Forget the Scion xB and Kia Soul, in comparison the Nissan Cube makes those cars look about as cutting edge as a Corolla. Sure on a computer screen they all look like funky economy cars, but in real life the Cube is drastically different.
FAST FACTS
1. Pricing for the 2010 Nissan Cube ranges from $13,990 to $16,790 ($16,998 to $20,698 CDN).
2. Under all the funky bodywork the Cube is essentially a Nissan Versa and shares that vehicle’s 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 122hp and 127 ft-lbs of torque.
3. Standard safety features include six airbags as well as traction and stability control.
4. Cargo room is 11.4 cubic feet of space or 58.1 cu.-ft. with the second row folded flat.
5. An SL Preferred Package adds Nissan’s Intelligent Key with push button ignition, steering wheel mounted audio controls, a leather wrapped wheel, a backup sonar system and an upgraded audio system with a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer.
Part of what makes the Cube so unique is that it is a box, but at the same time incredibly round. But what really separates the Cube from the pack is its asymmetrical design. Nissan representatives won’t say for sure, but they believe the Cube is the only car in the world where the left and right sides aren’t identical.
The difference isn’t at first obvious, but it’s actually a major part of the car. Look back towards the rear and you’ll see the driver’s side rear pillar is a typical painted piece of bodywork, while on the passenger side the pillar is actually “invisible.” It’s covered by glass, giving a unique wrap-around look to the windows.
The rear of the car actually swings open to the side like a fridge, rather than opening upwards. That might not be ideal for some as the big door can be a little cumbersome. It does open in two stages though, with an initial 20-inch opening as well as the full range. Besides, the swinging door is really the only option as the car is actually too short (at just 65-inches) to clear most heads.
With practicality in mind, Nissan designed the Cube so that the door swings away from the curb. Right hand-drive models sold in Japan and the U.K. actually open the opposite way and feature a reverse design.
The difference isn’t at first obvious, but it’s actually a major part of the car. Look back towards the rear and you’ll see the driver’s side rear pillar is a typical painted piece of bodywork, while on the passenger side the pillar is actually “invisible.” It’s covered by glass, giving a unique wrap-around look to the windows.
The rear of the car actually swings open to the side like a fridge, rather than opening upwards. That might not be ideal for some as the big door can be a little cumbersome. It does open in two stages though, with an initial 20-inch opening as well as the full range. Besides, the swinging door is really the only option as the car is actually too short (at just 65-inches) to clear most heads.
With practicality in mind, Nissan designed the Cube so that the door swings away from the curb. Right hand-drive models sold in Japan and the U.K. actually open the opposite way and feature a reverse design.
BOTH FUNKY AND FUNCTIONAL
With a vehicle like the Cube, you might expect that functionality suffers at the expense of design. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the Cube’s design is in many ways the origin of its utility.
For starters, there are the four wheels, which have been pushed all the way to the corners. Sure that gives the car a great look, but it also gives the vehicle an excellent wheelbase for a better-handling drive. It also allows for maximum cargo space.
As for the boxy shape, (the Cube measuring 66.7-inches wide by 65-inches high), it helps provide maximum cargo area while delivering a sure-footed driving experience.
And cargo room is plentiful. Behind the rear seats there’s an adequate 11.4 cubic feet of space, but fold the second-row seats flat and it increases dramatically to 58.1 cu.-ft. That’s eight more cubic feet than the utilitarian Nissan Versa hatchback offers.
Depending on whether cargo room or passenger room is your priority, the rear bench seat can be adjusted forward or aft by as much as six-inches, with a mid-way locking point that is 3.9-inches forward.
And for those who don’t need the rear passenger room at all, Nissan will actually sell you a Cargo model with the back seats and other rear-items removed.
With a vehicle like the Cube, you might expect that functionality suffers at the expense of design. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the Cube’s design is in many ways the origin of its utility.
For starters, there are the four wheels, which have been pushed all the way to the corners. Sure that gives the car a great look, but it also gives the vehicle an excellent wheelbase for a better-handling drive. It also allows for maximum cargo space.
As for the boxy shape, (the Cube measuring 66.7-inches wide by 65-inches high), it helps provide maximum cargo area while delivering a sure-footed driving experience.
And cargo room is plentiful. Behind the rear seats there’s an adequate 11.4 cubic feet of space, but fold the second-row seats flat and it increases dramatically to 58.1 cu.-ft. That’s eight more cubic feet than the utilitarian Nissan Versa hatchback offers.
Depending on whether cargo room or passenger room is your priority, the rear bench seat can be adjusted forward or aft by as much as six-inches, with a mid-way locking point that is 3.9-inches forward.
And for those who don’t need the rear passenger room at all, Nissan will actually sell you a Cargo model with the back seats and other rear-items removed.
