Every vehicle on this Earth is built for a specific purpose; the Miata for auto cross; the Corvette for 1/4 mile track events, the Lincoln Town Car for use as a limousine. The Nissan Cube seems as though it was specifically designed for Best Buy’s Geek Squad or those looking to be a little ‘different’ than the rest of the crowd. The vehicle’s precise balance of practicality, catchiness and pricetag make it the ideal service car, or the perfect solution for boxy vehicle lovers. One thing is certain though, whether out of delight or disgust, the design of the 2009 Nissan Cube definitely turns heads.

The first generation of the Cube made its debut in 1998 and shared the same platform and engine as the Nissan Micra. It was the perfect city-car sold only in Japan until the third-generation. When Nissan planned the second-generation, they decided the Cube could fit in other markets only if they make it a bit larger and attractive. Come the third-generation, Nissan decided to unveil the 2009 Nissan Cube at the 2008 LA Auto Show and announced that the car will soon be available to the U.S. and Canadian markets. Well, here it is, the 2009 Nissan Cube and it sure is a funny looking thing.

Make the jump to read more and view the high-res image gallery.

Reviewed: 2009 Nissan Cube:

Exterior:

The exterior design is extremely unique, making this car easily identifiable from a distance. Certainly, the styling is not for everyone’s tastes – people either absolutely adore the Cube or show complete utter disgust for it. Most of the questions we received, and we received a lot, had to do with the asymmetrical C-pillar (D-pillar on the opposite side). From what we could surmise, the asymmetrical design was a matter of structural support; it was needed to support the rear door mount which swings outwards instead of upwards.

Not only is the door mounted in a way to make the car aesthetically unappealing, but it also hinders practical functionality. At first glance, the rear door design seemed innovative and practical; especially the carefully mounted rear door hinges, considering the fact that they did not displace, the already tight, 11.4 cubic feet of cargo room. We soon discovered the flaw of the design, we were unable to take pictures of the crowd surrounding the car in Times Square simply because we were unable to open the trunk to access our equipment, as a car had parked behind us.

The finish on the Cube however, is excellent. All panels on the car were painted in even shades of the same color, which is a concern on even many higher end vehicles. The car also sports some nice exterior details such as the front fender side markers, and a stubby roof mounted antenna.

After only a brief inspection, it is evident that this car is an econo-box. The tops of the doors flex excessively, the fenders are too flexible for comfort, and the roof flexes about a half of an inch in the center with the doors shut. The seemingly small wheels exaggerate the car’s low stance; they are actually 16″, but appear no bigger than 14″ in diameter. As low as the car seems upon visual inspection, it is actually quite tall; perhaps excessively so. A 6-foot passenger could comfortably sit in the back seat with about 6″ to spare. Which brings us to the interior of the 2009 Cube.

Interior:

The interior of the Cube is right inline with the styling of the exterior, as it also leaves much to be desired. Our tester, the 1.8SL, had power windows and locks, keyless-entry/keyless start, an excellent Rockford stereo with MP3/WMA playback, iPod and Bluetooth connection, and climate control. Nissan claims seating for 5, but the Cube can accommodate no more than 4 adults comfortably. The rear seat is a 60/40 split, reclining for a comfortable road experience, or folding flat to enhance cargo space. The rear bench also sits on a rail that enables it to slide back and forth, allocating more legroom or cargo room according to the needs of the driver.

A tilting steering wheel is always a nice feature, but on the Cube, it was necessary to keep the wheel in the uppermost position in order to see the dynamically backlit gauge cluster. The radio and voice activation controls on the steering wheel were definitely convenient, given the very spread out nature of the interior. The Cube also has some not so conventionally placed accessories, such as the driver side cup holder, which is mounted in front of the driver side AC vent (our Editor in Chief Omar Rana loved that future for some odd reason). Other random, gratuitous details we found were: slits in the front doors’ armrests for optional bungee cords to hold a receipt or letter; interchangeable knobs in various places to hold bags and a very small (can hold a carton of cigarettes) storage compartment in the C-pillar. The ceiling has a ripple-like design with the center dome light. The ripple theme is carried throughout the interior, also being found on the speakers and in the cup holders.

The interior is not without its flaws however. Despite the car’s roominess, the seats are pretty uncomfortable and offer little support, making it difficult to confidently refer to them as ‘buckets’. The lack of armrest in the front passenger seat is a major flaw, creating for an awkward feeling seat, especially on longer rides. The design of the rear armrest also leaves much to be desired, as it is practically useless in all but the rear most seat position. The sun-visors are enormous and too far from the driver, the driver may have issues reaching the visor as the steering wheel and seat-belt limit range of motion. The same goes for the passenger side visor, which is way too far from the driver to even begin to comprehend.

It was difficult to pick the worst attribute of the interior, but we came to the conclusion that it would have to be the poorly designed window surrounds. The windows appear to be oval on the outside, this is not the case from inside the car, and the sheet metal and rubber moldings in the corners of the windows are exposed to the passengers. Changing the shape of the door-cards or using a molding on the inside could have easily resolved this.

The Cube is also very loud inside, not only does it suffer from road and motor noise, but being a cube, the car has intense wind noise at higher speeds.

