Love it or hate it the Nissan Cube is slowly working its way out of Japan to the streets of the world, and next year, its the UK’s turn.
With barely a conventional bone in its body, the Cube is presented as a “unique solution for 21st century drivers”. From the ground up Cube places function ahead of form which lends the car an interior occupant space Nissan refer to as the ‘Jacuzzi Curve’ layout. Apparently this space is ideal for “relaxing, travelling and socialising”.
The curve-themed interior design is characterised by the subtle wavy shaping of the instrument panel, door panels, seat shapes, and the iconic ‘Water Drop’ that can be seen in the cupholders and the climate control design. They are inspired by nature and the calming way that ripples move outward from a drop in water.
A large triple-layered glass roof is fitted as standard, giving a light and airy atmosphere throughout the cabin. As well as the traditional blind to prevent heat build up on sunny days, there is a 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.
Measuring only 3,980mm in length the Cube is offered in two model grades with pricing from £14,000 (AUD$25,050). Each version may be customised by the owner with Nissan offering a large range of accessories and “tattoos”.
“We’re excited to finally bring the ultra-cool Cube to the UK,” said Nissan’s UK MD, Mr Paul Willcox. “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!”
Since going on sale in Japan in 1998 Nissan have sold over 1 million examples of the Cube. Now available in the UK the Cube will be offered with a choice of 1.6-litre petrol or 1.5-litre diesel engines mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed CVT (automatic) transmission. Fuel economy figures are said to be as low as 5.4L/100km for the petrol model with the diesel’s figures to be announced closer to that model’s launch in May.
I reckon these cars are brilliant. I see heaps of them and similar in Japan, in fact the cube shape would have to dominate the newer cars there. They should bring them over here, though maybe we jut wouldnt get the joke. Cute, cheap, functional, with personality, and pretty safe (I think) – why buy some boring Korean thing if you could have one of these? I’d have one over any other car under $30K, beetle included.
There’s one of these driving around the Gold Coast. Makes you look twice when it goes past.
Havent seen it here on the Coast, but then they dont let me out much. When I was in Kobe a couple of months ago I saw about 8 parked in a row down one street, and you see heaps in the inner city residential areas – they park them in all sorts of strange places with bits sticking out onto the roads. I just cant help but smile to see them. They look brilliant in black, with chrome wheels and tint.
Surprised it isn’t on sale here. Much more interesting than the Tiida and Dualis boremobiles.
Usually cars with no symmetry annoy me, but this one is alright. It is so different to anything else on the market that I’m sure it will steal sales from the Mini and 500.
Didn’t the designers themselves say the front end (headlights in particular) were inspired by a bulldog wearing sunglasses?
This car was sold like hotcakes in Japan. Saw lots of them on the street. I believe this car will be a successful seller if Nissan Australia decides to bring this car to be sold in Australia.
Ok, It’s not “ultra-cool” like they say. We have them in NZ and nobody drives them except asian female students. Actually, come to think of it… that’s the only people here that drive the Micra/March. Plus the rear bumper in that second picture looks hideous.
I dont think anyone will be taking tips from Kiwi’s as to what is and is not cool.
Who says I am a Kiwi?
Oh, BTW a Kiwi is a rare flightless nocturnal bird
nice comeback! perhaps I ought to have said that I dont think that anyone would assess whether or not something is “cool” with reference to whether or not it is seen to be cool in NZ. The coolness factor of wearing football jerseys and people calling each other “bro” and “cuz” and bashing heads into power poles has so far managed to elude me, so I might not be qualified to comment. I’d have thought Kiwis (ahem) would love the cube. Several hobbits would fit in them comfortably, and I tend to think that hobbits dont mind pressing up against each other on long trips, if the Sam/Frodo relationship is anything to go by.
LOL, oh that was great.
and ew wtf that ‘thing’ is disgusting.
I’ve been waiting for something like this. This is great. There is a very little choice of cars in AU, I hope they’ll bring this one in.