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.
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Well at least the interior is pretty nice, especially the gauges.
An asymmetrical car? I thought I’d never see the day!
is the push button start, auto climate, & auto lamps standard fare or optional?
This car is about the same length as a Mini. I don't think the rear door will be an issue with parallel parking.
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.
what about the avanti? that counts as asymmetrical, right?
When will Honda bring the Life over to compete with this baby Nissan?
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.
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.
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.
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.