Pros and Cons*
Pros
As well as its fuel stinginess - very trendy these days - the 2013 Nissan Cube distinguishes itself because of its practicality, comfy seats, quality assembly, maneuverability and easygoing ride.
Cons
Nevertheless, the 2013 Nissan Cube falls short on popularity. Perhaps because of its boxy shape or its crosswind susceptibility, which makes for a rather noisy passenger compartment.
Price
The S version starts at $17,788. Standard are 15-inch wheel rims, high-end cloth seating, iPod and/or MP3 player connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated cruise control and audio buttons. Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is available for an extra $1,300.
The top SL version delivers more with heated front seats, foglights, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, climate controls and Intelligent Key with push-button start. This model only comes with CVT transmission and is available starting at $21,608.
For another $1,200 you can add the Tech Package which provides a navigation system, rearview camera and USB connectivity.
Fuel Economy
For the manual transmission ratings are 8.1 L/100 km, city, and 6.7 L/100 km, highway. For the CVT model, ratings are 7.5 L/100 km and 6.3 L/100 km for city/highway driving, respectively.
Exterior Styling
According to Nissan, the Cube fits in the 5-passenger category. Its boxy stature and asymmetric styling give it its own quirky character. Using the same platform as the Versa, it stands out strongly with its wraparound back window, rounded front end and unique grille which looks like a bulldog wearing shades.
Powertrain
The front-wheel-drive is powered by a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, while the basic version has a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable automatic transmission. The Sl comes standard with the CVT.
Cargo Capacity
With an uncommonly large cargo area the Cube can accommodate up to 323 litres of loading space or 1,645 litres when just two persons are seated.
Safety
Features include active front headrests, ABS, stability control and, to further increase passenger safety, braking power is electronically distributed according to seating weight. Six airbags are installed on this model.
Comparable Models
Kia Soul, Scion xB, Toyota Matrix
*References
Laguë Philippe, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.472
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’Homme, 2012, p.490
www.nissan.ca
Pros
As well as its fuel stinginess - very trendy these days - the 2013 Nissan Cube distinguishes itself because of its practicality, comfy seats, quality assembly, maneuverability and easygoing ride.
Cons
Nevertheless, the 2013 Nissan Cube falls short on popularity. Perhaps because of its boxy shape or its crosswind susceptibility, which makes for a rather noisy passenger compartment.
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Price
The S version starts at $17,788. Standard are 15-inch wheel rims, high-end cloth seating, iPod and/or MP3 player connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated cruise control and audio buttons. Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is available for an extra $1,300.
The top SL version delivers more with heated front seats, foglights, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, climate controls and Intelligent Key with push-button start. This model only comes with CVT transmission and is available starting at $21,608.
For another $1,200 you can add the Tech Package which provides a navigation system, rearview camera and USB connectivity.
Fuel Economy
For the manual transmission ratings are 8.1 L/100 km, city, and 6.7 L/100 km, highway. For the CVT model, ratings are 7.5 L/100 km and 6.3 L/100 km for city/highway driving, respectively.
Exterior Styling
According to Nissan, the Cube fits in the 5-passenger category. Its boxy stature and asymmetric styling give it its own quirky character. Using the same platform as the Versa, it stands out strongly with its wraparound back window, rounded front end and unique grille which looks like a bulldog wearing shades.
Powertrain
The front-wheel-drive is powered by a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, while the basic version has a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable automatic transmission. The Sl comes standard with the CVT.
Cargo Capacity
With an uncommonly large cargo area the Cube can accommodate up to 323 litres of loading space or 1,645 litres when just two persons are seated.
Safety
Features include active front headrests, ABS, stability control and, to further increase passenger safety, braking power is electronically distributed according to seating weight. Six airbags are installed on this model.
Comparable Models
Kia Soul, Scion xB, Toyota Matrix
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| Photo: Nissan |
*References
Laguë Philippe, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.472
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’Homme, 2012, p.490
www.nissan.ca
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