Thinking inside the Nissan Cube

When there is only a single example of a car in the entire country, there’s something vaguely intimidating about driving it. You really don’t want to be the first to break it—especially in front of scores of other journalists and auto industry-types at the International Motor Press Association (IMPA) Spring Brake event.

We had an opportunity to drive the lone Nissan Cube in the United States last week at the IMPA green-car gathering for media at Bear Mountain State Park, New York, and I’m pleased to report that neither my colleagues nor I broke it. And while the one we drove may be the only Cube here right now, I suspect it may have lots of company once North American sales begin in early 2009.

Shipped over from Japan where it’s been a hit with buyers since 2002, the right-hand-drive example we sampled is not the version we will see here. But we’re told the new Cube will be similar in size, retaining its boxy, funky look and feel that’s reminiscent of the first-generation Scion xB. In fact, fans of the first xB who were disappointed by the new, larger, and less fuel-efficient model may be among the first to sign up for a Cube.

Like the xB, the wee Cube has a remarkable amount of room inside, with comfortable seating for four. Rear seats fold to accommodate longer cargo, and lots of glass area give the Cube an airy feel, with excellent visibility.

Powered by a 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine matched with a four-speed automatic transmission, performance is adequate, though not breathtaking. But that’s not what the Cube is about. The Cube is fun to drive, it’s different, and it’s practical. In addition, this model demonstrated a clever, electric-generator-powered all-wheel-drive system that could provide extra traction without the traditional driveline weight, or a large battery pack. Better still, a Nissan representative tells us to expect fuel economy in the 35 to 40-mpg range when the new Cube arrives here.

That could have a lot of buyers thinking inside the Cube. 

—Jim Travers

Read about the Nissan Denki Cube concept at the 2008 New York auto show.

Also, see coverage of the production model at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and pricing announcement.

Comments

[Ed]

Ill be in line to buy one. I hope they dont use the 1.8 liter engine found in the Versa because the power is not great and the millage in the car is awful considering its class. A new 1.5 liter maybe? A diesel would be great too! Also, I hope its not automatic only, like the Japanese model because I really cant stand not being able to shift, especially with a car that is probably not very quick. And Finally, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, keep the bench seat up front! I dont care about cupholders and center consoles, i want my girlfriend to be able to slide right up next to me! This would increase passenger capacity and probably make the car feel bigger than it is. I love the idea of a bench in such a small car!

[Doug Smith]

I love the Cube too, and am definitely considering one if they don't screw up the MPG as was stated by Ed. They better keep the CVT too, or at least make it an option like on the Versa.

Fuel economy on a compact car should be higher than a sedan, or larger vehicle, but car companies don't make as much money off of compacts, hence why they get bigger, heavier, and thirstier every revision (see 2008 Scion xB).

Toyota/Scion could have released the new Japanese version of the xB (bB in Japan), but they opted for the larger, more powerful, and more expensive American-designed xB and now they're paying the price. Long live JDM imports, and let's hope for the best with the Cube.

[Frank Herrmann]

I can't wait. Scion really blew it with that gas guzzling mini-tank called the new Xb. Nissan has a home run with the bench seats and the rear cargo door. I will buy it sight unseen. Note, in Japan, Nissan was first with the Cube. The original Xb was a copy. I too want fuel economy and don't expect to do any drag racing, so a 1.4 or 1.5 ltr. engine is fine. I do need automatic transmission though. And I also agree that the fuel economy for the Versa is disappointing, so I hope they don't put the Versa engine in the Cube. Please keep us posted on when to expect it.

[Frank Herrmann]

Oh yes, when Coke came out with New Coke and it bombed, they were smart enough suck it up and came out with Coke Classic. Perhaps Scion might want to consider offering the Xb Classic and thus correct their mistake.

[GINY]

Nissan has now provided more details on their website, and a few great things about the Nissan Cube.

