Third Generation Nissan Cube

In a period of just ten years, nearly one million copies of the Nissan Cube have been sold (mainly in Japan), the iconic “cubic” styling having been one of the reasons for its popularity. Now the third generation has arrived, destined for a more global market (deliveries start in Japan next week and other markets will have their launch from early 2009).

The latest version maintains the distinctive exterior styling that is instantly recognizable as the Cube, such as the asymmetric rear end, while pursuing a simpler, more universal design for its debut on the world stage. It is said to offer greater comfort, a larger cabin and a host of innovative interior details. Despite its increased roominess, the new Cube remains less than four metres long, providing big utility within a small physical footprint.

"The new Cube is designed for people who imagine a life less ordinary, who have grown tired of the never-ending pursuit of faster, more powerful, more outrageously styled cars," said Yosuke Iwasa, Segment Chief Product Specialist. "The quieter, more harmonious qualities of the Cube have attracted interest not only from young people, but for those in every walk of life. While carrying forward the concept of the original Cube, this latest edition has advanced significantly, including offering far greater comfort."

Third generation	Second generation

"The new Cube is a refined car of universal quality and appeal, that can compete without 'makeup' or excessive decoration," added Seiji Watanabe, Associate Product Chief Designer. "The development concept took the approach of 'purifying' the Cube design, rather than "evolving' it. A jagged rock, for instance, loses its edges and takes on a polish as it travels down a river. This is the sort of refinement we wanted for the new Cube. We worked to simplify its exterior, using fewer lines and widening certain areas. We allowed the Cube design to refine itself, moving closer to nature and suggesting human warmth. The resulting 'purer, more peaceful' design is just what we wanted. It is a vehicle for people who are not being influenced by others, who go their own way, and enjoy interactions with friends in a welcoming atmosphere."

Some of the interesting features in the new Cube include a "skylight"-style glass panel roof that keeps the sky always visible from the driver's seat, and a shoji-style shade to diffuse sunlight, when desired, and fill the cabin with gentle light. Comfortable, secure seating with thick seat cushions and matching door armrests give a sofa-like effect while a "water drop" ripple design motif is used for the cupholders and other cabin details.

The platform design minimizes mechanical space, including for the engine,  transmission and suspension, and creates a roomy cabin and easy handling in an attractive, compact package. A wide stance, resulting from moving the wheels to the corners, allows for sharp cornering and a turning radius of just 4.6 metres. A more rigid body (than the previous generation) allows for more stable operation and a comfortable ride with the strut front suspension and torsion I-beam rear suspension.

The new Cube has an all-aluminium 1.5-litre HR15DE petrol engine and all Cubes come with the e-4WD system that has a standard XTRONIC CVT with Adaptive Shift Control. The new model is said to have better aerodynamics that improve fuel-efficiency by 2% in the high-speed range (compared with the previous Cube).

Prices in Japan range from 1,449,000 yen (about RM53,900) to 1,928,850 yen (RM71,753). While it would be nice to see the new Cube in Nissan showrooms in Malaysia, its high price after Malaysian import and excise duties are paid would make it less appealing, just as what has happened with the March. Unfortunately, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Japan only provides for reduced import duties for models with engines larger than 2.5 litres so the Cube doesn’t qualify. But don’t worry, before long, you’ll see ‘used’ units being privately imported and having more ‘appealing’ prices.

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Talk about the new Cube in the MTM Forum

Find out more about other Nissan models available in Malaysia at the Nissan-ETCM Website