Hello, Allow Me to Introduce You to the Nissan Cube
originally uploaded by thomas.merton
There is undoubtedly a lot of Americans who have still not hear of the Nissan Cube, even though it is actually on its third generation of design now. The Japanese have been keeping this cute little boxy vehicle all to their own… until now! The American market has taken a bit of a turn to the unexpected, as gimmicky eco-wagons cars such as the Scion XB and Honda Element, are actually becoming popular.
Wanting to get in on some of the action, Nissan has brought its Cube to the states. If ever there was a car that is 90 percent gimmick and 10 percent automobile, it would have to be this car. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m certainly not knocking it until I’ve tried it, but even Nissan’s Design Direct himself admits to some of the Cube’s gimmicky nature. “It is more product design than automobile design,” says Shiro Nakamura. Yes, I can see tha!
originally uploaded by thomas.merton
To begin with, Nissan has thrown asymmetry out the window for a rather unique rear end. “It says its name,” says Nakamura, in reference to the “C” shaped roof pillar. The rear hatch is also a bit of an oddity opening like a side load refrigerator, rather than a trunk-shaped ice box. Now that is certainly original. We haven’t seen the likes of hinges like these since the hippy vans of the 70’s.
The U.S. bound Cube is rounded off at the corners compared to the first two generations, and will feature a much bolder bumper design due to American crash standards. There will be four models to choose from, each housing the same slow, yet economical (28/30 mpg) 122 horsepower 1.8 liter 4-banger.
originally uploaded by thomas.merton
4 Sides of a Cube
The 1.8 ($14,000) will be the base model and it will feature an engine, a couple of seats (60/40 split bench), standard air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, tire inflation monitoring system, and a sweet interior headliner featuring concentric circles simulating ripples from a water drop.
The 1.8 S ($14,700) will feature color coded side mirrors, cruise control, premium cloth seats, vanity mirrors, map lights, 2 tweeters (speakers), and seat pockets. The 1.8 SL ($16,800) will get the addition of a CVT transmission, alloy wheels, climate control, iPod compatibility, and automatic headlights.
originally uploaded by cienporcienmotor
The ultimate Cube will be the Krom ($19,400), featuring a host of interesting, yet unnecessary upgrades such as sport fascia (grill, body side moldings, spoiler), interior accent lighting, aluminum pedals, Rockford subwoofer and amplifier, more speakers, more tweeters, Bluetooth compatibility, leather wrapped steering wheel, and an outside temperature display/gauge.
originally uploaded by cienporcienmotor
If you are looking for something even more outlandish that a tricked out Scion XB, I think you may have found your match made in heaven. While the Cube in undoubtedly a unique and interesting concept, it may not be quite as popular as The Beetles were… but only time will tell!