Performance:

The car has a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 122hp and 127 lb-ft of torque, which allows for a very peppy drive for a vehicle of this size. While this car is no torque monster, weighing in at less than 2,900 lbs. certainly helps the car scurry along, and we found that the motor can be planted at 5,000 RPM during hard acceleration for maximum torque output. The braking is not exceptional but better than expected. Brake feel is on par as well. The ride is very comfortable for the class but taking turns, even at slow speeds, can be a bit frightening: the heavy glass, which there is a lot of, does nothing to aid body roll. Although the car is small and light with a small motor and a CVT, we got an average of just 26.1 MPG, a number we were not pleased with. EPA rater fuel-economy comes in at 28/30 mpg (city/highway).

Overall:

The argument that the car is in the entry-level segment and you cannot expect luxuries or performance is a valid one. However, compared the rest of its recently broadening class, this interior is sub par and the styling questionable at best (depending on your taste). Only the performance is on point. This is not the worst choice in the segment, but it is certainly not the best. However, if a buyer finds the exterior and practicality of the 2009 Nissan Cube appealing the interior and performance will play little part in influencing their decision to purchase the car.

Our 2009 Nissan Cube 1.8 SL was priced at $16,790. A base 2009 Nissan Cube 1.8 starts at $13,990 and tops out at $19,370 for the Nissan Cube Krom.

Reviewed: 2009 Nissan Cube:

- By: Ari Klots

- All Photos Copyright ©2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

Here it is – that time of the day again where we like ramble on about some random things going on in the automotive industry.

Cook pizza in your car via portable toaster: So you woke up late for work this morning and don’t have enough time to put together a nice lunch for yourself. Thankfully, Porta-Pizza-Oven has come to your rescue. This 12V portable oven plugs into your cigarette lighter and features a high and low settings for cooking and warming. We don’t recommend it unless you want to look like a desperate geek. – Stupidiotic (via Gizmodo)

GM bailout causing high-profile pundits to call for boycott on products: General Motors, which has been saved by up to $50 billion in federal bailout funds, is currently going through a ’surgical bankruptcy.’ While most Americans are reluctant to purchase a vehicle from a bankrupt automaker, some high-profile pundits are calling for an outright boycott of “Government Motors.” – MSNBC

2009 Nissan Cube looks different from one side: We’re just wrapping up our test drive of the 2009 Nissan Cube. One significant fact we’d like to point out about the exterior of the car is that it looks completely different from the rear-passenger side. Have any questions about the 2009 Nissan Cube? Feel free to ask and I will address them as soon as possible.

- By Omar Rana

As people take up my time to ask me about “that box” (2009 Nissan Cube) I’ve driving around, I’ve taken some time out to compile some of the random things we’ve come across on the internet today.

Hennessey HPE550 Camaro on eBay: With Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen in theaters and the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS headed to our garage next week, we are at an all-time Camaro-high (we kind of always are here at egmCarTech). A completed Hennessey HPE550 Camaro has ended up on eBay with a starting bid of $59,950. Currently there are no bids. Not a fan of eBay? Not a problem. Hennessey sells its 562-hp HPE550 package for $18,950 plus shipping, or $24,950 installed. You’ll just have to provide your own 2010 Camaro. – eBay

Best Car puts together a rendering of a production Honda CR-Z Hybrid: Japan’s Best Car magazine has taken a shot at a computer rendering that gives us our first look at the production version of the Honda CR-Z Hybrid. Best Car, which calls the production model the CR-ZX, says that the next hybrid from Honda will be powered by a modified version of the Insight’s hybrid system combining a 1.5L gasoline engine. – Best Car (via CarScooop)

2009 Nissan Cube Test Drive update: If you don’t know by now you need to visit us more often. I’m driving the 2009 Nissan Cube this week as our press car and so far I’ve managed to get a 5-year old girl to hate it, learned how to park it and averaged 26.1 mpg. Today, while getting some grub from the drive-thru at Wendy’s, I found the best feature on the 2009 Nissan Cube – the cup holder hiding on the left side of the steering wheel. It’s easy to reach and sits right next to a vent to keep your drink cool or hot depending on your preference. – Follow us on Twitter to ask me questions about the Cube.

- By: Omar Rana

As you can tell by the low number of posts, we’ve been pretty busy around here at egmCarTech. We’d like to apologize for our sluggish speed but we’ve been caught up doing a lot of things at once and our Senior Editor Kap Shah is on vacation, which doesn’t help much. Either way, its time for our Miscellaneous Thoughts post for today.

Beware of ‘Clash for Clunkers’ scams: For those of you that don’t know, President Barack Obama is expected to sign the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ bill later today – meaning the legislations hasn’t become a law just yet. However, criminals are already taking advantage of the new bill and are using it to dupe consumers. Web sites are popping up everywhere asking customers to provide personal information including names, addresses and social security numbers. Other Web sites tell car shoppers they will put them in touch with authorized “Cash for Clunkers” dealers in their area. – CNNMoney

GM = Green Motors or Government Motors: GM’s Vice President, Environment, Energy & Safety Policy Beth Lowery has posted a new article on the company’s FastLane Blog titled “GM = Green Motors.” The article shares some of the answers to questions she was asked about GM’s efforts to reinvent itself as a greener company. Check it out. – GM FastLane Blog

2009 Nissan Cube drive update: I’ve been driving around the new 2009 Nissan Cube as our press car for the week. Many people absolutely love the car and others absolutely hate it. We finally got around to figuring out how many MPGs we’re averaging and we’re a bit disappointed to say that we’ve achieved 26.1 mpg so far – especially when Nissan says that the 2009 Cube averages 28/30 mpg (city/highway). Stay tuned for more and remember to follow me on Twitter and ask questions while I continue testing this little bugger.

