Nissan Cube (2010 – 2011) Review
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Nissan Cube (2010 – 2011) At A Glance
Decent to drive with quiet yet torquey 1.6 chain cam engine, sensible gearing, light controls and excellent ride quality.
Quirky, oddball looks you either like or don't like. Not as practical as it looks due to high rear door sill for structural strength.
You might take one look at the Nissan Cube and decide it's an oddball of strictly limited appeal. And you'd be wrong. Because, since its first incarnation in 1998, Nissan has sold a million of them.
Reviews for Nissan Cube (2010 – 2011)'s top 3 rivals
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Nissan Cube (2010 – 2011) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 to 1.6 CVT
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 25–44 mpg
It's geared high enough not to drone on the motorway, and the engine has decent low down torque so you don't need to rev it. The claimed 42.8mpg should be possible, which isn't quite as good as the forthcoming diesel will be, but it's good enough.
The Kaisen version has Nissan's excellent reprogrammable Connect satnav that doubles up as the screen for a reversing camera. All versions come with cruise control and speed limiter.
The more I think about it the closer it seems to be to the ideal car for non car people like my 24 year old son. It's got all the things he appreciates in a car, though I don't know if he'll go for the shape.
A disadvantage is that in protecting occupants from getting rammed up the backside by a Toyota Land Cruiser, the engineers have slung a massive girder across the back that prevents dogs from hopping in and making the car smell.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | 43 mpg | 11.3 s | 151 g/km |
| 1.6 CVT | 40 mpg | 12.4 s | 159 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Nissan Cube (2010 – 2011)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
86%
Real MPG
25–44 mpg
MPGs submitted
13
Nissan Cube (2010 – 2011) interior
- Boot space is 255–403 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of four stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3980 mm |
| Width | 1695 mm |
| Height | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2530 mm |
You get a high roof, wide opening doors, low door sills making it particularly accommodating for the elderly, who hate its looks.
Yet underneath, it's a Note. Note engine. Note suspension. Note steering. So it drives and handles pretty much like a Note, and on those sqidgy big 195/65 R16 tyres it rides the speed cushions very well too.
It's comfortable. There are lots of cupholders to put the morning's Costa Coffee. You can talk as you drive using the hands-free Bluetooth. Anyone in the back can recline their backrest and go to sleep if they want to.
Nissan Cube (2010 – 2011) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3980 mm |
| Width | 1695 mm |
| Height | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2530 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1246–1266 kg |
| Boot Space | 255–403 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 12500 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £14,000–£16,300 |
| Insurance Groups | 15 |
| Road Tax Bands | G |
| Official MPG | 40.3–42.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 4 |
On sale until April 2011
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 5dr | £14,000 | 42.8 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 1.6 Kaizen 5dr | £15,100 | 42.8 mpg | 11.3 s |
On sale until January 2011
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 CVT 5dr Auto | £15,200 | 40.3 mpg | 12.4 s |
| 1.6 Kaizen CVT 5dr Auto | £16,300 | 40.3 mpg | 12.4 s |
Model History
December 2009
The Cube has been conceived as a totally different take on an automobile. From the ground up it challenges convention, placing function ahead of form. Inside theres a lounge-style space for five with a clever, inspired and surprisingly open occupant space with a Jacuzzi Curve layout offering a space for relaxing, travelling and socialising.
A large triple-layered glass roof is fitted as standard, giving a light and airy atmosphere throughout the cabin. As well as the traditional blind to prevent heat build up on sunny days, there is a shoji shade, inspired by traditional Japanese shades made of rice paper which can be drawn across the sunroof, allowing light to enter but minimising heat build up.
Measuring only 3,980mm in length the Cube is designed to be the perfect urban transporter, with a wheel-at-each-corner design maximising interior space without compromising the compact external footprint. Its beautifully functional: Nissans designers affectionately describe the Cube as a bulldog in sunglasses.
And in keeping with its relaxed approach to transport, theres nothing on the Cube price list to stress out the urban driver. The simple model range has been designed to offer a straightforward choice. The line-up consists of only 2 grades, starting at £14,000. Each version provides a template for drivers to create their own, customised Cube using a range of accessories and tattoos.
Even though the angular Nissan has been a cult car in Japan since 1998 with over 1million sold to date, so far British drivers have been deprived of a Cube experience. To celebrate the Cubes long awaited arrival in the UK, the first 100 examples sold will all be LDN special editions, finished in a unique Bitter Chocolate colour with matching suede interior trim. Priced from £14,600, the LDN also comes with climate control, rain sensing wipers and auto headlamps as standard. The Cube is set to remain a cult phenomenon in its first year as only around 2,000 will find their way to the UK.
The standard Cube grade not only introduces iconic asymmetric design to your driveway, but also includes a glass roof, rear privacy glass and Bluetooth and cruise control. Spend a little more and you can upgrade to Kaizen trim. Available from £15,100, this adds the Nissan Connect audio and navigation system, a rear parking camera and full climate control to the lengthy standard equipment list.
The engine range is just as simple. Providing the perfect partner for every Cube buyer, Nissans 1.6-litre 108bhp petrol engine gives the Cube emissions as low as 151g/km and combined fuel economy as high as 42.8mpg. The only decision is whether to choose the sharp-shifting manual transmission or opt for Nissans advanced CVT. Anyone looking to minimise running costs over a higher mileage should look out for a frugal 1.5-litre diesel engine joining the Cube range in May.
Cube UK line-up at launch:
- Cube 1.6 manual £14,000
- Cube 1.6 CVT £15,200
- Kaizen 1.6 manual £15,100
- Kaizen 1.6 CVT £16,300
- LDN (special edition) 1.6 manual £14,600 £15,800
- LDN (special edition) 1.6 CVT £15,800
What to watch out for
Curious issue of 'stop' button failing to switch off engine of a Cube, first registered in 2010 and sold after sitting in the dealership for 2 years.
