There's a difference between stylish and faddish.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is stylish.
The Nissan Cube is faddish -- unapologetically so.
As one of a series of conspicuous cartons, it shares a segment with the inelegant element from Honda and the boxy xB from Toyota's Scion youth division.
With a natural prejudice against square things on the road (unless they are transporting milk), I was prepared to dislike the latest version of the Cube, remodeled for 2009. But I became a cubicle convert the minute I got behind the wheel and an enthusiast under speed.
The box top that looks so stolid from the outside creates a capacious space on the inside that is perfect for a claustrophobe like yours truly. The proportions and ergonomics are great.
On the road, the economical little Cube performs beautifully with nearly ideal suspension settings and deft handling.
The best thing about the Cube is that it is affordable for the youth culture it aims to please. The base version starts off at $13,990 nicely equipped. The latest version, known as the Krom is pricier but still affordable at $19,370. Krom joins three other Cube trim levels: Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8 S and Cube 1.8 SL.
Crafted by Nissan North America's new Specialty Vehicles Group, the Krom is distinguished by exterior and interior flourishes intended to create a more aggressive personality. Yes, this is one brazen box.
To the standard Cube, the Krom adds a three-bar chrome grille, two-bar chrome front bumper grille, integrated front and rear fascias, body side sills, unique rear roof spoiler, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and Krom rear emblem.
"The Cube is unmistakable, with its unique exterior treatments and interior enhancements," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager for the Nissan Division. "For those consumers that love the Cube but are looking for a little something extra, the Cube Krom offers that and then some."
Krom shares the same 1.8-liter, 122-horsepower, double overhead cam, inline 4-cylinder engine that powers the other trim levels. Fuel economy is terrific at 28 city and 30 highway miles per gallon for an estimated annual fuel cost of $983.
Power flows through a new-generation Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for surprisingly brisk acceleration, smoothness and fuel efficiency.
With a tight 32.8-foot curb-to-curb turning radius, the Cube is designed for maneuverability and easy parking. A tall seating position and an extremely short hood work in concert with good rear visibility for parking and backing up.
The third generation Cube debuted at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, a decade after the first generation. The remodel produced more rounded and curved styling cues than the second generation's. Changes are noticeable in the rear bumper area, in the off-center rear window that wraps around to the passenger side, and in the oval-shaped driver and front passenger windows. The rear hatch is hinged to open towards the curb, easing loading and unloading in crowded urban streets.
The interior is designed around a "social space" theme with room for five in a lounge-like atmosphere with a "floating meter pod" driver's area and "lounge sofa" style sliding and reclining rear bench seat.
The roof liner is rippled in a "water drop" series of concentric circles to create a calming effect. The theme is reiterated in the cupholders and the climate control design.
A "shag dash topper" -- a piece of shag carpet -- accentuates the lounge funkiness. Colorful elastic bungee straps that slip into cutouts on the door armrests are designed to secure items such as maps and photos. An interior illumination kit offers a 20-color palette of accent lighting under the instrument panel and in the center console cupholder.
Other accents include illuminated stainless kick plates, drilled stainless pedal covers, rear cargo area organizer and interior trim appliques available in four body-matching colors. Exterior accessories include a front chin spoiler, rear underspoiler, side body sills, rear roof spoiler, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, nose mask, side window deflectors, vehicle cover and fog lights.
Some of the option packages include the Interior Designer Package, the Interior Illumination Package and the Ginormous Package, featuring a range of items including the aero body kit, interior accent lighting and interior appliques.
Paint schemes are all important in a car this conspicuous, so Nissan offers some nice ones: Chrome Silver, Steel Grey, Scarlet Red, Caribbean Blue, Moss Green, Super Black, White Pearl, and, my favorite, Bitter Chocolate, in which the review car was dipped.
While young drivers are the targets, the Cube is suitable for anyone who wants a comfortable, friendly environment on the road, with decor that will make him or her smile.
"Like many entry-level vehicles, Cube will be purchased by young consumers with the help or influence of their parents," said Castignetti. "We believe the combination of value, fuel economy and safety will be especially reassuring to parents involved in such decisions."
WHAT'S NEW: Krom trim level, third-generation redesign for 2009.
PLUSES: Comfort, personality, fuel economy, ride and handling.
MINUSES: Design is not for everyone.
BOTTOM LINE: Nice Cube.
(E-mail Richard Williamson at motorfriend(at)sbcglobal.net)
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