Instead of playing the colour game, this cube has chosen the personalization angle with an impressive slew of gadgets and gizmos. Some gadgets are quite practical, like the elastic retainer bands on the doors, ideal for holding parking stubs in place. As for the gizmos, some are simply intended conversation starters. Like the patch of shag carpet on the dash, for instance. You know, the kind of idle novelties that get everyone talking.
100% cube
Mechanically speaking, the Krõm is a cube like any other. It shares the 122-hp, 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder mill of the Nissan Versa. This engine isn’t all that thirsty, as the 8.3 L/100 km we averaged during our trial attests.
Power is dispatched to the front wheels by way of a continuously variable Xtronic automatic transmission; for this swanky model, Nissan has chosen not to offer the cube 1.8 S’s standard 6-speed manual transmission.
The Krõm’s drive doesn’t have any surprises in store. The suspension ensures a smooth ride. Better-contoured bucket seats would be appreciated, as they’d reduce the unpleasant rolling sensation in corners.
Well-adapted for urban crawling, the electric power steering has a reduced turning radius (10.1 metres) and is admiringly precise. On the downside, the boxy body is prone to getting caught in side winds. But the brakes are progressive and easily modulated, contributing to our driving enjoyment.
The quirky cubic shape of this little commuter catches the eye of motorists looking for a versatile ride. So it’s quite surprising to discover that the trunk space of a cube is just a tad larger than that of a Honda Fit: 1,645 litres compared to the Fit’s 1,622. Also, the Fit is actually 12.5 cm longer!
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| The Cube shares the 122-hp, 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder mill of the Nissan Versa. (Photo: Nissan) |
100% cube
Mechanically speaking, the Krõm is a cube like any other. It shares the 122-hp, 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder mill of the Nissan Versa. This engine isn’t all that thirsty, as the 8.3 L/100 km we averaged during our trial attests.
Power is dispatched to the front wheels by way of a continuously variable Xtronic automatic transmission; for this swanky model, Nissan has chosen not to offer the cube 1.8 S’s standard 6-speed manual transmission.
The Krõm’s drive doesn’t have any surprises in store. The suspension ensures a smooth ride. Better-contoured bucket seats would be appreciated, as they’d reduce the unpleasant rolling sensation in corners.
Well-adapted for urban crawling, the electric power steering has a reduced turning radius (10.1 metres) and is admiringly precise. On the downside, the boxy body is prone to getting caught in side winds. But the brakes are progressive and easily modulated, contributing to our driving enjoyment.
The quirky cubic shape of this little commuter catches the eye of motorists looking for a versatile ride. So it’s quite surprising to discover that the trunk space of a cube is just a tad larger than that of a Honda Fit: 1,645 litres compared to the Fit’s 1,622. Also, the Fit is actually 12.5 cm longer!
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| The quirky cubic shape of this little commuter catches the eye of motorists looking for a versatile ride. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |