By James Bergeron
Photo Gallery:
2009 Nissan cube
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No supercars for me this week; only one car, the 2009 Nissan cube. Perhaps you can’t even call it a car — more like box on wheels. I drove the cube when it was first launched in Canada and was impressed by it then, but living with a car for a week is quite a bit different than driving it for a few hours on a press trip, so this week should help me decide if I still like the quirky cube (cube is not capitalized, as per Nissan).
Some of the novelty has worn off since the cube’s initial launch. Like any vehicle that is unique, it gets a ton of looks at first, but now nobody seems to be noticing at all — but perhaps I haven’t met the right people.
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My test model is a SL version with the optional Technology Package, worth $800. Add in $135 for metallic paint and you have one of the least-expensive vehicles I have driven this year, at only $21,633. The tech package adds Bluetooth hands-free phone system, rear sonar system, XM satellite radio, rockford fosgate subwoofer, amplifier and six-speaker premium stereo over the standard features.
Those standard features include: a 1.8-litre engine powering the front wheels through a CVT (continuously variable transmission), stability control, ABS and electric power steering. Appearance-wise, standard stuff includes 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, fog lights, body-coloured bumpers, door handles and mirrors. And on the inside: steering wheel-mounted audio controls, push button ignition with smart key entry, power windows and locks, power/heated mirrors, automatic climate control, cruise control and leather wrapped steering wheel.
For just over $21,000, the cube certainly packs in a well rounded feature set, and with NRCan rated fuel consumption numbers of 7.3L/100km city and 6.5L/100km highway, it should be decent at the pumps as well.
2009 Nissan cube
MSRP as tested (excluding destination): $21,633
For more information on Nissan and the cube visit Nissan Canada
