First Drive: 2010 Nissan Cube

Story and photos by John LeBlanc Miami, Fla. - Like the plethora of lofts and condo apartment that create a veritable forest separating downtown Miami from trendy South Beach and eventually the Atlantic Ocean, Nissan’s new Cube uses the virtue of height to create maximum space in a minimal footprint. Available in Japan since 1998, the rest of the world is finally getting its chance to buy Nissan's cubist compact wagon. The original was an innocuously styled box-on-wheels. The slightly larger second-generation model arrived in 2002. Its simple, geometric styling (first seen in Canada at the 2004 Montreal auto show) created great interest outside of its home market. Enough demand, apparently, for Nissan to launch the third-generation Cube as an international model. Definitely not your aunt’s Versa When the Japanese-built Cube goes on sale in Canada this May, it will be offered in two trim levels, 1.8 S and 1.8 SL. Pricing won't be announced until a month before it hits dealers, but Nissan says it will be more expensive than the Versa hatchback. I'd guesstimate in the $16,000 to $23,000 range. Note that the Kia Soul, the Cube's only real rival until the equally hip-to-be-square Scion xB goes on sale in Canada next spring costs between $15,495 and $22,195. It's not exactly Baskin Robbins, but the Cube upgrades can be had in many flavours. First, there's the Tech package which includes a Rockford Fosgate six-speaker/subwoofer/XM satellite sound system, Bluetooth and rear back up sensors. Then there are 40 individual Cube accessories like elastic door bands to hold maps and illuminated kick plates. And finally the requisite Fast and Furious aero body kit. For those that want most of these goodies in a one-stop, one-shop package, there's the Cube Krom special edition, currently on sale in the U.S. Nissan Canada says we'll have to wait a while before it goes on sale here. Function defines its form The Nissan Cube is the shortest Nissan on sale; unusually, it is as tall as it is wide and weighs about as much as the less capacious Versa. Yet its near-vertical roof pillars, tall ceiling and acres of glass turn the once bachelor-sized Versa into the new one-bedroom Cube. Chief (human) body parts benefitting most from the Nissan's stadium cockpit are elbows and noggins. Its generous front headroom, at 1,081 mm, may foster the return of the fedora. Rear passengers enjoy an equally relaxing (i.e. roomy) experience with NBA All-Star levels of leg and headroom. The rear bench seat also reclines and slides back and forth. When transporting only two urban dwellers, the Cube can be stuffed with 1,645 litres of, well, stuff - about 134 L more than the Soul. The Nissan's advantage, however, is negated when the back seat is in use. There's a still a reasonable 323 L available in a tall, vertical space, but the Soul has more at 546 L. Like opening a bachelor pad beer fridge, the Cube's back doors are hinged on the left side, rather than from the top. Recognizing the typically tight parking spaces that loft residents may encounter, there's an initial door stop at about 200 mm - just the right amount to toss in a yoga mat or some shopping bags. When you need to transport that 52-inch plasma home, the rear door can be opened to 90 degrees. With the Cube, the driving is easy If you haven't surmised by now, the Cube's main mission is to provide its operator with a way of getting around crowded urban centres while inflicting the least amount of stress possible. In a morning spent motoring around downtown Miami and the South Beach peninsula, the Cube 1.8 SL CVT delivered on Nissan's promise of extra ease in urban use. But with its focus on maximum room, driving vroom is not high on the priority list. A CVT-equipped Cube will run from zero to 100 km/h in about 9.5 seconds, about a second behind a Soul if powered by its optional 142-hp 2.0-litre four. The Cube's steering is light and devoid of any feel. At lower revs, the CVT operates smoothly. But at higher revs - like when scooting away from a stoplight - it can jar the otherwise quiet interior. As an urban guerilla, however, the boxy Nissan compact wagon works. Its class-leading 10.1-m turning circle makes parking and obstacle avoidance a snap. Its less-than-sporting ride soaks up the bumps nicely. And visibility -something key when dicing it out in downtown traffic, or trying to get that primo parking spot outside your favourite café - is helped by a tall seating position, near vertical pillars, plenty of glass and minimal overhangs. Cubism for the masses While Nissan says that the Cube will appeal to "younger buyers," it may well find itself with an older demographic on its hands looking for a vehicle with lots of utility that's also good on gas. This is similar to what happened with Honda's youth-targeted Element. To a certain degree, the new economy plays to the Cube's strengths. New vehicles loaded with value, fuel efficiency and unique style are about the only cars selling in this down-turned market. And like those who choose a downtown loft condo over a three-bedroom house with a picket fence in the 'burbs, the 2010 Nissan Cube offers something just a little different than the mainstream norm. 2010 Nissan Cube Base price (est.): $16,000 - $23,000 Type of vehicle: FWD compact wagon Engine: 1.8L, 16-valve DOHC I-4 Power/torque: 122 hp/127 lb.-ft. Transmission: Six-speed manual (opt. CVT automatic) 0-100 km/h (CVT): 9.5 seconds Fuel consumption: (city/hwy., CVT): 7.3/6.5 L/100 km Competition: Kia Soul, Scion xB PREVIEW SUMMARY PROS - Quiet, comfortable ride - Clever packaging and design details - Non-conformist styling CONS - Non-driving enthusiast handling and performance - CVT can annoy at high revs - Non-conformist styling

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