It wasn't that long ago that a vehicle like the 2009 Nissan Cube would have been a mere afterthought at a major U.S. press conference. Tucked away in a dark corner as a novelty, it would have received only a token line somewhere between yearly sales numbers and a reminder that smoothies would be served immediately following the press conference.
Not today, though. No, today the Nissan Cube shared the spotlight with the 370Z up on the main stage. Even with falling gas prices, the prospect of an ultra-efficient and strangely stylish econobox hasn't lost its luster. And after the press conference, the crowds around the Cube were just as deep as those hovering over the 370Z sports car. Its success is far from guaranteed, but judging by the interest shown today, the Cube has a good chance of stealing whatever interest is left in Scion's xB. Pricing will be announced at the Chicago auto show in February.
Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor
arumage says:
12:51 PM, 11/19/08
I'd much rather have a Kia Soul than this beastly monstrosity. It looks like they stuck a box in the microwave and melted it.
vvk says:
01:05 PM, 11/19/08
The Cube is AMAZING! This is by far the best new car since Mini Cooper in 2002. The standard equipment list is impressive. Stability control STANDARD, wow! I just love that interior!
And the tailgate opens the right way for US market, unlike some other JDM transplants. Outstanding!
altimadude00 says:
06:22 PM, 11/19/08
This will give people a more stylish alternative to the Versa. I wonder if this will affect Versa sales?
altimadude00 says:
06:25 PM, 11/19/08
Arumage -- The Scion Xb was a box in its first alliteration. It's sales figures weren't too bad for an underpowered box. I think this melted underpowered box will attract just as much appeal since the Xb's successor has failed to catch on with the hipster market.
jerrywimer says:
07:08 AM, 11/20/08
Looks like it was taken straight of of some Japanese animation. I don't really go for melted boxes, but I guess it's okay for some.
ateixeira says:
10:53 AM, 11/20/08
This is cool, especially the asymmetry. It's so unique in a world of cookie cutter cars.
hal9000 says:
11:46 AM, 11/20/08
I've waited for this car for years..the "bulldog photo window melted block" re-design stinks..apparently Americans love us some non-sunroof boring metallic colored cars..becuase that's the only choice we have with the new cube. Keep in mind the rear hatch may be cool looking but if you're buying this for city life..you're going to need to find a parking spot big enough to swing it all the way open..good luck San Fran/NYC owners...
hal9000 says:
11:55 AM, 11/20/08
at least they displayed the pearl white..
billt9 says:
04:45 PM, 11/22/08
I like this better than the Kia Soul.
actualsize says:
12:50 PM, 11/28/08
I'm pleased that Nissan reversed the assymetry and the rear door's hinge side for the left-hand-drive (LHD) US model.
I was worried they wouldn't because after three generations Toyota has never bothered to reverse the hinge of the RAV4's rear swinging door for the LHD world, where curbs are found on the right side of the car when parallel parking.
The Cube's US-spec door swings open properly for US curb access and the improved rear 3/4 visibility afforded by the offset design is over a US driver's right shoulder, where it should be.
I'm sure the blind spot would have been outrageously large if they hadn't flipped the sheetmetal, but the improved dorr opening that results makes Nissan appear to be more serious about Americanizing the Cube than Toyota has been with the RAV4.