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Nissan Cube
Does any body know about the release of the intresting car, and if it will have the electroic rear wheel drive system that has me so pumped up?
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2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
From the pics released, I already know I like the interior/exterior of the car, but need to experience the "feel" of the inside & the space utilization first-hand. Space/hauling ability is very important to me, since I have frequent need for it. Anyhow, I'd like to know more about the drivetrain, suspension, weight, economy, and price. I know it is slated to get the Versa 1.8 litre and 6-speed manual or CVT. Not sure if that is a good thing or not though, as I've never driven a Versa. I've read of some complaints about that drivetrain. Seems like some people only get low to mid 20's mpg, while others get mid-30's (rated 27/33 for the CVT). Not sure why so much variability. However, given the ratings on the Versa, I've got to believe the Cube will be heavier, and will thus be less than 27/33. I certainly hope it's not lower though. I'd like to see city mpg at 30+ and hwy at least upper 30's, but guess I may need to get more realistic about that.
Space-wise, I assume it will be similar to the original xB, with perhaps a bit more room. All I can find on it so far is that Nissan says it will be "over 50 cubic feet" of space (while the original xB was rated at 43 cf). I think the closest competitor now would probably be the Honda Fit, which is a car I also find quite interesting, though doesn't have near the personality of the Cube. The new Fit is rated at 57.3 cf, though last year was only 41.9 cf. Edmunds mentioned that some of that difference is from the slightly larger redesign, but that most of it is likely because this year they may be counting the space above the foldable front passenger seat. Not sure if Cube has that feature. I've seen weight estimates of 2,560 lbs for the Cube (compared to original xB of 2,395 lbs and new Fit of 2,604 lbs). The Fit with Automatic is rated at 28/35. If that's all Honda can crank out of the Fit, I'm sure the Cube will be a little less....probably 26/32 -- that's my guess.
I have been a Honda/Toyota/Mazda guy in the past, but never owned a Nissan. I've heard some quality gripes lately of Nissan, particularly of the Versa. Not sure if those gripes are major or minor items though. I would feel confident of Honda/Toyota/Mazda quality, but Nissan is simply an unknown for me. Also, Edmunds has knocked the Versa as being "boring" on the driving experience. I certainly don't expect anything terribly dynamic, given the cubic design, but hope it's at least this side of "boring." I do like something that's got at least a little attitude in the driving/handling department. Oh, and please be quieter inside than a Honda (my biggest gripe about Hondas in general).
Some other specs I've seen on the Cube:
Standard Safety items include -- ABS with EBD and Brake Assist; VDC; Traction Control; Tire Pressure Monitoring; 6 air bags; Active Head Restraints. This is a pretty impressive safety list for an economy car in my opinion.
Also standard: 6-way manual driver seat; 4-way manual passenger seat; Armrests front & back (take note Honda!); Sliding & Reclining rear bench that moves 6 inches fore/aft (0", 3.9", 6" settings); An awesome 32.8 foot turning radius; Power windows w/ auto-down for driver; Power Locks; Variable front wipers and intermittent rear wipers; 12-volt power outlet; Speed-sensitive Power Steering; Front disc/Rear drum (boo!); MacPherson struts up front & torsion beam rear (boo! -- but pretty typical in this class); 15-inch wheels.
Some Options: Intelligent Key with Push Button Start; Leather-wrapped steering wheel with Audio Controls; Bluetooth; Rockford Fosgate subwoofer w/ 6 speakers; XM radio; iPod hookup; Rear Sonar system......plus a bunch of frivolous design items, if you're into that.
So overall, I think this could be a real contender for me. My biggest concern remains the mpg ratings. All Nissan will say so far is hwy mpg "above 30." And of course the actual comfort. With 6-way driver seat, should be able to find a good position, assuming seats themselves are comfortable & supportive. Also, hope the steering has tilt/telescope settings. I'm curious to see what others think, and please correct me if I've mis-stated any of the specs above. There's not a lot of concrete info available yet, so some of it may just be speculation....but that's better than nothing I guess.
Looks considerably smaller than the Soul. Both the Soul and Cube look a lot more appealing than the second gen. xB, but a recent ride in an xB seemed to indicate a competent, if externally ugly car.
I've never owned a Nissan, but did own two Renaults in the seventies and eighties so odd funky cars appeal to me. If my Malibu Maxx gave up the ghost both the Cube and Soul would be on my short list, as I like odd vehicles that you can cram stuff into.
I will be in the market for a new ride later this summer / fall and have been enjoying reading about all the new models. So far I am considering a cube, fit, new prius, insight, mazda3 HB or the upcoming MKVI golf tdi. I know the cars are all over the spectrum but I figure I can get a cheaper fun car like the cube / fit or buy a more expensive fuel saver like the TDI, the fuel saving wont equal out but it’s a way to justify the higher cost to me. The mazda3 isn’t cheep or efficient with the 2.5 but it’s on my list since I am still in love with my 2002 protege5.
P.S. "The Shag" is only a small section in the middle. The sales people were all scratching their heads trying to explain it. I suggested besides a conversation piece it might have a practical use to keep things placed on top of dash i.e. sunglasses, from sliding around. I'm with nwng though it may have to go or get at least get a trim.
My only complaint, to date, is the drivers seat belt buckle digs into my hip.
I only wish they had more shag carpeting in it. Would have to get the interior light kit.
Plus the looks are one of a kind - I have seen the Soul up close now, and it is no comparison IMHO.
