Nissan Cube

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Nissan Cube
Manufacturer	Nissan
Production	1998-present
Assembly	Oppama, Japan
Class	Mini MPV

The Nissan Cube is a mini MPV produced by Nissan and sold in the Japanese market. Like its name suggests, the Cube is very square-like in its shape, with only the front end sticking out from the box shape of the design. Around 20% of Nissan Cubes were formulated for disabled customers. The Cube was popular with disabled people because of the simple design and easily modified chassis.

[edit] First generation

First generation
Production	1998-2002
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Nissan B platform
Engine(s)	1.3L I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic Continuously variable transmission
Related	Nissan Micra Nissan Sentra Nissan Sunny

The first generation of the Cube (designated Z10) was introduced in 1998. It shared the same platform as the Nissan Micra (known as the March in Japan), as well as the same 1.3 L engine. A CVT and four-wheel drive were optional. The Cube covered the gap in the Nissan lineup between the March and the Sunny.

[edit] Second generation

Second generation
Production	2002-present
Body style(s)	5-door hatchback
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Platform	Nissan B platform
Engine(s)	1.3L I4 1.5L I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic CVT
Wheelbase	92.9 in (2360 mm)
Length	146.9 in (3731 mm)
Width	63.4 in (1610 mm)
Height	64.0 in (1626 mm)
Related	Nissan Micra Nissan Tiida/Versa

The second generation of the Cube, released in 2004 with a more spacious interior than the previous models. A modern combination of angled and curved surfaces, was based on the third generation of the March, powered by a 1.4 L I4 engine. A CVT was optional once again, and was made available in a stretched wheelbase version with seven seats, called the Cube³. For 2005, both models were upgraded with the new HR-series 1.5 L engine from the Nissan Tiida, and are now available with the new "e4WD" system, which transfers power to the rear wheels when the front wheels spin.

In January 2008, Shiro Nakamura, Nissan's global design director stated that the Nissan Cube will be coming to the U.S. market as the Nissan Denki Cube.Making its debut at the March 2008 New York International Auto Show, the U.S.-bound Cube is a plug-in hybrid that will get 37 mpg–U.S. (6.36 L/100 km / 44.4 mpg–imp) and will be equipped with "e-4WD", which includes an electric motor operating (when demand dictates) alongside the gasoline engine. The Nissan’s Denki Cube's U.S. release is scheduled to occur in early 2009. ^[1]

Nissan Denki Cube concept

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Nissan CUBE website (in Japanese)
• Japanese Imports Safety Recalls for Nissan Cube
• Nissan Cube Specifications
• CubeLife - A web forum for information and chat about the Nissan Cube