Which safe 4WD car offers fun, practicality and room for a family?

I drive a Mazda MX5, which I love to bits, but which isn't practical as it snows where I live, so the rear wheel drive isn't the best. I thought a 4WD would be more realistic so I bought a Honda CR-V, however it was far too big for me and I kept reversing into things. It also drove like a tank and was deeply uninteresting, so I sold it and went back to an MX5. Could you perhaps suggest an alternative which would meet my needs, but which I will enjoy driving? It should be fun to drive with a bit of power to aid overtaking on country roads, not too big or long but with room for the grandchildren, and have a good safety rating and be suitable for longer drives.

Asked on 28 July 2012 by JN, via email

Answered by Honest John
The one and only obvious choice is a Nissan Juke 1.6 DIG-T 4x4, as tested and video tested here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/nissan/juke//
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