The Nissan Cube was first introduced in 1998 and was only available in Japan. It shared the same design platform as the Nissan Micra. The Micra was sold under the name of the March in Japan and Southeast Asia. The Cube was not introduced into the North American market until May 2009.
Coming standard with a 1.3 L gasoline engine, while four wheel drive and CVT were an extra option. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) can change very smoothly between an unlimited number of gear ratios. With the CVT, the drive shaft is allowed to maintain a constant angular velocity. This technology allowed the engine to run at its peak, therefore giving you the best possible gas mileage.
The second generation provided for a much roomier interior then the original model. It came with a 1.4 L I4, which is a inline four, or straight line four gasoline engine. It was rolled out in 2002, and was also available with the CVT as an option. Nissan made it possible to get it with an extended wheel base called the Cube³. This gave it the capability to seat seven passengers. In 2005, Nissan made both models available with a more powerful 1.5 L engine which they borrowed from the Nissan Tiida. Another unique option was the brand new ‘e4WD’ system. This allowed for an electric engine to transfer power to the rear wheels if the front wheels start to spin.
In 2008 Nissan unveiled their all new Denki Cube Concept. This was powered by a lithium-ion battery system. Denki is Japanese for electric, and with the unique technology of the lithium-ion batteries, they provided twice as much energy as compared to a conventional cylindrical type battery. The Denki Cube was also the basis of Nissans plans for a redesigned gas powered Cube that became available in Canada and the United States in 2009.
The next progression was the third generation which was first unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2008. This version was exported for the first time to the European and North American markets in May 2009, and sold in Japan in November 2008.
This newly redesigned third generation of the Nissan Cube had a rounded and much more curvaceous body style then the previous models. The most noticeable redesign feature was the asymmetrical rear window, which wraps around to the passenger side. It also features a very unique looking oval shaped front drivers, and passenger side windows. The easy access rear hatch opens on a vertical hinge on the passenger side, allowing for it to always open on the curb-side of the vehicle.
The third generation had standard seating for 5 adults. It has a very unique interior design that has all the feeling and the curves of a Jacuzzi tub. This provides for a nice atmosphere for passengers and drivers a like. Another very nice feature that Nissan has incorporated in the Cube is the optional accessories that are available to help people put their own personal touch on their Cube.
The Nissan Cube was built on the Renault Nissan Alliances front wheel drive platform and comes standard with a 1.5 L HR engine that produces a respectable 108 horsepower. In North America the Cube utilizes a 1.8 L MR engine that produces 122 horsepower.
The Nissan Cube is definitely a very distinguishable vehicle that continues to turn heads everywhere it goes. The Cube, like all of the vehicles that Nissan builds, is very reliable, practical. The Japanese version has a very impressive gas mileage rating of 20 km/l or 47 mpg, while the North American models get 8.4 l/100 km or 30 mpg.