Up Close: 2010 Nissan Cube

Nissan just unveiled the Cube, which is as direct a competitor as the Scion xB will probably ever see. Our first impressions are good. Like the xB, the Cube comes through with the requisite benefits of its box-on-wheels design: tons of headroom and legroom in both rows, a large cargo area and excellent visibility — albeit not through the wraparound rear window, which still carries a hidden D-pillar on the inside. There go our hopes of a hatchback without any sort of blind spot.

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.

Comments

[kevin]

Well at least the interior is pretty nice, especially the gauges.

[Colinb]

An asymmetrical car? I thought I’d never see the day!

is the push button start, auto climate, & auto lamps standard fare or optional?

[ziggy]

This car is about the same length as a Mini. I don't think the rear door will be an issue with parallel parking.

[cody]

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.

[johnnyt]

what about the avanti? that counts as asymmetrical, right?

[J]

When will Honda bring the Life over to compete with this baby Nissan?

[JOON KIM]

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.

[Six]

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.

[Spike D. Punch]

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.

[SG]

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.