The Nissan Cube is one of the more popular small cars on the market, with a good range of engines and performance features. However, this car also carries a high price tag, and if you are considering buying a new model, you should be careful to compare all the options.
Exterior styling
Nissan Cube’s exterior styling is a fun mix of unique looks and functionality. It offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, and has a surprisingly good handling performance. It also has an interesting array of exterior body kit options to customize its look.
The Cube’s rear hatch has a refrigerator-style opening, which makes it easy to access the back of the vehicle. The interior features a curved instrument panel and round climate controls. There are also six cupholders and storage spaces.
The front seats are comfortable. The rear seat is higher than the front seats and provides ample legroom. The sliding rear seat can be adjusted to three positions.
The exterior design has evolved to offer a cleaner, rounder look. The side windows are rounded at the corners. The Cube’s rear windows have a wrap-around design, which enhances visibility.
The “Water Drop” concentric circles are subtle and can be found on the roof headliner and the climate control design. The interior is also unique. The rippling pool, dropped pebble, and “Casual Lounge” themes are among the many interior design elements.
The third generation Cube was designed by Tadamasa Hayakawa. It was a sales hit when it was introduced in 2002. It has since become an icon in Japan’s home market.
In 2012, the Cube is getting a little spruced up for the U.S.. The Aerodynamic Kit adds a rear underbody protector and front chin spoiler. It also comes with 15-inch alloy wheels and a rearview monitor. The Intelligent Key entry system is standard on top SL models.
Engine
The Nissan Cube is a minivan-style compact wagon. It is also called a mobile hub, and is meant to be an affordable gathering place for young people.
It is powered by a 122-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine can accelerate the Cube to 62 miles per hour in just 11 seconds. The EPA estimates that the 1.8 SL model will return 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
The Cube is equipped with electronic stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist. It also features a flip-up tailgate and a glass hatch.
It is one of the safest small vehicles available. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it top marks in all test categories.
The Cube is a fun car to drive, and it has a good ride. However, it is not recommended for long-distance highway driving. It also has an odd number of roof pillars. This makes it difficult to drive with the rear seat in its normal position.
The Cube’s interior is a decent size. There is a two-person bench seat with a fully reclining backrest. There are also storage cubbies everywhere. The glovebox is large. There are standard power windows, air conditioning, and a two-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system.
It has a five-inch color touchscreen. The SL Preferred Package adds a navigation system, an XM satellite radio, and a rear camera. The 1.8 S CVT model adds USB port, fog lights, and a six-speaker stereo. The 1.8 S manual version has a more deluxe fabric interior.
Fuel economy
The 2012 Nissan Cube is fun to drive and the fuel economy is impressive. The base model gets 27 miles per gallon in the city, and 30 on the highway. It also offers a low base price and six airbags. It’s a nice option for anyone looking for an affordable hatchback.
The Cube has a funky interior design and a wavy shape. It’s got a swoopy windshield and a rear-mounted spoiler, and the rear seats are a theater-style bench. It has a soft suspension for town driving and a more sporty feel on the highway.
The Cube’s “water drop” motif is found throughout the interior. A large glass roof lets in plenty of light, and there are a few funky dashboard options. The standard model features Bluetooth, an intelligent key with a push-button start, and an outside temperature display. However, the base model doesn’t come with a navigation system or an optional Rockford Fosgate sound system.
The Cube’s e-4WD system uses an electric motor on the rear axle to drive the vehicle when needed. The 1.4L four-cylinder engine produces 95 horsepower at 5,600 rpm. It’s mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). It’s not the most powerful engine available, but it produces enough power to get you where you’re going.
The Multi-Function Trip Computer helps make the most of your time on the road. It features two trip meters, a side view camera, and a fuel economy indicator. The SL trim level adds automatic climate control, larger wheels, and a navigation system. It also has a 4.3-inch color radio display.
Performance
If you are looking for a compact car that can carry a lot of people, the Nissan Cube may be the right choice for you. This vehicle is more maneuverable than most small hatchbacks, but it still offers a wide range of safety features. If you are on the lookout for a car that is fun to drive, the Cube is an option worth checking out.
The Cube’s styling is unique and attractive. You’ll notice a signature wrap-around rear window behind the driver’s shoulder. This is an important safety feature, since it helps prevent the vehicle from locking up when you are driving. It also features side-curtain airbags.
The Cube’s interior is fairly plain. However, the Cube offers more than 40 different accessories. The options include wheels, decals, and even cargo organizers. Some of these options may depend on the trim level you choose.
The Cube offers a variety of performance modifications, including a big brake kit. This mod improves the car’s braking efficiency and style. The kit features larger brake calipers, which help to dissipate the heat generated during braking.
The Nissan Cube is also a good candidate for a performance suspension. A motorsport-style set-up can lower the Cube 24mm to 44mm, and the lowered height will help with cornering. In fact, you can get a better ride for less money by going with a performance setup.
The Cube’s CVT transmission has decent drivability, but the engine makes a noticeable sound when acceleration. In addition, there is a rubber-band delay when you dial in power.
Rear seat space
If you are in the market for a subcompact car, you may be interested in the Nissan Cube. It offers a unique design and plenty of safety features. It’s also a good option for younger drivers.
It has a unique stance and a high roofline. It also has wide headlights. Its front seats are comfortable and supportive. However, the rear seating isn’t as well equipped.
It has a side-hinged rear hatch that covers most of the car. This allows for easy access to the back. But, the cargo hold is not as large as you would expect for a small SUV. There is only 58.1 cubic feet of space. This is half that of the Scion xB.
The interior of the Cube is spacious, though. The reclining rear bench seat can be adjusted to three different positions. It also has a pull-down center armrest. It has a high ceiling and a rippling headliner.
There are plenty of features to make your commute a little bit more fun. There are many technological enhancements, including a six-speaker stereo with iPod connectivity. It even has a Bluetooth connection. There are also ISOFIX child seat mounting points. The ion clean air purifying system is available on some models.
Although the interior of the Cube isn’t as stylish as some other cars, it has a distinctive look. The dash has an opulent rounded instrument panel and an attractive “Casual Lounge” theme. There are some cool design features, like a ripple water drop design on the tachometer.
Used/second-hand market
If you’re looking for a compact vehicle that is not only a funky ride but also reliable and affordable, the Nissan Cube is a good choice. In addition to its boxy styling, it has an impressive range of features, ranging from Bluetooth connectivity to power accessories.
The base 2014 Nissan Cube S model starts at $17,500, but it can be ordered with a CVT automatic transmission for another $1,000. The S model comes with a range of standard equipment, including six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control systems, and a rearview monitor. Its 122 horsepower engine and six-speed manual transmission offer plenty of power.
The interior of the 2014 Cube offers a plethora of seating options and space. The seats fold up for cargo storage. The cabin is equipped with a rearview monitor and an ambient lighting kit. It also features a rippling headliner.
The Cube isn’t as maneuverable as most other cars in its class. However, it is a capable daily driver. The 2014 model is equipped with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 122 horsepower. Its EPA rating for gas mileage is 30 mpg on the highway with a CVT, which is great for a subcompact car.
The Cube’s unique design and ride makes it an attractive choice for daily driving, but it can also develop problems over time. If your Cube starts to show signs of a problem, get it repaired immediately. Symptoms such as a jerky transmission or coolant leaks are not unusual, so don’t wait to address the issue.