 AUTO REVIEW:
Cross Generational Appeal: 2010 Nissan Cube 1.8 Krom
Don’t judge a book by its cover. The boxy vehicle 2010 Nissan Cube, with its spacious interior, good fuel mileage and user friendly features will appeal to all generations, writes Sally Miller Wyatt.
(Above): Exterior view of the 2010 Nissan Cube 1.8 Krom.
It has been said many times: Don’t judge a book by its cover. This would be especially true for the 2010 Nissan cube.
We just didn’t know what to make of this boxy vehicle when it first showed up on our driveway. Is its leading edge design just for the young, or the young-at-heart? Is this unique design part refrigerator, or part vending machine? “I guess you have to press A-7 to exit the vehicle,” my daughter joked.
The Nissan cube’s style is already scoring kudos from the automotive press. Automobile magazine gave it “Design of the Year,” with nods to the vehicle’s “funky, fun, futuristic look.” Yes, the boxy shape and refrigerator-style rear door is distinctive, alright. But this car is not a visual gimmick. There is real-time functionality here. And that makes it a fun vehicle for all age groups.
(Above): Exterior view of the 2010 Nissan Cube 1.8 Krom.
The Nissan cube made its debut with the 2009 model year, but for 2010 it adds some enhancements to the audio and entertainment systems, among other things.
Cubes are available in three models: the cube 1.8, the cube 1.8 S and the cube 1.8 SL, along with a specialty vehicle called the Krom, which has sport body pieces, 16-inch aluminum wheels, a custom interior with black and gray seats, a 4.3-inch color audio display with USB connectivity and RearView Monitor, and Push Button Ignition.
(Above): Interior view of the 2010 Nissan Cube 1.8 Krom.
The Nissan cube has a long wheelbase and a wide stance, which gives it an excellent amount of interior space. What growing family wouldn’t appreciate all the head room and leg room here? What youthful driver on his or her way to the beach with boards and wet suits, or to the snow with boards and boots, wouldn’t appreciate all the space in here? What youngster confined to an infant seat wouldn’t enjoy all the great visibility while out accompanying Mom or Dad on all those errands?
In fact, Nissan dubs this interior as “a casual lounge with social space.” Soft, comfortable seat covers and a sliding and reclining rear bench seat definitely adds to that “family room” feel. The rear seat can be adjusted to three positions and is a bit higher than the front seats, which gives it greater forward-looking visibility.
(Above): Exterior view of the 2010 Nissan Cube 1.8 Krom.
Other interior features include a three-spoke steering wheel that could be equipped with controls, a dashboard designed to look as if it is floating amid white and blue gauges, and plenty of conveniently located storage spaces and cup holders here and there, including one for the driver on the upper left hand portion of the dashboard., and cup holders in the rear arm rests. There are also detachable hooks which can be moved all around the vehicle, from the rear cargo area to the instrument panel, to anchor down such things as grocery bags, hats or purses. There are two shelves on the instrument panel, perfectly sized to hold keys, cell phones or other small items.
Standard features include power windows with One-touch Down for the driver’s side, keyless remote entry, power door locks, variable intermittent wipers, rear window defroster with timer, 12-volt power outlet and adjustable front seat belts.
(Above): Exterior view of the 2010 Nissan Cube 1.8 Krom.
Extras include that previously mentioned push button ignition, a Bluetooth Handfree phone system, XM Satellite Radio, and interface system for iPods.
The Nissan cube is powered by a 1.8-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with a choice of a Nissan Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. Our automatic offered smooth and responsive acceleration. With its tight turning radius, the Nissan cube could easily slide into tight city parking spaces.
Fuel economy on the 2010 Nissan cube is estimated to be 27 mpg for city driving and 31 for highway driving.
The 2010 Nissan cube is certainly a unique-looking vehicle, but with its spacious interior, good fuel mileage and user friendly features, its appeal could cross generational lines.
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