Likes - Rear tailgate hinged on side
- Left-side cup holder built in dash
- Just over $20k fully loaded
Dislikes - Second row seats do not fold and tumble forward
- Shag dash topper a strange trademark
- Needs more personalization options
Tech Specs - Standard Engine: 1.8 liter 4-Cyl. 122 hp
- MPG: 28 city/30 highway
What's New/Changed - All-new vehicle
The Vehix View - The Cube is what happens when Americans complain we cannot get the kind of funky cars driven around Europe – don't act so surprised it's here and looks something from planet Tatooine.
First Impressions
By the end of the year, freelance or self-employed workers will make up nearly 40 percent of the American workforce. That means a weird little asymmetric shape (or a "mobile device" as Nissan dubs it) like the all-new 5-passenger Cube (view photos) has the potential to be just the right fit for an emerging wedding cake business or a mobile tech service. Sure, it might look like a Fisher-Price toy mail truck but, it has a very European presence with its wrap-around window and a grill "inspired by a bulldog wearing shades."
Pricing, Trims and Options
The Cube comes as is ($13,990) or in an S ($14,690), SL ($16,790) or the very Scandinavian – or at least Ikea-sounding – Krom ($19,370) trim. Basic Cube standards are air conditioning (with in-cabin micro filter)’ CD audio system with auxiliary jack, power windows and door locks, Anti-lock Braking System, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The S adds cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, two more audio speakers, and interior lights and pockets. The SL has an automatic headlight system and better audio options. Finally, the Krom has its own body design; a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, more interior lights, and an even better sound system by Rockford Fosgate.
Interior Features
My Cube SL had several optional packages, such as the $1,600 Preferred Package with remote keyless entry, push-button start, Bluetooth, and a rear sonar system. It also included a $230 Interior Design Package with carpets and a shag dash topper, although I have no idea what it is used for. Plus, a $100 Vehicle Alarm Sensor, and a $490 Interior Illumination Package that features a 20-color accent lighting system plus stainless steel kick plates). This mobile device is crazy about lighting up.
I liked the left-hand driver cup holder embedded in the dash the most. The rippling ceiling is different. A real downer was the fact the second-row seats did not fold and tumble forward to create usable cargo space, which this vehicle desperately needs if it wants to be considered functional and not just a novelty.
The most excellent feature is the fact the rear tailgate is hinged on the side like a door. Given the fact you'll likely be a whole head taller than the Cube, this remains a nice design touch for several practical reasons. The Scion needs to steal this very astute design cue.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
Standard safety features include six standard airbags in the Cube, which include ceiling-mounted bags. Don't call it a tin can – it has Zone Body construction, front and rear crumple zones and high-strength steel side-door guard beams. Also included are Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), Anti-lock Braking System, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Available is Nissan's Vehicle Security System and the Rear Sonar System (but the short nose and wrap-around windows make parking pretty easy as is).