Nissan has announced that the brand’s response to the need for fun, spacious yet fuel efficient vehicles, the Nissan Cube, will be released in the USA in Spring 2009. This second generation of the Cube comes stateside 10 years after the release of the original 1999 version so popular in Japan. The Cube also boasts the title of the first car in that segment. Its nearest competitor, the Toyota bB (Scion xB in the USA) was released in Japan in 2001. Due to the Cube’s late USA release, however, it now has two competitors gunning for its market share: the aforementioned Scion xB and the new Kia Soul.
The quirky asymmetrical box, affectionately dubbed the “Urban Mobility Device”, features two different profiles. On one side the “U.M.D” sports one elongated window that wraps around and acts as the rear windscreen. The other side looks conventional, with two windows. A fun fact about those windows is that the wraparound was designed originally for the JDM market for better vision while exiting a parking space or merging, and Nissan decided not to change the configuration to the other side for the US version. The driver is essentially getting a little bit of the Japanese driving experience with the window on the wrong side while you are switching lanes.
The interior combines blue and white color lighting to help the driver keep track of the speedometer and tachometer separately while driving, and the dash is designed specifically with driver comfort in mind with all instruments placed at a slight angle towards the driver’s seat. The interior also features a “double shelf” feature on the passenger side which acts as a storage compartment for such things as keys, wallet, or any other small object that may flop around while the car is in motion. To add to the fun-factor of the car, it comes with an optional shag-carpet dash mat which screams “shall we shag now… or shag later… baby???”
In order to appeal to the young crowd Nissan searches to win over, the Cube will have numerous customization options and will come in three trims: the Cube 1.8, 1.8S and 1.8SL. The owner can add such things as 16-inch alloy wheels, side window deflectors, a rear roof spoiler, or even a full aero kit.
The Cube will be peppy and drivable around town, with a 1.8 liter motor (as noted by the trim names) producing 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. The car will be available with a CVT transmission for all trims, or a 6-speed manual for the 1.8 and 1.8S models for those who want a sportier experience.
This quirky box is the first iteration of a new trend of fun people carriers in the USA.
-KF
