THE intimate setting of  Manhattan Zen Lounge on Belmont Road in New Kingston was the venue for the launch of 2013 Nissan Juke recently.

The Juke offers SUV capabilities in car-like dimensions.

There were oohs and aahs from the guests after the red Juke appeared from under the black veil. For those who could not get enough, David Crawford, Fidelity Motors’ marketing officer, drove out a black version for guests to get up close and personal.

“The Juke’s rally-inspired design and its excellent price point will appeal to the younger buyers looking for something different, but wanting a vehicle that can keep up with their active lifestyle,” Crawford said.

Being a Crossover, the Juke comes with standard intelligent all-wheel drive and a raised ride-height to handle light off-road duties.

The vehicle boasts rally-inspired headlights, rear-wheel torque-vectoring technology, advanced interface and controls, sports car handling, vehicle dynamic control with ABS, EBD and brake assist, and an intelligent key with keyless start.

The ‘hi-spec’ models on display were outfitted with leather seats complemented by matching steering wheels. Three driving modes are available at the touch of a very visually elaborate control system in the dash. The modes can shift from ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT which results in tactile differences in how the vehicle feels as it makes adjustments to throttle and steering wheel speed.

“Unique. There’s nothing like it, inside and out,” said Major Gregory Webster, Fidelity Motors’ managing director.

Fully loaded, the Juke goes for just over $3.6 million.