30+ mpg with 1.8 liter motor
6 speed manual or CVT
6 standard airbags + standard VDC (Electronic Stability Control)
Great new colors
Very spacious seating

Will be another very high quality product. FYI, most Versa owners are telling me they average 33 mpg with the 1.8 and for the most part, the car is flawless and drive like a mid-size, unlike the Corolla, Yaris and Fit.

I'd put my money on Nissan especially with their plans to have about 12 All electric and hybrid models within a few years and with the new Batteries they've developed with NEC, the range will extend to 300 miles on a single charge, and that is perfect for 95% of the population.

[avi]

OOPS ! We lost the bench seat, got a bigger engine and lower gas mileage, the body got longer, and that cubiness appearance is looking bloated. We lost the essence of the cube before it even got here. Guess I will continue to ride the bus.

[Ferko]

No, the 2010 Cube (on sale Stateside in March 2009) will not be "bigger," it will not be "bloated," it will not have a "lower gas mileage," and it will have its fron bench seat. Avi, do you work for Toyota or Scion? You must be, surely, right?

The 2010 Cube will have the Versa's 1.8 engine with the Versa/Sentra-tested CVT. I think that's a mistake, because the thing will only output 122 horses. They should have given it the Sentra's 2.0 liter p-plant, that way HP would have been be around 140. The Cube looks futuristic, its engine is retro. Beats the 1.4 liter, 95 HP version sold in Japan, however.

With respect to the new Scion xB, it's not much, and like with all Toyotas and Scions, the drive/ride is boring and bad. The automatic tranny on the xB is really lackluster. And the interior, especially the seat fabrics and workmanship, is worse than what was in the Yugo.

Nissan's Cube will have a ready-market, and from the looks of it, it will be a much larger vehicle on the inside than looking at it from the outside. However, I decided not to wait for it and get the 177 HP Sentra SE-R with the CVT now. That baby flies!

[frances griffin]

I love the space and the possibility of having good visibility. The other newer cars all have poor to awful visibility-the Scion xB is especially disappointing..

So so sorry they did not make the seats, both rear and passenger able to go really flat.

I may have to get a Honda Fit after all. I haven't tried the 09 but I understand it has a fold flat passenger seat and improved visibilty.

Frances

[fishbulb]

I'll reserve judgement until I get a chance to drive one, but I couldn't be more excited. I've been hoping for a U.S. Cube for years. Doesn't look like it has the front bench, though. I would have liked that, too, as well as flat cargo space.

[Ann Handy]

I have to say currently owning a Honda Element and remembering the abuse I got from people when they first came out, when I saw the Cube I could not wait to go the web and have look at it. I am turning the Element over to my daughter and I will be seriously considering the Cube for myself! It looks very spacious and the suicide doors on the Element that I thought were so cute ended up being a royal pain. I notice the Cube doors open more easily and the wrap around window seems like it will be easier to see out of then my Element. This is very exciting...if this doesn't work out after a test drive the Murano will also have my attention.

[asmentko]

I'm curious, do people really prefer a higher horsepower engine (the 1.8 liter) over a more efficient (the 1.4 liter) in a car like this?

[rj]

With regards to medium to long road trips 150-300miles; how's the suspension on the cube?...some other competitive small cars, their ride is hard...i trust the Cube will stand out with this all important drive component.

[Dalma]

The Nissan Cube should appear on the dealership floor in the next couple of weeks. I'm really looking forward to test driving one.

[Greg]

According to my research, the cube has the most front headroom of any car or SUV except the Honda Element! So the feeling of room isn't just a feeling, it's real. Let all tall people rejoice!

[Joy Cole]

I am a Cube owner ,and i love it .It suits my life style,i am able to get wheelchairs,pushchairs,shopping in the boot.Rear passengers have an elevated view.It turns heads wherever we go but.....I can not get a childs car seat to fit .It isnt fitted with isofix there is a problem with buckle crunch,and when you try and fit a carseat which rectifies this ,the expert fitters say the seat is too soft to make it secure.Has anyone else had this problem,and has it been resolved.