- By: Omar Rana

As you already know, I’ll be driving around the 2009 Nissan Cube this week. We figure we’d use this new craze called Twitter to keep in touch with you guys while test driving and reviewing the 2009 Cube.

You can follow me @ http://twitter.com/egmcartech for up-to-the-minute updates and ask me questions here or send me a tweet. We’ll be posting pics and “everythang.”

To answer questions we’ve received so far.

ravensbd5309: what kind of awkward stares you receive driving that thing?

We’ve received all kinds of stares. A five-year old girl came out of a shopping center and screamed “wow, mom that man’s car is so ugly.” Other people are very fascinated by it. I had someone driving right next to me who pulled down their window and snapped numerous pics of the car with their digital SLR camera.

Jim: What kind of real world gas mileage do you get?

We’re still messing around with the center-display to figure out how many MPGs we’re averaging – we’ll let you know shortly.

Pat: Let me know how many people you can fit in there comfortably.. and why Nissan gave you one that looks like an army mobile?

- By: Omar Rana

It’s that time of the day again – you know the time where we gather up some random findings into one post. So here it goes.

Transform your 2010 Chevrolet Camaro into KITT: When the new Knight Rider TV series (which has fortunately been cancelled) made its debut with the Shelby GT500KR, many Camaro fans were disappointed that the Mustang was picked over their favorite Chevy muscle car. So much so that they decided to create their own 64 LED KITT scanner that can be hard-wired to the battery of the 2010 Camaro. Each kit runs for about $160, and you can purchase it from the company’s Web site here. Check out the video below to see how it’ll look in the end  - Camaro5

2010 Toyota Prius sales reach 180,000 in Japan: It seems like Toyota is all about providing us with updates on how its 2010 Prius is selling. Latest word has it that Toyota got 180,000 orders for the new Prius hybrid in Japan in just a month. Congrats to the ‘10 Prius. – MSNBC

Press car of the week: We just took delivery of the 2009 Nissan Cube. Look out for a full review coming soon. Let us know what you’d like to know about the car in the comments section below. Any questions? Feel free to ask us and we’ll address them in our review.

For now, check out our 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP review and look out for our full review of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT coming early next week.

- By: Omar Rana

Looking for a cool car for under $18,000? Well, you’re lucky because Kelley Blue Book has just put together a list of the Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000.

“The vehicles that made Kelley Blue Book’s 2009 list of Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 — typically a gas-sipping and obviously affordable bunch — are cooler than they have ever been,” KBB said in a statement. “More fun, more practical and more amenity-laden than ever before, today’s entry-level vehicles deliver more than simply affordable and efficient transportation.”

Check out the complete list after the jump and head over to KBB.com to read their article.

2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 List:

2009 Honda Fit

2010 Kia Soul

2010 MAZDA3

2009 Nissan cube

2009 smart fortwo

2009 Ford Focus

2009 Scion xB

2009 Subaru Impreza

2009 Suzuki SX4

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

- By: Omar Rana

Nissan is reminding everyone today that the 2009 Nissan Cube is now on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide.

Pricing for the base-level 2009 Cube 1.8 with a 6-speed manual starts at $13,990. The 2009 Cube 1.8 S with a 6-speed manual starts at $14,690 while the 1.8 S with an Xtronic CVT will carry a price tag of $15,690. The 2009 Cube 1.8 SL starts $16,790 and comes with the Xtronic CVT as standard. The top-of-the-line Nissan Cube 1.9 Krom starts at $19,360.

Click through for more details and the high-res image galleries.

2009 Nissan Cube:

2009 Nissan Cube Krom:

Press Release:

All-New 2009 Nissan cube® On Sale Now
- Innovative Marketing Launch Drives Consumers to “cube® Mobile Hub” for Information, Videos, Music, Wallpapers and Multi-Player iPhone® App -
The all-new 2009 Nissan cube® goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide, sporting an engaging asymmetrical exterior design, socially oriented lounge-style interior, a powerful and fuel-efficient 1.8-liter engine, six standard air bags, a full catalog of innovative accessories, a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $13,990 and one other thing – an innovative marketing campaign centered around a downloadable-content-rich “cube® Mobile Hub.”

“A vehicle as unique as the new Nissan cube® deserves an equally breakthrough launch,” said Christian Meunier, vice president, Nissan Marketing, NNA. “We envision owners using their cubes® as one of their essential mobile devices, connecting with friends, sharing music and sharing fun. It’s a natural extension to have our marketing be just as involving – giving owners and prospective buyers alike a variety of ways to interact with and learn more about this unique new vehicle.”

Access to the “cube® Mobile Hub” will be available (beginning May 15) through a shortcode or “text to” number incorporated into the traditional marketing media mix, including television, print, direct mail and interactive. Once at the Mobile Hub, users will have the opportunity to download unique content, such as wallpapers, videos, music, ringtones and a link to the nissanusa.com mobile site.

The iPhone® app, “cube® Party Roundup,” is scheduled to go live on June 15 and will be available for play in single-player and multi-player modes (up to eight friends). The personalizable, mission-based driving app sends the player around a city picking up friends, ice, music and other items before a party.
Additional levels allow the player to pick up dates, go to concerts and other activities, all the while navigating around various obstacles to complete the mission. A Facebook version of “cube Party Roundup,” where users will be able to share their progress with friends, will go live in early July.

