The 2009 Nissan cube is an excellent little people mover new to the US. Like the Scion xB and Kia Soul, it joins a small boxy wave of imports attempting to grab some favor here.
The Cube’s squared-off exterior is softened by rounded lights and windows that make it look like it jumped out of a cartoon. Inside, the dash slinks to and fro, and air vents are elongated orbs.
Comfort
The Nissan cube offers plenty of comfort for the driver and passengers alike. The front seats are soft and supportive, and the rear seatbacks recline, a rare feature for this class of car.
The design of the interior is a big part of what makes the Nissan cube so unique. The designers have gone to great lengths to follow a “Casual Lounge” theme inside, giving the vehicle the curves of a Jacuzzi tub and water-ripple styling cues that echo throughout the dash and other parts of the cabin.
The occupants are treated to the usual abundance of cup and bottle holders, and there are even detachable multi-hooks for bags or hats. The overall feel is surprisingly open and inviting, even though the space seems small.
Convenience
The Nissan cube is a fun, quirky vehicle with plenty of convenient features. For example, you can fold the rear seatbacks and expand the cargo area to 58 cubic feet, which is more than you’ll find in some of its rivals.
You’ll also have a handy sideways-opening back door that’s easy to operate even in tight places. The sliding mechanism can be set to the fully open position when loading large items or to a limited access position when you’re hauling a backpack or other small objects.
The interior has a unique style, as well, with a distinctive design that combines waves, circles, and undulations. In addition, a ripple pattern is embossed into the headliner and speaker grilles. You can also choose 20-color mood lighting.
Fuel Economy
With a low base price and a gas mileage rating that’s good, the Nissan cube is an appealing choice for those looking for an economy hatchback with a bit of flair. It also boasts excellent visibility, and its kooky exterior styling makes it look like the oddball in the boxy car segment.
The Cube has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission. Fuel economy is average, but the car’s driving dynamics aren’t as sporty as they could be.
Inside the cabin, there is a comfortable seating arrangement and a good range of options for convenience and entertainment. The Cube can seat five and comes standard with air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player, steering wheel-mounted controls, an iPod interface, and more. It is available with a navigation system and a rearview camera as well. The SL model adds alloy wheels, keyless entry, and power accessories.
Safety
The Cube is a fun, quirky little hatchback that has earned a reputation for being one of the safest vehicles in its class. It has traction control, anti-lock brakes, side airbags, driver airbags, seat-belt pre-tensioners, and passenger airbags.
The Nissan Cube is also equipped with a wide range of comfort and convenience features to keep you safe on the road. These include power steering, remote locks, power windows, power mirrors, and cruise control.
The Cube’s suspension features a MacPherson strut front design with a stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear axle with an integrated stabilizer bar. This combination of struts and stabilizer bars gives the Cube good body stiffness and provides a comfortable, smooth ride.