I don't like the CVT at all, I would have to try out a stick shift, but I might get one of these.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I live in Miami and the ads around here say "$13,990 MSRP" so what do you think a Base Cube w/ manual transmission would go for?
Thanks for your thoughts!
I know dealers had a LOT of trouble moving these when they first came out - they had many leftovers into the new year that ended up being advertised at several thousand off sticker, which is a huge discount for such an inexpensive model.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Love it other than that. We use it as a hunting vechile. A 120 qt icechest fits nice in the back if you move the seat up just a little. we can also stack another one on top with a strap.
wikipedia describes asymmetric this way:
Asymmetry is the absence of, or a violation of, symmetry.
Hum. The Nissan cube looks like another rolling box, much like the Kia Soul or the Scion xB, right? Wrong. Look closer, kimoslobby. It doesn't look the same. Look at how the designer made the lip coming out in the back.
Notice the lip coming up from the bottom? Ugly to some, but keep studying.
The windows are designed to look like picture frames. This is part of Nissan's design plan to make the cube a rolling version of your house. Sort of like the Foghat song 'Home in Your Hand', eh? Because if ghastly prices remain relatively low, we can take road trips. And my reading tells me from cube owners that the Nissan cube is a great road trip car. Nissan has purposely made the inside comfortable to be called "home" inside. Your home away from home, right? Take a look inside a cube for a moment.
Here's your sentry guard seat!
The cube driver/owner truly gets a warm and comfortable environment here in which to call home. Notice the simple electronic knobs at easy grabbing distance here. Nice. And it just feels "right" so to speak.
I like the red color and the silver color and I want the upgraded wheels
Vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering
The power steering system will adjust sensitivity according to the speed you are traveling. It becomes easier to steer your cube at lower speeds. Like when you're twisting and turning the wheel downtown pulling in to parking spots. As you accelerate the system becomes more rigid, increasing feel and response.
This would be the part that you accelerate through the manual gearbox and open your cube up a bit to speed. Really appealing to me as I have been pining for the "feel" of a standard transmission gearbox again.
Here's a better picture of the cube's interior as it's sold today
The Nissan dealer in downtown El Paso has a 6-speed cube that has the factory stereo in it. They are not marking it up at all. They're selling it for $17,940. That is a good, fair price for the cube. It's in slate grey, I don't know if I like that color, but I need more time to evaluate. The Nissan dealer in Hobbs, NM, further away by about 75 miles, has two manual-trannied cubes for sale. One in red (yes!) and the other in blue, which does look great for the cube. They are marking their cubes up about $2,000, but I wouldn't need to pay that, either. Edmunds.com has helped me immensely understand how to be a good negotiator when buying a new car. I may even buy a used cube, there's a really good chance that, when I do decide to pounce and buy, my cube will be a used cube. There's lots of used cube's that look really good in the desert southwest area, too.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
The unique look - no other car has the asymetrical back window. Scion people tell me I have more room behind the backseat than they do. I am short, but if you are tall there is TONS of headroom. The CVT is great and mileage for me has been better than expected. I love the seats - it's like getting in and out of a chair...no need to haul yourself up and out like in my low-slung Mustang. The stereo is WOW - I have the Rockford speakers and they are great...I'm hearing impaired so I really crank it up for total enjoyment.
My husband did NOT like the Cube too well at first, but once we took our first road trip he was HOOKED. Since we bought used, we had to order the extra locking compartment that you can put behind the seats. With this extra, you have a flat surface with the back seats down and can load luggage, chairs, dog crates, whatever. AH YES, the headlights!!! I was having a lot of trouble driving at night in my old car...the Cube has great headlights and your driving position is nice and high so you don't get the oncoming headlights in the face so badly. THE BACK DOOR (liftgate) opens sideways like a real door so it's easy to open and shut if you have arthritic shoulders.
SO>>>>once you get past the people who tell you it's UGLY, trust your instincts. It's not ugly, it's a cute car, does NOT feel boxy inside and has so many nice touches.
One caveat: if you live in an area where you drive out in the open and there's a lot of wind, the Cube is sensitive to crosswinds. This does not bother us as we have both driven high-profile vehicles for ages. The only time I was ever blown off the road was when I had crosswinds and 100% ice-covered roads and I had no business being out there...however, the job I do is often not optional...I have to turn up.
I hope this tells you something about how the Cube fits for an older couple (one retired, one not)...and YES I still have my Mustang but only drive it on beautiful summer days or intown in the evening.
I will just continue to study the car for the long haul. If ever we need a vehicle again I will definitely test drive a Nissan cube. The more I learn the more I love about the car and your post is just solidifying that fact, maryaw. Continue to drive and love your cube and please post anything postable about the Nissan cube in this thread so I can have more reason ta trade...I...I mean learn why I might want to trade in for a cube.
I would like to sit up higher than we do in the Lancer GTS and I would like a rig that doesn't shudder over the bumps like the Lancer GTS does, with it's high-performance, low-profile tires and suspension system. Don't get me wrong, the Lancer GTS handles like a dream in the corners and straigtaways, anywhere really. But it would be nice to sit up higher in the seat and to row my own gears again and also to take the bumps better. The Nissan cube takes the bumps and smoothes them out a tad better because of it's design, I think. I say I think because I'll not know that for sure until I test drive one.
It's gonna be a fun hunt, oh yes it is! :P
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I must really want one of these because the thought of driving one does not seem to want to leave my mind!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick