 |
Consumer Reports helps you make informed purchase decisions with: Detailed road-test reports Safety, reliability and performance Ratings Easy-to-use vehicle comparison tools Consumer Opinions What makes Consumer Reports different?  We accept no advertising We accept no free samples We buy every car we test and drive each thousands of miles
|
 |
2009 Nissan Cube: First Drive
Thinking inside the box maximizes space
Nissan's Cube is a funky-looking small wagon similar in theme and price to the Scion xB and Kia Soul. With wheels pushed to the far corners and a high roof, all three vehicles maximize interior space, becoming in essence rolling cargo boxes with seats. These entry-level vehicles use cartoony styling to camouflage their humble running gear. A low price, good fuel economy, and exceptional practicality are the salient virtues. (Watch our Nissan Cube preview video.)
Our Cube 1.8S has a 122-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine linked to a constantly variable transmission. It has standard electronic stability control and a full complement of air bags, and rang the register at $16,790.
Initial impressions
In this three-vehicle segment, the Cube's driving experience differs. Handling isn't particularly agile and body lean sets in early while cornering. But the soft suspension makes for a better ride than that of the xB or Soul, swallowing common urban road bumps with ease. The engine can be loud while revving, and wind noise at highway speeds is constant. We estimate fuel economy to be about 28 mpg overall, based on what we got with the Versa.
Cabin access is exceptional. You don't so much climb in as walk in. This car may be aimed at people in their 20s, but it's people in their 60s who might appreciate the easy access and room even more. The seats are generously large, if a little squishy, and the rear is capacious enough to seat a pair of professional basketball players.
The interior is well put together but fairly Spartan. Oddities include a disc of shag carpeting Velcroed to the dash top, tiny bungee cords strung on the doors, and circular ridges on the ceiling, all of which seem thrown in for the whimsical effect rather than serving any useful function. Opening the rear swing-gate reveals modest cargo room behind the rear seat, but folding the seat frees up an immense space.
CR's take
Abundant personality and a roomy interior promise to make the Cube one of the more interesting of the small cars that will be showing up on U.S. shores in the next few years. We'll see how it stacks up against its peers as we complete our tests on the Cube.
Research the Nissan Cube and other small cars and wagons. Discuss Nissan and small cars and wagons in the forums.
