ART DIRECTOR CHERYL L. BLAHNIK:
This 2011 Nissan Cube is one of the few vehicles that can pull off the Caribbean blue paint color because of its fun nature and simplicity. Looking at this Cube brought back fond memories of our now-gone long-term Cube. Everything from the seats, the water-drop interior accents and shag-carpet dash topper was familiar and fun.
This particular Krom model does get some slick options, such as 16-inch wheels, upgraded audio system and specific exterior touches like the sporty fascia and spoiler. Of course, all of that comes at a price. A base Cube starts at $15,500, while this Krom edition wears a base price that's $6,470 more. That's a pretty big difference.
The 1.8-liter four-cylinder isn't too underpowered here, and once up to speed, the car is just fine cruising along. It would be neat if Nissan offered a Nismo version with a little more power and an upgraded suspension.
DIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY:
Since my first in-person Cube sighting, I've admired Nissan for taking some risks with the design. The porthole window cutouts and asymmetric rear corners are unlike anything else on the road, even if the car doesn't appeal to me personally. But after my recent experience in the Cubelike Scion xB, I wasn't expecting much in the way of driving pleasure from the Cube, particularly given its CVT.
Suffice it to say, the CVT delivered the expected wretched response. But the rest of the Cube was a pleasant surprise. Engine and transaxle noise is well isolated, and road noise was much less intrusive than I would have expected from a boxy subcompact. Likewise, the rush of wind whipping around those chiseled corners was nicely muted at highway speeds. With an expectation firmly in mind about how the CVT would respond, the Cube was an enjoyable runabout on city streets and interstates alike.
The interesting exterior design extends to the inside, with the ripple headliner, unique dash layout and the bathmat Velcroed to the center of the dash on our tester. If it was just odd, I'd be less enamored of the Cube, but the design elements work well. The dash layout makes sense, and the Krom version I drove had such niceties as a rearview camera, navigation system and satellite radio. That also helps explain the $22,000-plus sticker.
One note to would-be buyers in sunny locales: The side windows are flat glass, resulting in lots of reflections in the driver's peripheral vision on nice days. On more than one occasion, I found myself startled by what appeared to be a car about to broadside me, only to realize it was the reflection of a vehicle approaching safely to the right-rear of the car.
About that sticker price: Yes, it feels high. But when you factor in the amenities, interior space and powertrain, it's not out of line with similar subcompacts like the Chevrolet Cruze and the Ford Focus with comparable equipment. And for those to whom the cutting-edge Cube style appeals, a small avant-garde surcharge might simply make it more special.
COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO-WRIGHT:
What fun to have this Cube over the weekend, and in an eye-catching color to boot. Not that this funky box doesn't draw stares for its styling alone, because it does. And after having spent lots of time in our long-term Cube, a weekend in this car felt like catching up with an old friend.
I know some in the office weren't fans of the Cube, but I like its odd shape, its kooky cabin features like the water-drop headliner, the piece of shag carpet on the dash and the colored lights in the footwell. I also like how it scoots around town. This Krom edition seemed to have a little more oomph than our long-termer, even though I checked the output, and the numbers are the same. Maybe it's because this is a fresh model and, well, our long-term Cube didn't seem to hold up to the demands of this crew too well over a year's time.
Anyhow, this blue Cube also seemed to have more sound insulation, as I didn't notice as much road and wind noise seeping into the cabin. The brakes were strong and quickly brought things to a halt when needed, and the Cube's compact size allowed it to fit into any size parking spot. The flip-down seats offered great space for toting home some packing boxes, and even having one back seat down didn't impose on the passenger space.
The sound system was great, windows up or down, and the A/C quickly cooled things down on a hot, humid afternoon. I like how all of the controls are at hand and easy to use, and I especially liked the addition of the nav unit to this Krom model. It was small but effective. And, the screen doubled as a backup camera, which is always handy.
We had several people stop us to ask what we were driving, and one guy even honked at a stoplight to get our attention and get details. All gave the Cube a thumbs-up, and I do, as well.
INTERACTIVE ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN:
I was in the Cube last night, and as Cheryl said, it brought back memories of our purple long-termer. And even if it didn't, the funny looks from neighborhood kids would remind me. I feel the same way Andy does about the styling: I personally don't like it, but I'm glad the Cube exists.
So, the best thing about the Cube for me is the maneuverability of the little box. I was driving on some unfamiliar roads that necessitated a few U-turns, and the Cube pulled around smoothly.
Higher-speed corners feel a little weird in the upright position, but it doesn't handle terribly. I wouldn't take it to an autocross anytime soon, but it basically goes where you point it.
The power from the 1.8-liter four-cylinder is minimal, but that's expected, especially with this CVT. The car is OK off the line, but you just have to put your foot down--far.
The wind noise on the inside has been cut down substantially, and with the windows down, the cabin stays surprisingly gust-free. The air conditioning worked well and cooled the interior quickly. I didn't have a need for the navigation, though that's a nice option. The radio with subwoofer booms and will drown out any stray sounds you don't want to hear. The Krom edition has both USB and headphone jack inputs, so any music player will work.
It's nice that the rear seats move, as one piece, but I don't think it goes back far enough. If a couple tall guys were up front, the back passengers would be pretty cramped. It is a versatile little car though. With the trunk/hatch space and folding rear seats, it seems like you could fit a good amount of stuff.
An extra six grand for the Krom edition is tough to swallow, but if quirky is what you're after, with the amenities of a Honda Civic, the Cube is here.
2011 Nissan Cube 1.8 S Krom
Base Price: $21,970
As-Tested Price: $22,200
Drivetrain: 1.8-liter I4; FWD, continuously variable transmission
Output: 122 hp @ 5,200 rpm, 127 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
Curb Weight: 2,834 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 28/28.0 mpg
Options: Interior-design package including carpeted floor mats, carpeted cargo-area mat, shag dash topper, front-door bungees ($230)