In addition to the “cube® Mobile Hub,” customers can research information on the new cube®, read product reviews, locate local Nissan dealers and even order custom cube® t-shirts at www.NissanUSA.com/cube.

2009 Nissan cube Pricing
The dramatically styled Nissan cube® has a starting MSRP of $13,990 for the cube® 1.8 equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. Three other models are also offered: cube® 1.8 S, priced at $14,690 with the 6-speed manual and $15,690 with the Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission); cube® 1.8 SL, priced at $16,790; and the cube® 1.8 Krōm specialty vehicle, priced at $19,370. Both the cube® 1.8 SL and cube® 1.8 Krōm come with standard Xtronic CVT®.

In addition, cube® is available with more than 40 individual accessories, ranging from a unique 20-color interior illumination kit and “shag dash topper” to aerodynamic body kits and custom 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels – allowing cube® owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and personalities.

About the 2009 Nissan cube®
The 2009 Nissan cube® is designed to meet the practical needs of today’s active, environmentally aware drivers, providing a small footprint with a large interior space. The front-wheel drive cube® is built on Nissan’s proven B-platform and is available with a standard 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of Nissan’s advanced, smooth shifting Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmission.

Cube®’s long list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), seat-mounted driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Cube® also offers standard front-seat Active Head Restraints, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Along with the long list of standard features on the cube® 1.8, the cube® 1.8 S adds body-colored outside mirrors, premium grade fabric, cruise control, cargo area cover and more. The cube® 1.8 SL adds standard CVT, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, Automatic Temperature Control, Interface System for iPod®, six speakers and more. The uniquely equipped cube® 1.8 Krōm includes an exclusive integrated body design, Krōm 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, sporty interior treatment, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, Xtronic CVT® and much more.

Available cube® technology includes the Nissan Intelligent Key^TM with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six upgraded speakers, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and Interface System for iPod®.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Nissan has announced that it is now allowing customers to reserve the cube of their choice today at www.NissanUSA.com/cube. Complete pricing for the 2009 Nissan Cube lineup was also announced.

The base level Nissan cube 1.8 with a 6-speed manual transmission starts at $13,990. Moving up a notch, the cube 1.8 S with a 6-speed manual will start at $14,690 while the cube 1.8 S with an Xtronic CVT will start at $15,690. The 1.8 SL starts $16,790 and comes with the Xtronic CVT as standard. The range-topping Nissan cube 1.8 Krom is priced at $19,360.

A range of options are available including Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six speakers, XM Satellite Radio and an iPod interface system. The 2009 Nissan cube is also available with more than 40 individual accessories including a 20-color interior illumination kit and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Make the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2009 Nissan Cube:

2009 Nissan Cube Krom:

Press Release:

NISSAN ANNOUNCES PRICING ON ALL-NEW 2009 CUBE®

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced complete pricing on the 2009 Nissan cube®, which goes on sale in early May at Nissan dealers nationwide. In conjunction with the pricing announcement, a new “Reserve Your cube®” program, which allows customers to research and reserve the cube® of their choice, launches today at www.NissanUSA.com/cube.

The dramatically styled Nissan cube® has a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $13,990 for the cube® 1.8 equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. Three other models are also offered: cube® 1.8 S, priced at $14,690 with the 6-speed manual and $15,690 with the Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission); cube® 1.8 SL, priced at $16,790; and the cube® 1.8 Krom specialty vehicle, priced at $19,360. Both the cube® 1.8 SL and cube® 1.8 Krom come with standard Xtronic CVT®.

Available cube® technology includes the Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six upgraded speakers, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and Interface System for iPod®.

In addition, cube will be available with more than 40 individual accessories, ranging from a unique 20-color interior illumination kit and “shag dash topper” to aerodynamic body kits and custom 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels – allowing cube® owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and personalities.

“Cube has generated tremendous buzz for Nissan – it’s fun, functional and it’s an ideal extension of cube owners’ lifestyle,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, NNA. “Cube offers features that you just can’t put a price on – clever design, inviting interior, ease of driving and outstanding quality.   No other car in its segment comes close to cube.”

“Reserve Your cube®”
To help consumers navigate the expected strong demand for the new cube® at launch, Nissan is making cube® inventory information available online as part of a “Reserve Your cube®” program. Accessed through NissanUSA.com/cube, buyers can view pricing, colors, trim and equipment available in their local areas, then contact a dealer to reserve a specific vehicle.

“The ‘Reserve Your cube®” program will help facilitate conversations between customers and dealers, helping match cube® and owner in a timely manner,” said Castignetti. “We’re excited about the cube® launch and want to make the buying process as hassle-free as owning one.”

About the 2009 Nissan cube
The 2009 Nissan cube® is designed to meet the practical needs of today’s active, environmentally aware drivers, providing a small footprint with a large interior space. The front-wheel drive cube® is built on Nissan’s proven B-platform and is available with a standard 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of Nissan’s advanced, smooth shifting Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmission.

