Not often does a car name accurately describe its character as precisely as "Cube" does. Indeed, Nissan's five-door Cube trades traditional aerodynamic styling for a Rubik-cube-like silhouette.
If garage space is at a premium, Cube is a great fit. At a diminutive 157.5 inches in length, the 2010 Cube fits easily into a one-or-two-car garage overrun by a plethora of space invaders. If commuting often to downtown Chicago, Cube's 'hip-to-be square' attitude makes parking in tight spots palatable (although feeding LAZ meters still leaves a bad taste). With a 65-inch height, Cube is about a half a foot taller than a mid-size Altima sedan.
While Cube is new to the United States, it's been on the road in Japan (where it's assembled) since 1998. When Cube debuted in the U.S. last year, it marked the vehicle's overall third generation. Earlier generations were even shorter by 10 inches.
Cube, the Kia Soul and Scion xB are a new wave of transport best classified as compact wagons because of their tall stance, short length and vertical rear hatch. This differs from compact/crossover SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson or Nissan's own Rogue with an angled rear hatch and slightly longer dimensions. Of the three compact wagons, Cube measures in with the shortest length with the most polarizing exterior.
All Cubes sport front-wheel drive; no all-wheel version is available. Cube not only enjoys the same underpinnings as the subcompact Versa sedan from Nissan but the same powertrain; a 1.8-liter four-cylinder double overhead cam delivering 122 horsepower. This horsepower is identical to the Kia Soul, but less than the Scion xB's 158 horses.
Cube checks in as one of Nissan's lowest priced vehicles ($13,990 for a base, manual trim). Besides the base trim, Cube offers an S, SL and super-funky Krom (rhymes with chrome). Krom is Nissan's specialty division begun in 2009 with a mission to help buyers explore their inner self expression, by tacking on a bit more 'bling.' Besides Cube the only other Nissan sporting the Krom label is the compact Rogue crossover. Expect more Nissans to join the Krom domain as time goes by.
Opting up for the self expression of Krom will cost you. Our test edition started at $20,120. The only extra was carpeted floor mats ($230) bringing the bottom line to $21,070 with $720 destination charge.
What sets Krom self expression edition apart from the other Cube trims? An aggressive two-tier front grille, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires and sporty rear spoiler outside. On the inside, aluminum trimmed pedals, upgraded speakers, Bluetooth hands-free phone system and black and grey checkered cloth seats. In 2010, Cube Krom adds a 4.3-inch color audio display (XM radio standard) featuring a color, rear backup camera feed and USB connectivity ports and push-button ignition start standard.
The Krom edition comes standard with Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) providing an infinite number of gear ratios without feeling the sensation of up or down shift 'jolt.' The CVT boasts better fuel economy (27 mpg city, 31 highways) than Cube's own six-speed manual (25 miles per gallon city, 30 mpg highway) available on base trims. Nissan has been building continuous variable transmissions longer than just about anyone with reliable, smooth results. Cube with CVT bests fuel numbers generated by Kia Soul or Scion xB with automatic transmissions.
Cube and its 1.8-liter engine are built for economy over neck-jarring performance. The engine is noisy at highway speeds and passing power is a bit lacking when compared to larger four cylinders, but the CVT transmission maximizes the engine's economic potential by delivering the sweep spot when needed. Steering is light and braking responsive. Cube is not as aerodynamically designed as some rivals, so expect some wind noise at higher speeds.
As for exterior looks, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Richard, a north-of-62 neighbor commented, "It's one ugly car;" while a twenty-something professional Lady Lombardian enthusiastically squealed, "it's sooooo cute." While unscientific, this survey points to a generation gap where Cube's humble looks are concerned. The square, long rear door, hinged at the left, opens from the right like an upright Freezer door (where else would one scrounge for frozen cubes?) Small rectangular headlight housing is on the same plane as the front grille. Even narrower are tail lights. Located below the refrigerator door about knee high, they measure 4 x 18 inches. The wide, short hood is smooth and creaseless.
Krom includes 16-inch tires (15 inchers are standard on some lower trims), that look tiny when contrasted against the tall structure. Long side fenders and doors add to the square factor. Front side window frames have an oval contour creating glass with a round shape. Rear door windows resemble a large letter "D." The tall, darkened back side windows visually wrap around to the hatch door.
Although the owner's manual indicates Cube is a five seater, two adults fit most comfortably in row two. In back, head and leg room is good, but the entry way, especially for long legs, is narrow. Cube features theatre-style seating where row two is slightly elevated from row one. Seat backs easily fold flat onto the cushion with a 60/40 split while the entire lower bench manually moves fore and aft when lifting an under-seat lever. Cloth seating comes standard. Thirsty? Six front cup holders and five in back hold plenty of fluids.
The top portion of the dashboard incorporates a serpentine design, slithering inward at the ends while bulging out towards the center. Four oval, vertically arranged air vents reside along this path. The large, sqarish frame surrounding the instrument panel with two circular gauges resembles a large-browed cartoon character with a pair of deep-set eyes. The smallish steering wheel is home to cruise control on the right and left-side audio controls. The manually-adjustable steering column could adjust upward more for my liking. For those topping six-feet, the steering wheel's apex may block view to the instrument panel's top region.
Below the center, rectangular audio screen/rear-view camera display is a large, ventilation system with a round digital display surrounded by a circular array of buttons monitoring direction, speed and temperature. Cube offers no navigation system. Adore accent lighting? Below the center dash on the floor is a twist knob capable of changing the mood by changing the interior ambient light 20 different colors. One can also accent front arm rests with several different colored, removable bungee-style bands that serve as trim. If time permits, go ahead and match the bungee trim with the lighting colors. While the new Volkswagen Beetle sports a small flower-child vase, a Cube Krom accessory includes a swatch of circular shag carpeting velcroed to the dashboard top. Not sure of the exact use but the toupee-like critter holds an IPASS steady.
For an entry vehicle, Cube Krom comes well supplied with safety nuances including traction control, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, front seat side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags. The Cube's powertrain warranty is good for five years or 60,000 miles.
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