2008 L.A. Auto Show: 2009 Nissan Cube

• Competes with: Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Kia Soul
• Looks like: Nissan is getting on the boxy bandwagon
• Drivetrain: 122-hp four-cylinder with continuously variable automatic transmission
• Hits dealerships: Spring 2009

Scion busted down the preconception of exactly how boxy an econobox could be with the original Scion xB a few years ago. Now Nissan — as well as Kia, with its new Soul — is unleashing its own boxy economy car, the aptly named Cube. Long a hit in Japan, the Cube will make its American debut next year.

Powered by the same 122-hp four-cylinder found in the Nissan Versa, the company says we can expect the Cube to get more than 30 mpg. The Versa gets up to 27/33 mpg city/highway.

Like most Nissans, the Cube will come in three trim levels: Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8 S and Cube 1.8 SL. All Cubes will come with standard stability control, active head restraints for the front seats, seat-mounted side airbags up front and side curtain airbags for both rows. Power windows and air conditioning are also standard.

Upgraded features like Bluetooth, satellite radio, a Rockford Fosgate stereo system, iPod integration and rear parking sensors will be optional.

So how will the Cube set itself apart from its Versa sibling? It’s not just the unique shape, but also the seating configuration. The rear bench seat is not only set higher than the front seats — called stadium seating — but it can slide rearward to create more space. Nissan says these 6 inches of extra legroom are great for “lounging.”

Whatever people decide to do in or out of the Cube, its funky style, good fuel economy and slate of standard features make it an interesting alternative to other economy cars.

Comments

[Joel Libava]

David,
I was with Nissan in the early 90's. Nothing this butt-ugly ever came out of them, back then.
GEEZ!
Joel Libava

[Dave T.]

yeah, but butt ugly sells these days.

[Cj]

Dave this is beyond ugly. After seeing all of the nicer reveals these past couple of days the Cube is vomit inducing. Just look at the back...

Scion ugly sells because although it's ugly it's a toyota. Honda ugly sells (Pilot) because although it's ugly it's a Honda. Nissan can't get away with that, but maybe the tasteless youth will love this turd.

[Tony]

I think, if people sometime ago went to buy Aztec, and today some buy Element... There will be some who will buy Cube. Nuf said

[Ryan]

I'm part of that younger crowd and I love this car! I'm so glad that Nissan kept the original's theme and the assymetrical rear window. A big part of the appeal is styling, but also the roominess and versatility in a small package. It's perfect for parking on city streets and being able to cart friends around. Any word on pricing?

[Ziggy]

I like it. People will either like it or hate, just like the xB. This is what Scion should have done with the xB redesign. I like that they stayed true to the previous gen design. The interior pics are nice too. They kept it clean and simple. I think it should do fairly well if it's priced right. I've heard a base price of 13-14K. I think this and the Kia Soul will put a big dent in the Xb sales. I really don't see it as a Vibe competitor though.

[Amuro Ray]

How 'bou Cube3? Can you find out if it's going to be planned for production/sales as well, Dave T.?

I LOVE the 7 seater!

[FG]

I definitely think that while styling is polarizing, I agree with Ryan in that the positives are definitely there. It's practical, popularly equipped, and not very expensive. Really, it's good for a starter city runner if you don't want to go used.

[tim]

you call the kia soul polarizing but you call this thing funky? I think the soul is alot less polarizing than the Nissan Cube. I like both cars but be fair.

[joel]

it reminds me of the xb from the side n it seems nissan stoled scions wheels tool, i think fron the side view this should be the redesign element...

[J]

i thinks this car is the worst idea by nissan ever i mean just look at it its hidious and i bet it gets to 60 in 3 year with that crappy engine...what happend to the boss 302 and 351 clevland those engines were indestructable nothing could kill those engines but everything is done by computers and now cars break down every minute...including hondas

[matt]

Love it!

[LP]

It's probably gonna be one of those cars that you'll have a love/hate relationship with kinda like the xB or the Pilot. I like it actually, it's....different. I can't explain why, besides the polarizing looks. It'll probably sell in decent numbers.

[johnnyt]

they have this car here in the UK. it is a joke here, almost never seen on the roads, and then only with pensioners behind the wheel. it has about as much street cred as an oldsmobile.

[enzo]

wow!!! i really like it. it reminds me of the first gen. scion xb, love it or hate it styling, and asymmetry, GENIUS!!!
BUILD IT!!!
BUILD IT!!!
BUILD IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[frank]

I am part of the younger crowd and I wouldn't be caught dead in this horrific insult. I would MUCH rather drive an old, beat-up car or something that's "boring" but doesn't make me look like a complete tool. But I guess banal people will think that buying a certain car will make them interesting and thus, sadly, put some of these offensive things on the road.