Cube®’s long list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), seat-mounted driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection. Cube® also offers standard front-seat Active Head Restraints, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Along with the long list of standard features on the cube® 1.8, the cube® 1.8 S adds body-colored outside mirrors, premium grade fabric, cruise control, cargo area cover and more. The cube® 1.8 SL adds standard CVT, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, Automatic Temperature Control, Interface System for iPod®, six speakers and more. The uniquely equipped cube® 1.8 Krom includes an exclusive integrated body design, Krom 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, sporty interior treatment, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, Xtronic CVT® and much more.

On the eve of the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, Nissan has announced the pricing on its 2009 Cube and has unveiled a new variant called the Cube Krom. The 2009 Nissan Cube will be offered in four different trim-levels including the base 1.8, 1.8S, 1.8 SL and the 1.8 Krom. Sales will kick off in early May with a starting MSRP of $13,990.

All Nissan Cube models are powered by a 1.8L DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 122-hp with a peak torque of 127 lb-ft. The engine is mated to the Nissan Xtronic CVT transmission. Projected fuel-economy comes in at 30 mpg on the highway.

The new Nissan Cube Krom was developed by Nissan North America’s Specialty Vehicles Group, the same folks that made the Nissan NISMO 350Z. While knowing that face won’t make us run out to put down money for 2009 Cube, the Krom does feature some exclusive exterior and interior treatments.

Starting with the standard features on the 1.8 S model, the Nissan Cube Krom adds a 3-bar chrome grille without a Nissan emblem, a 2-bar chrome front bumper grille, side skirts, a rear roof spoiler, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and Krom rear emblem. Inside the Krom comes with leather steering wheel, woven black and gray seats, upgraded audio system, an iPod interface, Titanium trim accents, spot aluminum pedals, automatic climate control, an interior illumination system, Bluetooth connectivity and more.

Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2009 Nissan Cube Krom:

2009 Nissan Cube – 2008 LA Auto Show:

Press Release:

NISSAN ANNOUNCES 2009 CUBE® Krom, CUBE® STARTING PRICE OF $13,990 AND ACCESSORIES PROGRAM

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced that the all-new 2009 Nissan cube® 1.8 will feature a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $13,990 when it goes on sale in early May. Nissan also debuted a specialty vehicle model – the cube® 1.8 Krom. The new cube® Krom, developed by NNA’s new Specialty Vehicles Group, features exclusive exterior and interior treatments, elevating cube®’s unique styling to a sportier, more aggressive dimension. The 2009 Nissan cube® will now be offered in four versions, cube® 1.8, cube® 1.8 S, cube® 1.8 SL and cube® 1.8 Krom.
 
In addition, Nissan announced that the cube will be available with more than 40 individual accessories, ranging from a unique 20-color interior illumination kit and “shag carpeting” instrument panel inserts to aerodynamic body kits and custom 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels – allowing cube owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and personalities.
 
A new “Reserve Your cube” program, which allows consumers to research and reserve the cube of their choice, will begin later in the month, following the release of complete cube model and option package pricing.
 
Exclusive Nissan cube® Krom Model
While every 2009 Nissan cube makes a bold statement against the backdrop of look-alike entry-level vehicles, the cube Krom is a standout with exclusive exterior and interior treatments designed to add character without overwhelming the innovative cube design. The cube Krom starts with the extensive list of cube 1.8 S model standard features, then adds a 3-bar chrome grille, 2-bar chrome front bumper grille, fully integrated front and rear fascias, body side sills, unique rear roof spoiler, exclusive 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and Krom rear emblem.
 

Inside, the cube Krom offers Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, leather-wrapped steering wheel, woven black and gray seat cloth, an upgraded audio system with six speakers and Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, Interface System for iPod®, Titanium interior trim accents, sporty aluminum trimmed pedals, Automatic Temperature Control, interior illumination system and more.
 
Like every cube model, the cube Krom offers unexpected power and ease of driving provided by an advanced 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder with a projected fuel economy of 30 mpg Highway. The cube Krom comes with a standard new-generation Nissan Xtronic CVTÔ (Continuously Variable Transmission) for good acceleration response, smooth operation and fuel efficiency.
 
“The cube Krom is unmistakable, with its unique exterior treatments and interior enhancements, it takes the already standout cube and raises the “cool” factor even more,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, NNA. “For those consumers that love the cube but are looking for a little something extra, the cube Krom offers that and then some.”
 
The cube Krom was developed by Nissan North America’s Specialty Vehicles Group, which also developed the sporty Nissan NISMO 350Z. Krom models are converted in a unique area of the cube assembly facility.
 
A “Personalized” Approach to Accessories
Inside and out, the new Nissan cube offers an inspiring canvas for personalization. A centerpiece of the new cube’s appeal is its “social space” interior that offers room for five in a lounge-like comfort. Along with its open occupant space, “floating meter pod” driver’s area and “lounge sofa” style sliding and reclining rear bench seat, the cube interior is available with a long list of innovative accessories.
 
Among the items designed to accentuate cube’s unique design approach are “shag dash topper” instrument panel inserts, which fit into the top center of the instrument panel; “Front Door Bungees,” which are colorful elastic straps that slip into cutouts on the door armrests to secure items such as maps and photos; and an Interior Illumination Kit, which provides a changeable 20-color palette of accent lighting under the instrument panel and in the center console cupholder.

 
Other interior accessories include illuminated stainless kick plates, drilled stainless pedal covers, rear cargo area organizer and interior trim appliqués available in four body-matching colors and a sleek, carbon fiber look. Exterior accessories include a front chin spoiler, rear underspoiler, side body sills, rear roof spoiler, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, nose mask, side window deflectors, vehicle cover and fog lights.
 
