A more powerful Juke showcased at the Geneva Motor Show

The Nissan NISMO legend continues to grow with another new model for Europe. As the flagship of the new Juke range, the Nismo RS is previewed at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, hot in the wheel tracks of the flagship Nissan GT-R NISMO.

With more power, a sharper chassis, stronger brakes and extra equipment, the new Juke NISMO RS builds on the existing and hugely popular Nissan Juke NISMOto create a more extreme version of the top-selling compact crossover.

Benefiting from NISMO's extensive global motorsport experience, the NISMO RS's advanced 1.6-litre DIG-T engine has been fine-tuned to boost power to 215bhp from 197bhp while torque in two-wheel drive/manual transmission versions is increased from an already healthy 250Nm to 280Nm.

To ensure the chassis can successfully transfer the extra torque to the road, 2WD models also benefit from the addition of a mechanical Limited Slip Differential (LSD) on the driven front wheels.

An LSD is not required in four-wheel drive versions, which have Torque Vectoring and Nissan's Xtronic transmission. Xtronic transmission models now feature standard fit steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts to control the eight-speed manual mode.

Other improvements linked to the increased engine performance include strategic body strengthening to increase torsional stiffness still further, while the brakes have been enhanced for even better resistance to fade under repeated hard use - front disc size has increased from 296mm to 320mm, while the rear discs are now ventilated. Revised spring and damper settings complete the chassis changes.

Inside, the RS logo appears in the rev counter while a distinctive suede wrap covers the instrument binnacle. The final finishing touch inside is an unusual water print finish on the shift knob/paddle shifters and the central cluster.

The NISMO RS's aerodynamic exterior has lower front and rear bumpers, wider wings and side skirts, plus a dark chrome V-motion grille - complete with Nissan's new brand signature - and tailgate spoiler to better control airflow. Developed using experience gained on the racetrack, the aerodynamic upgrades reduce front and rear lift without increasing drag.

NISMO exterior design cues include red door mirror caps and a red pinstripe that encircles the bottom of the car. The picture is completed with new LED daytime running lights set within the lower air intake grilles at the front of the car, while eye-catching 18-inch alloy wheels accentuate the new Juke's bold stance.

Despite its performance potential, the Juke NISMO remains highly practical. Two-wheel drive versions now benefit from a 40 percent increase in carrying capacity, for example, thanks to subtle reshaping of the luggage area, while a two-stage floor and fold flat rear seats make the space even more flexible.

Further details of the new Juke NISMO RS will be revealed later in the year.