Car Detail

Nissan is daring to be different with the Cube, which is a soaraway success in its native Japan where its cutting edge design has earned it cult status.

An unusual-looking five-door hatchback, it sets new standards in spaciousness and practicality within such a short frame. It is exceptionally easy to get in and out of whilst being able to accommodate the largest and tallest of occupants and has a huge tailgate.

Ideally suited to long-distance cruising and the urban jungle, the Nissan Cube comes initially with a high-efficiency 1.6-litre petrol engine and a choice of manual and CVT automatic transmissions.

The Cube is generously equipped for the money and is extremely well priced against rivals of similar size.

The main two trim levels are Standard and Kaizan with just a limited number of special-edition LDN models available for a short period.

All Nissan Cube models come with 16-inch alloy wheels, a glass roof with Nissan’s groovy shoji shade that allows light in, rear privacy glass, air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, i-key with start/stop button, electronic stability programme, front, side and curtain air bags, CD audio player and audio input.

Kaizen models also have automatic climate control, Nissan Connect audio and satellite navigation, USB input, rear parking camera, plus rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps.

The limited-edition LDN version comes with unique paint and trim in a choice of colour combinations.

All Nissan Cube models have stability control and front, side and curtain air bags. All five seats have three-point seat belts, with those in the front featuring pretensioners and load limiters. Other comfort and safety features include the provision of recesses in the rear seats for the buckles while mechanical elements, notably the radiator and other cooling parts are positioned so as to avoid damage in typical low speed traffic bumps.

Pedestrian safety has been enhanced with energy-absorbing materials in the bumper to reduce leg injuries, while the cowl, bonnet and front wings have all been designed to absorb energy to reduce head injuries.

All models have tough alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, a panoramic glass roof, air conditioning to keep occupants fresh, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone use and even cruise control with speed limiter. Kaizen models also have a rear view camera, automatic climate control, satellite navigation and automatic operation of the lights and wipers.

The Nissan Cube initially has a single 1.6-litre petrol engine with a CO2 figure of 151g/km and economy of 50mpg and 48mpg for the manual and CVT automatic versions.

The Nissan Cube’s 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol engine generates a power output of 110bhp at 6,000rpm and torque, or pulling power, of 153Nm. Power is to the front wheels via a choice of five-speed manual or Continuously Variable CVT automatic transmissions. This enables the vehicle to accelerate to 60mph in 11.3 seconds in the case of the manual and in 12.4 seconds with the CVT system fitted. Top speeds are 109mph and 105mph with CO2 ratings of 151g/km and 159g/km. There is a turning circle of 10.2 metres, a luggage capacity of 52 litres and an insurance rating of 15E.

The Nissan Cube prices start at a straightforward £14,000 for the standard 1.6 model with manual transmission.

The CVT version with Continuously Variable Transmission is £15,200.

Then there are the manual and CVT versions of the limited-edition LDN models with prices of £14,600 and £15,800 followed by manual and CVT versions of the flagship Kaizen range.