From 2011 to 2017, Nissan sold a small crossover called the Juke. It was often mocked for its controversial styling but we liked the Juke because of its sporty driving characteristics, available Nismo version, manual transmission, and range of turbocharged engines. The Juke was sadly dropped in the US market back in 2018 with the less expensive (and less powerful) Kicks taking its place in the lineup.

After numerous spy shots and renderings, the Juke has returned for a second-generation as a 2020 model with an all-new engine and new transmission options. The end result looks fantastic and we have just one question for Nissan - why can't we have the new Juke in the United States?

The 2020 Juke has been launched in five European cities with no plans for a US debut. Power now comes from a smaller 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder producing 117 horsepower going out to either the front wheels or optional all-wheel-drive. Buyers will have the choice of either a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed dual-clutch, so there will be no continuously variable transmission as you would find in most Nissan vehicles.

This is shaping up to be quite an interesting crossover and the details just keep getting better under the skin. Nissan has made this new Juke longer, taller, and wider while managing to reduce weight compared to the outgoing model. The interior now offers more passenger space and the trunk has 20% more storage room. Nissan has also cleaned up the exterior styling and we think this is a far more attractive design than the outgoing model.

In the cabin, Nissan has improved the fit and finish with new premium materials including multiple color combinations for the interior, body, and roof. The Juke now includes Nissan's ProPILOT technology and other safety features such as Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Recognition, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Intervention. Drivers will also enjoy an optional Bose Personal Plus audio system with eight speakers linked to an Android Auto and Apple Car Play-compatible infotainment system.

The 2020 Juke will be built at Nissan's Sunderland UK plant with deliveries set to begin in November. Prices have already been announced, ranging from £17,395 (around $21,000) to £25,395 (around $30,700), though these prices are not exactly indicative of what it would cost in the US. As we mentioned, Nissan has no plans to bring the Juke back to the US, which is a shame because this new model looks far more attractive than many of the company's US offerings.