Nissan Cube facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nissan Cube |
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Nissan |
| Production | 1998–2019 |
| Model years | 2009–2014 (North America) |
| Assembly | Japan: Yokosuka, Kanagawa (Oppama Plant) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mini MPV |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Layout |
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| Platform | Nissan B platform |
| Chronology | |
| Successor |
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The Nissan Cube was a unique car made by Nissan. It was produced from 1998 to 2019. This car is known for its boxy, cube-like shape. It was a mini MPV, which means it was a small car designed to carry both people and cargo.
The Nissan Cube first appeared in Japan. Later, it was sold in North America from 2009 to 2014. It also reached European markets between 2009 and 2011. In Japan, you could only find it at special Nissan dealerships. The Cube offered a bit more space than the smaller Nissan Micra hatchback. While Nissan stopped making the Cube for North America in 2014, it continued to be sold in Japan until December 2019.
Contents
The First Nissan Cube (Z10; 1998-2002)
| First generation | |
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| Overview | |
| Production | 1998–2002 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Nissan-Renault B platform |
| Related |
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| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
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| Transmission |
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The very first Nissan Cube came out in 1998. It was built on the same base, called a "platform," as the Nissan Micra. The Micra is known as the March in Japan. This first Cube also used a similar 1.3-liter engine.
Drivers could choose to have a special type of automatic gearbox called a CVT. They could also get a version with four-wheel drive, which helps the car grip the road better. The Cube filled a spot in Nissan's car range, fitting between the smaller March and the larger Nissan Sunny.
The Second Nissan Cube (Z11; 2002-2008)
| Second generation | |
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| Overview | |
| Also called | Mitsuoka MPV/M-Box (Malaysia) |
| Production | 2002–2008 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Nissan B platform |
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| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
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| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,430 mm (95.7 in) Cube³: 2,600 mm (102.4 in) |
| Length | 3,720 mm (146.5 in) Cube³: 3,900 mm (153.5 in) |
| Width | 1,610 mm (63.4 in) |
| Height | 1,625 mm (64.0 in) |
The second version of the Cube arrived in 2002. It had a bigger inside space than the first model. Its design, with both straight and curved lines, was similar to the Nissan Micra. This Cube was powered by a 1.4-liter engine.
An optional "e4WD" system was available. This system used a small electric motor to send power to the rear wheels. It helped when the front wheels started to slip. This electric system also made the car more efficient when only the front wheels were driving.
In September 2003, a slightly longer version called the Cube Cubic (or Cube³) was released. This model had three rows of seats. The Cubic had a different front grille and slightly longer rear doors. These were the main differences from the regular Cube.
In May 2005, the Cube got a small update. It offered a new 1.5-liter engine as an option. Another exterior update happened in January 2007.
These Cube models offered many cool extras. You could get an "Ion filter" to clean the air inside the car. A "smart key" let drivers open the car without using a traditional key. Other options included a sunroof, different front grille styles, and satellite navigation. Some special versions had unique body kits and chrome details.
The second-generation Cube was also sold in Malaysia by a company called Mitsuoka. They named it the M-Box and later the MPV. These versions were almost identical to the original Nissan Cube.
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Rear view of the second-generation Cube before its first update.
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The first updated look of the second-generation Cube.
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The second updated look of the second-generation Cube.
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Inside the second-generation Nissan Cube.
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The longer, seven-seater Cube Cubic.
Electric Test Vehicle (EV-02; 2008)
In 2008, Nissan tested an electric car called the EV-02. It had an 80 kW motor and special lithium-ion batteries. This test vehicle helped Nissan develop its future electric cars. Nissan later released the Nissan Leaf, which was a completely new electric car design.
The Third Nissan Cube (Z12; 2008-2019)
| Third generation | |
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| Overview | |
| Production | 2008–2019 |
| Model years | 2009–2014 (North America) |
| Designer | John Sahs and Alfonso Albaisa Hirotada Kuwahara (final design) Tadamasa Hayakawa (interior design) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Nissan B platform |
| Related |
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| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission |
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| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,530 mm (99.6 in) |
| Length | 3,980 mm (156.7 in) |
| Width | 1,695 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1,680 mm (66.1 in) |
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The third and final generation of the Cube was shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2008. This was the first time the Cube was officially sold outside Japan. It became available in the U.S. in May 2009.
This updated model had softer, more rounded shapes. The rear window was unique, wrapping around to the passenger side. The back door opened like a regular door, not upwards like a hatch. The hinge for this door was on the right side for countries that drive on the left, and on the left side for countries that drive on the right.
The car still seated five people. Nissan designers said the inside felt like a cozy "jacuzzi." This was to make the car feel comfortable and social. You could see a "water-ripple" pattern on the ceiling. This pattern was also on the speaker covers and cup holders. Nissan offered many accessories to let owners make their Cube unique. These included colorful decorations for air vents and window switches. There were also special hooks, elastic bands, and LED lights for the footwell.
The third-generation Cube was built on Nissan's "B platform." It used a 1.5-liter engine in Japan. For North America, it had a 1.8-liter engine. This engine produced 122 horsepower. European models used a 1.6-liter petrol engine or a 1.5-liter diesel engine. These engines were also used in other Nissan cars like the Nissan Note and Tiida/Versa.
Depending on the engine, the Cube came with a 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox. It also had Nissan's automatic CVT. Some models had an "e-4WD" option. This used an electric motor to help power the rear wheels.
Due to power issues in Japan in 2011, the 2012 Cube arrived later in the United States. The 2012 model had no major changes to its mechanics or style. However, Nissan did offer a special "S Indigo" edition. This version included a navigation system, a rear-view camera, and better audio. New paint colors were also available.
In early 2011, Nissan decided to stop selling the Z12 Cube in the UK and Europe. Sales there had not been as good as expected. Nissan mentioned that currency exchange rates made the car less competitive.
The Cube was no longer sold in North America after the 2014 model year. This was because sales were low. However, production for the Japanese market continued until December 2019.
Promoting the Cube
At the 2008 LA Auto Show, Nissan used cool technology to show off the Cube. Visitors received a brochure that worked with augmented reality. When held up to a webcam, 3D models of the car would appear. This allowed people to see the car's outside and inside in an interactive way.
To introduce the Cube in Canada, Nissan Canada held a contest in 2009. They gave away 50 Nissan Cubes to "creative Canadians." The contest, called 'hypercube,' asked 500 people to show their creative talents. The 50 winners received their new Cubes at special events.
Safety Recall (2010)
In July 2010, Nissan announced a recall for some 2009 and 2010 Cube vehicles in the United States. This was because the cars did not meet a safety standard for fuel systems. There was a risk of too much fuel leaking after a rear-end collision. Nissan fixed this issue to ensure the cars were safe.
Awards and Recognition
The Nissan Cube received several awards and recognitions:
- Kelley Blue Book named the Nissan Cube one of its Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000. They also listed it as one of their Top 10 Road Trip Cars.
- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Nissan Cube as a Top Safety Pick.
- It won an Automobile Design of the Year Award.
- AAA chose the Nissan Cube as one of its Top Vehicle Picks for Dog Owners.
- The Nissan Cube won an AutoPacific's Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction Award.
- It received the Japan Good Design Long Life Design Award in 2018.
See also
In Spanish: Nissan Cube para niños
- List of Nissan vehicles
