2009 Nissan Cube: What's New

Vehicle Overview
Scion changed preconceptions about exactly how boxy an econobox could be with the original xB a few years ago. Now Nissan — as well as Kia, with its new Soul — is unleashing its own boxy economy car, the Cube, which has been a hit in Japan for some time now. Competitors include the xB and Soul, as well as perhaps small SUVs like the Honda Element and Jeep Patriot.

The Cube comes in four trim levels: Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8 S, Cube 1.8 SL and limited edition Krom. All Cubes will come with a standard electronic stability system and six airbags. Power windows and air conditioning are also standard.

Exterior
The Cube takes cues from Nissan’s Denki Cube concept, shown at the 2007 New York auto show. It’s also the smallest of its immediate competitors, with dimensions a few inches shorter and narrower than either the Soul or xB. The tail features a rearward-jutting bumper, and a wraparound window replaces the passenger-side rear pillar, though there’s still a hidden pillar on the inside, so it doesn’t make for blind-spot-free sightlines.

Fifteen-inch steel wheels are standard, with alloy wheels optional. In back, the Cube’s tailgate swings to one side rather than opening like a conventional liftgate; it’s something that may prove onerous in close quarters, as the gate requires a bit more clearance behind the car to open.

The tricked-out Krom edition brings bright chrome trim and unique 16-inch chrome wheels.

Interior
Like the xB, the five-seat Cube sports some very unorthodox styling. The dash has wavelike contours and the tachometer is white, but the speedometer fades to blue. “Water drop” accents include ripple effects in the headliner — they surround a central dome light — and in the cupholders and stereo speakers. Detachable elastic straps along the front doors can hold small items, and suede-like seat fabric comes with Nissan’s “Wall Gray” interior. The automaker says it will offer a variety of offbeat accessories, from mood lighting with 20 customizable colors to a patch of shag carpet atop the dash. Other options include keyless access and automatic climate control, both rarities in the affordable-hatchback segment.

Nissan says it styled the backseat after a sofa; the seats recline and move forward and backward, which those in the Soul and xB don’t. The seats also fold down, though they don’t yield a flat load floor, as there’s a deep storage well behind the seats.

The Krom models feature checkered upholstery for the seats, ambient interior lighting and standard Bluetooth.

Under the Hood
The 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder works with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission. Nissan says highway gas mileage with the CVT will exceed 30 mpg.

Safety
The complement of airbags includes seat-mounted side airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows. Active front head restraints, antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are also standard.