Nissan Cube: looker or ‘munter’?

Can Nissan’s Cube follow in the wake of Fiat’s iconic 500 and become an urban style legend in the UK? Well, maybe, says Nick de Cent.

I’m currently trying to make up my mind whether either term might reasonably be applied to the new Cube, which makes its debut over here in January. For, while Nissan describes this box of tricks as ‘cute, quirky and perfectly formed’ with ‘iconic angular design’, I’m of the opinion that no amount of posing the Cube next to modern-art installations will fool us into believing this vehicle is a thing of beauty.

Maybe ‘Cube is the shape everyone will be talking about in 2010’, as Nissan’s press release says and maybe ‘Nissan’s global cult car is set to take over the UK’s city streets’ but I suspect that the car’s appeal will be of the so-bad-it’s-good variety .

Changed the world

Apparently, the Cube is hailed by the London Design Museum as one of the 50 cars that changed the world: whether this is for good or ill, Nissan doesn’t actually reveal. Even Nissan’s designers reportedly refer to the Cube as a ‘bulldog in sunglasses’. Maybe this is a term of endearment but we’ll leave it up to readers to decide whether this car is a dog or not. (And I’m sure you’ll let us know if you disagree – Ed.)

Lounge

Nissan says that the ‘Cube has been conceived as a totally different take on an automobile. From the ground up it challenges convention, placing function ahead of form. Inside there’s a lounge-style space for five with a clever, inspired and surprisingly open occupant space with a ‘Jacuzzi Curve’ layout offering a space for relaxing, travelling and socialising.’

Cube: built for the city.

It goes on to say: ‘Nothing about Nissan’s new Cube is conventional. Chic, classy, timeless design has never been provided in a less pretentious package. Turning its back on the average look-a-like model, the Cube offers a unique solution for 21st century drivers.’

The curve-themed interior is characterised by ‘subtle wavy shaping of the instrument panel, door panels, seat shapes, and the iconic “water drop” that can be seen in the cup-holders and the climate control design. They are inspired by nature and the calming way that ripples move outward from a drop in water.’ 

Rice paper shade

A large triple-layered glass roof is fitted as standard, giving a light and airy atmosphere throughout the cabin. As well as the regular blind to prevent heat build up on sunny days, there is a so-called shoji shade, inspired by traditional Japanese shades made of rice paper which can be drawn across the sunroof, allowing light to enter but minimising heat build up.

Square on the outside...

Measuring a petite 3.980m in length, the Cube aims to be the perfect urban transporter: a wheel-at-each-corner design maximises interior space. It’s priced for trendy urbanites, too, with a simple model range offering a choice of only 2 grades, starting at £14,000. Each version provides a ‘template for drivers to create their own, customised Cube using a range of accessories and “tattoos”, says Nissan. (Pile on the extras, eh – Ed.)

Nissan says that, even though its angular creation has been a cult car in Japan since 1998 (with over one million sold to date), so far British drivers have been deprived of the Cube experience. (I wonder why – Ed!)

Special edition

To celebrate the Cube’s ‘long-awaited arrival in the UK’, the first 100 examples sold will all be ‘LDN’ special editions, finished in a unique ‘bitter chocolate colour’ with matching suede interior trim. Priced from £14,600, the LDN also comes with climate control, rain sensing-wipers and auto headlamps as standard.

Nissan says the Cube is ‘set to remain a cult phenomenon in its first year as only around 2,000 will find their way to the UK’, but we just presume the company is hedging its bets.

... curved on the inside.

The standard Cube grade includes a glass roof, rear privacy glass, Bluetooth and cruise control. Spend a more and you can upgrade to ‘Kaizen’ trim. Available from £15,100, this adds the Nissan Connect audio and navigation system, a rear parking camera and full climate control to the standard equipment list.

Engines

The engine range is just as sparse. Nissan’s 1.6-litre 108bhp petrol engine gives the Cube emissions as low as 151g/km and combined fuel economy as high as 42.8mpg, with a choice is between manual or continuously variable transmission. Anyone looking to minimise running costs over a higher mileage should look out for a more frugal 1.5-litre diesel engine joining the Cube range next May.

Different

Nissan’s UK MD, Paul Willcox told ModernSelling.com: ‘We’re excited to finally bring the ultra-cool Cube to the UK. Here we have a car that will not only meet the functional requirements of a huge range of new car buyers, but also capture their imagination. It’s very well-equipped, built to the highest quality standards and above all else, the Cube is different!’

You’re certainly right about that, Paul!

Cube UK line-up at launch:

            1.6 manual  1.6 CVT
Cube    £14,000     £15,200
Kaizen £15,100     £16,300
LDN      £14,600    £15,800

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