automatic. For about £1600 more than the base car you can switch to a 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine, which promises similar performance and slightly better fuel economy. Top of the range is the 1.6-litre DIG-T turbo petrol engine, mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT with four-wheel drive.
Our test car had the 1.5 diesel engine, which delivered plenty of mid-range punch but could have been more refined. On the road the Juke was easy to drive, easy to see out of, and coped well everything city roads could throw at it – from ridges and potholes to picturesque but bumpy cobbles. Some rivals are more refined and more fun, but the Juke is likable, and the Shiro package adds an extra touch of class.