Up Close: 2010 Nissan Cube
Cabin materials in the show car were a step above the xB’s, with attractive plastics and a clever two-tone color scheme. The backlit blue-and-white gauges sit in front of the steering wheel — more conventional than Scion’s red center-mounted ones — while various features, from keyless access and push-button start to automatic climate control, feel more upscale.
I’m torn on Nissan’s suede-like seats, which are just one of several optional upholsteries in the Cube. They’re cushier than the xD’s — perhaps a boon for longer drives — but they seem like surefire static-cling traps. The rear seats move forward and backward and recline, but they leave a ledge that's a foot or so wide when they fold down. The xD’s cargo area has a flat floor. City dwellers should also note that the Cube’s tailgate opens annoyingly to one side, requiring four or five feet of clearance to open completely. That’s a problem if you’re parallel-parking.
Nissan hasn’t announced pricing yet, but product manager Laura Johnson said it will be priced “very competitively” with cars like the xB. With the number of available features on higher-end models, we’d expect that to be somewhere in the $16,000-$20,000 range.




Well at least the interior is pretty nice, especially the gauges.
Posted by: kevin | Nov 19, 2008 2:45:59 PM
An asymmetrical car? I thought I’d never see the day!
Posted by: Colinb | Nov 19, 2008 2:58:58 PM
is the push button start, auto climate, & auto lamps standard fare or optional?
Posted by: | Nov 19, 2008 3:14:22 PM
This car is about the same length as a Mini. I don't think the rear door will be an issue with parallel parking.
Posted by: ziggy | Nov 19, 2008 3:43:33 PM
interesting? the interior looks well laid out, and i especially like the location of the cup holders up high on the left of the steering wheel. i was first introduced to this cup holder placement on a yaris i rented and really liked it.
the exterior is really strange looking though..maybe it'll be better in person.
Posted by: cody | Nov 19, 2008 4:31:19 PM
what about the avanti? that counts as asymmetrical, right?
Posted by: johnnyt | Nov 19, 2008 11:18:43 PM
When will Honda bring the Life over to compete with this baby Nissan?
Posted by: J | Nov 20, 2008 10:22:03 AM
WELL, I SAW MANY OLDER PICS OF THE ORIGINAL CUBE BUT, THIS IS A LOT DISAPPOINTMENT.ALSO THE FRONT BUMPER IS MUCH PUSHED OUT THAN CUTE JAPANESE VERSION.NO E-4WD? NO FRONT BENCH SEAT? GEAR SHIFT ON THE FLOOR? NOT A DASH MOUNT? NOTHING BUT DISAPPOINTMENT ..THE INTERIOR OVER ALL DESIGN IS KIND OF OK THOUGH.
Posted by: JOON KIM | Nov 20, 2008 12:17:55 PM
Very clever. I can't wait to see how the interior can be adjusted, seats folding, etc.; I don't expect Honda Element functionality, but a versatile interior would make or break this car for me.
Posted by: Six | Nov 24, 2008 10:27:14 PM
Too bad all the blacked out spaces aren't windows to reduce blind spots. I'm sure the Cube will appeal to older buyers looking for utility and economy--an EUV? Buy what you like.
Posted by: Spike D. Punch | Jan 5, 2009 12:15:35 PM
Joon Kim, I totally agree w/ you. the American version gained an atrocious rear end, and even thought the front end is livable w/, the JDM front looks way better. however I'd bet these changes were made due to saftey standards. Plus the interior is quite a change also between the ocean. I loved the Bench seats in the JDM and the gear shift on the steering column, too bad those did not make it over. lets wish that the E-4WD will though. Being in Japan and owning a first gen cube, i am happy to see it come stateside, even though i rant and rave about the design i still will probably buy one when i return to the US.
Posted by: SG | Jan 7, 2009 2:23:25 PM