For added convenience, a number of accessories have been grouped into special packages – the Interior Designer Package, the Interior Illumination Package and the Ginormous Package, featuring a range of items including the aero body kit, interior accent lighting and interior appliqués.
 
“Enthusiasm is building for cube – it’s unique, it’s fun, it’s functional, and it makes being “square” hip again,” said Castignetti. “Consumers in the market are excited about a product like this. If you take the cube’s distinctive styling, utility, and efficiency and add a starting MSRP of $13,990, it’s easy to see why.”

Earlier this morning we saw the first images of the new 2009 Nissan Cube. Nissan has now unveiled the new compact Cube here at the 2008 LA Auto Show and has announced a U.S. debut for spring 2009. Pricing details will be announced closer to launch.

The 2009 Nissan Cube may be small with a wheelbase of just 156.7 inches but provides comfortable seating for 5-passengers. The Cube seating includes a 6-way manual driver’s seat and a 4-way manual passenger seat. The back seat passengers get what’s called a “lounge sofa” style sliding rear bench seat.

Power for the 2009 Nissan Cube comes from a 1.8L DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine that makes 122-hp with a maximum torque of 127 lb-ft. Mated to the Nissan Xtronic CVT transmission, the Cube gets a projected fuel-economy of 30 mpg on the highway. The Cube will also be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Upon launch, Nissan will offer the 2009 Cube with three different trim-levels including Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8
S and Cube 1.8 SL. All models will be available in eight exterior colors including: Chrome Silver, Steel Grey, Bitter Chocolate, Scarlet Red, Caribbean Blue, Moss Green, Super Black and White Pearl.

Follow the jump for live photos from the 2008 LA Auto Show and the press release.

2009 Nissan Cube – Live from 2008 LA Auto Show:

Press Release:

2009 Nissan Cube Set For Spring U.S. Debut; New
Entry-Level Compact Combines Fashion With Functionality

– Small But Substantial, Spirited But Economical, All-New Third Generation Cube’s
Asymmetrical Design and Lounge-Style Interior Provide Unexpected Charm and Utility –

Huey Lewis once sang “It’s hip to be square.” Few believed him. Mathletes wax
poetic about the superior geometric efficiencies of a cube in terms of volume v.
surface area. And get little respect. Cavemen discovered that a round stone rolls
better than a square one. And, as a consequence, gave birth to the traffic jam. In
1998, Nissan introduced the original Cube, an aptly named box-on-wheels, to minor
consumer interest. Perhaps, like homo erectus, the Cube was simply ahead of its
time.

But times change, and so did the Cube. In 2002, an all-new second generation
Nissan Cube was introduced in the Japanese market. More spacious inside, more
glass outside, more power under the hood and, more importantly, a few more angles
and curved surface details added to its compact, slab-sided exterior.

Quintessentially Japanese, this new Cube took Tokyo by storm. A pocket-sized funand-
function cocktail mixing the charm of Godzilla and the wit of Mothra, buyers
were smitten. And so, it turns out, Huey was right after all.
Like the Nissan GT-R before it, the Nissan Cube soon found an audience outside of
Japan – not in person, but through its exposure in fashion and automotive
magazines, videos and on the Web.

Reboot to today, more than 10 years since its original appearance, and the Nissan
Cube is ready to meet the world in person, coming to America in spring 2009 in an
all-new, dramatically rethought third generation design that is clever, quirky, witty,
fun and uniquely functional. And still totally square.

More than just unique geometry, however, the new 2009 Nissan Cube is also
conceived as a totally different take on an automobile – a car that doesn’t want to be
defined as car. “With its unique blend of fashion and function, Cube imagines a life
less ordinary,” said Al Castignetti, vice president, Sales, Nissan Division, Nissan
North America, Inc. (NNA). “Cube is as much of a Mobile Device as it is an
automobile, something that enhances life like people’s digital devices do. Cube is a
vehicle that people of all ages can fall in love with, even when they don’t love cars.”

Evocative Yet Rational

Though its uniquely styled, asymmetrical body makes a standout statement against
the backdrop of today’s look-alike entry-level vehicles, Cube presents a range of
strong rational arguments for purchase as well.

Along with its projected fuel economy of over 30 mph Highway (equipped with the
CVT transmission, actual EPA estimates not available at this time), Cube offers an
alphabet of standard safety equipment – including an Anti-Lock Braking System
(ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS), six air bags (including front, side and curtain supplemental air bags)
and front seat Active Head Restraints.

“The new Nissan Cube is not, by any measure, a pure ‘youth car,’ though it
especially meets the needs of young adults’ lives in the sense that it is social,
expressive and practical,” said Castignetti. “And like many entry-level vehicles, Cube
will be purchased by young consumers with the help or influence of their parents.

We believe the combination of value, fuel economy and safety will be especially
reassuring to parents involved in such decisions.”
A “Bulldog in Sunglasses”

The all-new 2009 Nissan Cube builds on the previous generation Cube’s nontraditional
design with an improved stance and an added sense of dynamic
movement. With Cube’s long wheelbase relative to its overall length (a 99.6-inch
wheelbase against a 156.7-inch overall length) and wide track, the wheels, in effect,
are pushed out to each corner – providing exceptional space utilization and a
confident-looking stance that has been compared to a “bulldog in sunglasses.”

