2011 Nissan Cube in Ontario, CA - $7,843

Originally introduced to the American motorist back in 2009, the Nissan Cube is a uniquely funky highly functional five-door wagon. Low to the ground with impressive interior space in an airy cabin format, the Cube is both fun and versatile for those looking for an experience just off of the beaten path of traditional vehicle types and shapes.

Now in its fourth model year the innovative Nissan cube® features standout styling – with an asymmetrical rear window, refrigerator-style rear door and a wide range of personal accessories. More than just unique geometry, however, the Nissan Cube is also conceived as a totally different take on an automobile – a car that doesn't want to be defined as car.

Offered in cube® 1.8, cube® 1.8 S and cube® 1.8 SL trim levels, enhancements for 2012 include the addition of a new 1.8 S Indigo Limited Edition, which includes a unique Indigo seat color, Nissan Navigation System, RearView Monitor, Rockford Fosgate audio, Nissan Intelligent Key® and 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Other changes include the addition of the Nissan Intelligent Key® as standard equipment on SL models and an attached front passenger seat armrest on S and SL models. Five new exterior colors will also be offered for 2012.

Power for the Nissan is generated by the impressively capable MR18DE 1.8L four-cylinder engine. Torque is communicated to the pavement through the standard six-speed manual gearbox. A sophisticated Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic is an available option.

The front-wheel drive cube® is built on Nissan's proven B-platform. Control hardware combines an independent MacPherson strut front design with stabilizer bar with a torsion beam rear with integrated stabilizer bar. Its comfortable, flat ride is a result, in part, of the "Ripple Control" shock absorbers and the high body stiffness. Other standard equipment includes vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power-assisted steering, power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes and 15-inch wheels with P195/60R15 tires.

Inside the airy cabin, a tall seating position made possible by the tall body height, an extremely short hood "invisible length" (the area of the hood panel that the driver is unable to see) and the good rear visibility for parking and backing up makes for a stress-free driving experience. Convenient storage spaces and cup/bottle holders are abundant throughout the cube interior – including six cupholders (instrument panel, front center console and rear armrests) and five bottle holders (door panels and center console). There are also detachable multi-hooks for holding bags or hats, which can be moved from place to place – including the instrument panel and rear passenger doors.

The "shelf expression" concept features two "shelves" located on top center and passenger side of the instrument panel. Not designed for holding objects when the cube is in motion, they provide convenient spaces for placing keys, cell phones or digital music players when the vehicle is parked. The shelves can be personalized with accessory wood-like trim or shag carpeting. Cube's "Magic Rubber Bands," another clever cube accessory item, are colorful rubber straps (red, yellow, orange or silver) that slip into cutouts on the door armrests to secure items such as maps, nametags, photos, towels or small stuffed animals.

The standard 60/40 split-fold sliding/reclining rear bench seat adds to the versatility of the Cube's interior space.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 99.6; overall length: 156.7; width: 66.7; height: 65.0

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 1.8L four-cylinder – 122 hp at 5,200 rpm and 127 lbs-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm

Transmission: six-speed manual, Xtronic CVT automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 25 city/30 hwy. (manual); 27 city/31 hwy. (CVT automatic)

Payload capacity: 860 lbs.

Cargo capacity: 58.1 cubic feet

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitors, remote keyless entry, side-impact door beams, recovery hooks, vehicle security system, active brake limited slip system, traction control, and vehicle dynamic control. S adds Bluetooth hands-free phone system. SL adds fog lights.

Optional safety features include: navigation system and rearview monitor.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Nissan Cube wagon starts from $14,980 for the base model upto $18,520 for the 1.8 SL CVT model. Destination charges add $780.