If you want a Nissan Cube, you’ll likely only find 2010 models in the showrooms.
Don’t despair. While there’s no official word yet about what changes, if any, Nissan will make to this trendy, front-wheel-drive box, many major auto journalists believe any updates will be somewhat superficial.
That’s likely true because the automaker obviously put so much thought into making this trendy box — actually four styles of “box” ranging in price from just under $14,000 to just over $17,000 — with its oversized picture frame windows, refrigerator-style rear door and high-tech extras like “Intelligent Key” with a push-button ignition.
We tested the 2010 1.8SL Cube — the top-of-the-line model — and found plenty to love. As you likely know, this is the car for the trendy driver who wants to make a bold statement. Prepare for neighbors to ask you plenty of questions such as what is that shaggy looking piece of carpeting doing on the top of the dash (it’s a place to plunk down your portable GPS or other device so it doesn’t slide around) or are the rear seats comfortable (yes, and they slide and recline)?
Of course those are only a few of the extras that Nissan has put in hoping to lure the twentysomething crowd to its showrooms. Soft interior lighting, an interface system for an IPod, six cup and five bottle holders (yes, people really do consider these make-or-break features), steering-wheel-mounted controls for cruise and audio and a trip computer with outside temperature display are among the items you never realized you’d really want until you tried them.
In the world of personalization the Cube — which Nissan calls “social space for five” — ranks high. Options include Bluetooth hands-free phone system, a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six upgraded features, XM Satellite Radio, a 4.3-inch color audio display with rearview monitor.
That’s not to say the car is perfect. Candidly, the sun visors are so large that they often blocked my view of traffic signals, and moving them was awkward. There were also some blind spots, which is surprising when you consider the size of the windows.
Still, the ride was solid with absolutely no hesitation or lag. Like its Nissan siblings, the Cube will give you a comfortable, quiet ride whether it’s loaded with passengers and cargo or just you and the road.
The Cube is also economical with gas mileage ratings ranging from 25 mpg city/30 mpg highway to 27 mpg city/31 mpg highway, depending on model.
Like everything else, the Cube isn’t perfect. But it’s a fun, trendy car that boasts all four- and five-star safety ratings.