“The designers, engineers and planners’ effort and passion in creating the next
generation Cube was unheard of – perhaps only exceeded in recent memory by that
of the Nissan GT-R development team,” said Castignetti. “They were constantly
drawing, cartooning, adding thoughts and ideas, which is how the image of the
bulldog emerged and evolved. This was not a traditional development process.”

Along with its stance, the “incognito canine” look is aided by the wide headlights and
grille treatment, the small but substantial body proportions and the short “tail”
section. In the rear, the bar-type taillights reinforce the wide, anchored feel. The
Cube’s creators also sought to maintain a sense of “pure design,” reducing the
number of character lines to give simplicity and freshness to the styling.

Another unique aspect of the Cube’s exterior is the greenhouse. The A-pillars are
positioned far outward and relatively upright, giving a wider range of forward
visibility. The front door windows utilize a “photo frame” design patterned after a
personal photo frame, while the asymmetrical wraparound side/rear window creates
enhanced rear diagonal visibility for lane changes and reverse parking.

“The ‘geometric circle shape in the square’ rear window is Cube’s signature,” said
Castignetti. “Though there are D-pillars on both sides of the Cube, the visual effect
of the narrower passenger-side pillar is quite remarkable in the overall appearance, a
look aided by the asymmetrical back door.”

Unlike typical top-hinged or clamshell-style utility rear doors, Cube features an easyaccess
refrigerator-style opening, which makes it possible to open or close it even if
parked tight against other cars in parallel parking spaces or when backed in against
a wall or other obstacle.

The back door opens fully when space allows for loading groceries, luggage or largesized
objects – or to a limited-access position (about eight inches) when space is
restricted for retrieving or loading a backpack or other small objects. The one-hand
door handle operation is designed for easy use, even while carrying things in the
other hand or arm.

The 2009 Nissan Cube is available in eight mild-to-wild exterior colors: Chrome
Silver, Steel Grey, Bitter Chocolate, Scarlet Red, Caribbean Blue, Moss Green, Super
Black and White Pearl.

A “Casual Lounge” Interior

The centerpiece of the new Cube’s universal appeal is its “social space” – the
surprisingly roomy interior that offers room for five in a lounge-like comfort. “Cube
is not wasteful in terms of its footprint, carbon or physical. It creates a third space,
in addition to home and school, for interacting with friends. It’s a space that is
highly changeable and adaptable to owners evolving lives, with plenty of room for
personalization,” said Castignetti.

Cube’s clever, inspired and surprisingly open occupant space was conceived with a
“Jacuzzi Curve” layout and “floating meter pod” driver’s area. It combines “casual
lounge”-style passenger seating with a relaxed driving experience. The interactive
interior is anchored by its curve-themed architecture, such as the subtle wavy
shaping of the instrument panel, door panels, seat shapes, armrests and the iconic
circular/oval shapes of elements ranging from air conditioning vents, door pulls and
climate controls.

The comfortable Cube seating includes 6-way manual driver’s seat and 4-way
manual front passenger’s seat, along with a “lounge sofa” style sliding rear bench
seat.

The reclining rear seat can be adjusted to three positions – full rearward (providing
ample legroom), mid-position (3.9 inches forward) or front position (6.0 inches
forward). The rear seat also is positioned higher than the front seats, theater style,
enhancing rear passenger comfort and visibility.

“In some ways, the Cube is like the big cardboard appliance boxes you used to play
in as a kid – they could be clubhouses, race cars, forts, whatever your mood and
imagination wanted at the time,” said Castignetti. “The new Cube’s interior leaves
room for imagination and personalization, yet also starts with a solid functional
purpose.”

Stress-Free Driving, Room For Personalization

Cube’s stress-free driving experience is the result of a number of factors: an
extremely tight 32.8-foot curb-to-curb turning radius, a tall seating position made
possible by the tall body height, an extremely short hood “invisible length” (the area
of the hood panel that the driver is unable to see) and the good rear visibility for
parking and backing up.

“Our studies show that one of the most stressful aspects for young or inexperienced
drivers is parking, particularly parallel parking,” said Castignetti. “Cube is extremely
adaptable to parking environments in terms of its compact exterior dimensions, good
visibility and easy steering.”

Other interior features include the “floating pod” instrument panel with asymmetrical
light blue and white gauges, which are designed to make it easier to distinguish
between the speedometer and the tachometer. The gauge needles “sweep” when
the engine is started to add a sense of flair, while the gradation effect gives a natural
ambience similar to the glow of the white moon and the blue earth. Sub-gauges are
concentrated for enhanced visibility. The three-spoke steering wheel is available
with leather wrapping and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Convenient storage spaces and cup/bottle holders are abundant throughout the Cube
interior – including six cupholders (instrument panel, front center console and rear
armrests) and five bottle holders (door panels and center console). There are also
detachable multi-hooks for holding bags or hats, which can be moved from place to
place – including the instrument panel and rear passenger doors.
The “shelf expression” concept features two “shelves” located on top center and
passenger side of the instrument panel. Not designed for holding objects when the

Cube is in motion, they provide convenient spaces for placing keys, cell phones or
digital music players when the vehicle is parked. The shelves can be personalized
with accessory wood-like trim or shag carpeting. Cube’s “Magic Rubber Bands,”
another clever Cube accessory item, are colorful rubber straps (red, yellow, orange
or silver) that slip into cutouts on the door armrests to secure items such as maps,
nametags, photos, towels or small stuffed animals.

