The Nissan cube made its entry into the North American market in 2009, coinciding with a complete redesign of the car. Previous iterations of the cube were only offered in Japan. Set to retail from $13,990, the cube (don't capitalize the c!) is offered in four trim levels, including a North America-exclusive Krom model at the top of the chart.

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Nissan actually beat Scion to the square car punch with its JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cube, but Toyota's youth brand was the first to market such a car in the U.S. However, Scion's dominance of the segment will is now being challenged.

Compared to the previous JDM versions of the hatchback, the 2009 cube loses some of its sharp edges, yet retains its overall boxy look (Nissan calls the new cube a "Bulldog in sunglasses"). The vehicle will keep its asymmetrical D-pillar, which provides increased visibility to the driver. Nissan has reportedly re-tooled its plants to build two versions of this design for right- and left-hand-drive markets.

The 1.8 base six-speed manual includes power windows and locks, air conditioning, stability control and a trip computer for $13,990.

Another $700 gets you the $14,690 manual-transmission 1.8 S, which adds unique interior and exterior trim, an arm rest, map and visor lighting and cruise control to the equation. Another $1,000 on top of that is the 1.8 S CVT, with Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission - it's standard on the SL and Krom, too.

The SL, starting at $16,790, includes 16 inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control and an upgraded audio system.

The Krom adds unique interior and exterior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, a roof spoiler and interior accent lighting with its $19,370 base price.

Nissan is touting the cube's personalization options, which include more than 40 accessories - from a "shag" dash topper to an 20-color illumination kit to the interior to the obligatory optional alloy wheels and body kits.

The unique "reserve your cube" program allows shoppers to price out cubes and then reserve a cube sitting on a dealer's lot without even having to visit the retail outlet.

As the model naming implies, every cube variant is powered by the same 1.8-liter motor. The DOHC inline 4-cylinder delivers 122-horsepower with a projected fuel economy of 30 mpg on the highway.

The Krom variant was developed by Nissan North America's new Specialty Vehicles Group, which also developed the sporty Nissan Nismo 350Z.

It is believed Nissan is developing a hybrid version, with an all-electric model possible for the 2012 model year. Nissan originally previewed the cube in concept car guise, as the Denki cube, at the New York Auto Show in 2008. "Denki" is Japanese for "electric," which certainly confirms Nissan's electric car ambitions.