The current model year Nissan cube, with its distinctive asymmetrical rear window, refrigerator-style rear door, once again occupies a unique place in the automotive world.
The cube offers space for five in its lounge-like interior, or 58 cubic feet of cargo room, and more than 40 accessories to help buyers customize cube to their precise tastes and needs.
The latest Nissan cube is available in three standard and one special model: cube 1.8, cube 1.8 S and cube 1.8 SL, and also in a special cube 1.8 S Krom Edition.
Updates since launch include a new package for the 1.8 S CVT, which consists of a unique seat color, Nissan Navigation System, RearView Monitor, Rockford Fosgate audio, Nissan Intelligent Key and 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Nissan has also added an available Bluetooth system, automatic temperature control and RearView Monitor and over 40 individual accessories.
Other changes include the addition of the Nissan Intelligent Key as standard equipment on SL models and an attached front passenger seat armrest on S and SL models. Five new exterior colors will also be offered.
Additions for the previous model year were comprised of a Secure Digital (SD) Card-based navigation system with 5-inch color touch screen, XM NavTraffic capability, and USB connectivity to the cube SL Preferred Package and 1.8 S Krom Edition; the addition of XM Satellite Radio on the 1.8 S Krom Edition and one new exterior color – Golden Ginger.
The front-wheel drive cube is built on Nissan’s B-platform and is offered with a standard 122-horsepower, 127 lb-ft of torque 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine and a choice of Nissan's Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or six-speed manual transmission.
The cube also provides fuel efficiency of 27 city, 31 mpg highway with the CVT transmission. For the current model year, the combined fuel economy rating increases to 29 mpg (from the previous 28 mpg).
With the six-speed manual transmission fuel economy comes in at 25 city, 30 highway mpg.
Cube's interior is designed to act as an inviting social space for up to five passengers, with comfortable front seating and a three-position sliding, reclining theater-style rear seat.
Unique interior features include asymmetrical Fine Vision gauges, “Water Drop” interior accents and detachable multi-hooks.
Available cube technology includes the Nissan Intelligent Key with push button ignition, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, XM satellite radio, RearView monitor and Interface System for iPod.
The cube 1.8 S Krom Edition includes uniquely styled upper and lower front grilles, fully integrated front and rear bumper fascias and body side sills, rear roof spoiler, and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
Cube S Krom Edition also offers a custom interior with exclusive black and gray seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum-trimmed pedals, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, upgraded audio system with Rockford Fosgate powered subwoofer, XM Satellite Radio, RearView Monitor and navigation system with 5-inch color touch screen display.
Key competitors
An asymmetrical alternative to the rest of the subcompact segment, Nissan's cube faces stiff competition from traditional offerings like the Honda Fit, Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback, Ford Fiesta Hatchback, Kia Soul and even the Nissan Juke.