“The interior concept is really about the Cube conforming to the users’ needs, rather
than the other way around – you can put your favorite items anywhere you want,
not where the vehicle tells you to,” said Castignetti. “The designers demanded that
every aspect of the Cube interior be delightful, as well as functional.”

The Cube interior design also incorporates a series of subtle “Water Drop” concentric
circles, inspired by nature and the calming way that ripples move outward from a
drop in water. The circles can be seen in items ranging from the roof headliner to
the cupholders to the climate control design.

A Wide Range of Available Features

Cube’s heating and cooling system provides quiet, efficient operation with easy to
recognize and use knobs and switches. Other standard equipment offered on the
2009 Nissan Cube includes power windows with driver’s side one-touch auto down
feature, Remote Keyless Entry system, power door locks with auto-locking feature,
variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear window wiper, rear
window defroster with timer, cargo area courtesy light and hooks, 12-volt power
outlet and adjustable front seat belt upper anchors.

Available Cube technology features include Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button
Ignition, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six
speakers, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Interface
System for iPod® and a rear sonar system.

The Cube interior is offered in two color environments, Wall Gray and Graphite. Wall
Gray, available in a quilted suede-like fabric with special “natural wave” stitching
only, is designed to create a relaxing contrast between the warm, light gray
upholstery and warm off-black interior accents. The warm off-black Graphite
interior, available in two cloth grades, provides a combination of relaxation and more
traditional “driving enjoyment” attitude.

“The Cube interior is a great example of how an inexpensive, high value vehicle can
be done well – quality design, quality materials and the features and equipment that
the user needs with room for personalization, rather than forced customization,” said
Castignetti.

Unexpected Power and Driving Ease

Just as Cube has its own unique take on styling and interior design, the engineering
team took a fresh approach to performance – creating a vehicle that is easy to drive
and easy to handle in traffic.

The emphasis for Cube’s performance credentials is squarely on fun-to-drive, rather
than exhilaration. Cube combines an advanced 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC
inline 4-cylinder with a new-generation Nissan Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable
Transmission) for good acceleration response, smooth operation and fuel efficiency.
Torque is rated at 127 lb-ft.

The MR18DE engine, also utilized in the popular Nissan Versa, is designed to be
powerful and responsive, while also delivering excellent fuel economy. Fuel economy
is projected to be over 30 miles per gallon Highway with the CVT transmission

(actual EPA fuel economy unavailable at this time).
The Xtronic CVT, unlike conventional stepped gear automatics, operates as
essentially “one gear” through use of a belt and two pulleys. By infinitely varying the
working diameters of the two pulleys, the transmission eliminates the “steps”
between gears, resulting in a smoother, more efficient operation by keeping the
engine in its optimum power range under a variety of driving and load conditions.

Cube’s new generation CVT adopts a new CVT oil warmer for enhanced warm-up
performance in cold conditions (reducing friction). It also includes an advanced
Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), which detects the driving situation and style (economy,
normal, sports) and communicates with the engine control – helping optimize both
fuel economy and driving pleasure.

The 2009 Cube is also offered with a 6-speed manual transmission with a new shift
control system, triple cone synchronizers (1st and 2nd gear) and reverse synchronizer
system. The 6-speed manual is available with Cube 1.8 and Cube 1.8 S models.

“The Cube has a strong power-to-weight ratio, which combined with the advanced
CVT, gives it a surprisingly spirited driving feel. Throw in the small turning radius,
good outward visibility and the smooth suspension feel and you have the perfect
formula for navigating through traffic with confidence and ease,” said Castignetti.

Cube’s suspension combines an independent MacPherson strut front design with
stabilizer bar with a torsion beam rear with integrated stabilizer bar. Its
comfortable, flat ride is a result, in part, of the “Ripple Control” shock absorbers and
the high body stiffness. Other standard equipment includes vehicle-speed-sensitive
electric power-assisted steering, power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes and 15-
inch wheels with P195/60R15 tires.

Cube’s long list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag
System (AABS), seat-mounted driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental
air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and
rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Cube also offers standard front-seat Active Head Restraints, Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System
(TCS), along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force
Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Three Well-Equipped Models

The 2009 Nissan Cube is offered in three well-equipped models: Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8
S and Cube 1.8 SL.

A full range of dealer accessories allows buyers to expand their Cube world with
items such as an illumination kit with 20 selectable colors, illuminated kick plates,
rear cargo organizer, pet blankets, wheels, aero kits and more.

“We know that self-expression is important to many potential Cube buyers, so we’ve
provided the room and accessorize to help with personalization,” said Castignetti.
“However, Cube is far from a blank or empty canvas that buyers must equip on their
own. Cube is a different kind of box than other vehicles on the market, with an
abundance of personality right off the assembly line.”

Smart Simplicity

“Economical, affordable, functional and adaptable, the 2009 Nissan Cube offers an
unmatched sense of ‘smart simplicity.’ It builds on a Cube DNA of distinctive spirit
and non-automotive style, and adds an enhanced level of humanistic charm and
clever design,” said Castignetti. “If cars could talk, Cube would be likely to say, ‘Nice
to meet you.’ Come this spring, America gets its chance.”