One trend that has been around for some time now is that of the box car, the many various square-shaped autos that cruise the roads. Some more specific model examples include the Xion XB, the Mini Cooper, Chevy HHR, Honda Element and the newly announced Nissan Cube.
The Nissan Cube is no newcomer to the world of square autos, however. It has been in production for the last ten years in Japan. Nissan is now shifting gears and planning a release in the United States.
The Cube includes a 122 horsepower 1.8L 4-cylinder engine and gets around 30-40 mpg. Two types of transmission are available for the car: 6-speed manual or what Nissan refers to as “CVT” or “Continuously Variable Transmission).
Because the car is essentially a box it features over 50 cubic feet of cargo room and air space for passengers. Nissan even quotes the Cube has more room than a Mercedes S-class (One of the largest interiors in a vehicle). There are 6 standard airbags positioned all throughout the vehicle and a special VDC system (Vehicle Dynamic Control) which comes standard.
The Cube will use a regular gasoline powered engine to run the front wheels and an energy efficient power and fuel cell for the rear, meaning the car will be much more efficient than the average gas-using automotible.
There are several additional options that will be available, including a Rockford Fosgate Subwoofer, an iPod and MP3 device docking station, a unique Nissan Intelligent Key with a push button ignition system, an integrated Bluetooth/hands-free phone system, and a special rear sonar system so that drivers never back into anything.
The Cube will be released sometime in 2009. As of this date Nissan has quoted sometime in Q4.
