Nissan Cube (From York Press)

Nissan Cube

11:24am Friday 15th January 2010

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Oddball cars like the Nissan Cube are bound to attract comment, and remarks will will invariably come from right across the love-hate spectrum.

It’s a Marmite motor, and a million-selling cult vehicle in Japan, but I suspect that the more conservative British driver might take a little more convincing to make the switch to what is a very different take on a car.

From the ground up, it challenges convention. Inside, it’s a very relaxing place to be, with lounge-style space for five, a wavy shaping of the instrument panel and large triple-layered glass roof fitted as standard, giving a light and airy atmosphere throughout the cabin.

That is despite the choice of brown suede seat covers on the test car that reminded me of my granny’s old sofa.

As well as the traditional blind to prevent heat build up on sunny days, there is a shoji shade, inspired by traditional Japanese shades made of rice paper, which can be drawn across the sunroof, allowing light to enter but minimising heat build-up. Very clever, that.

Measuring 3,980mm in length, the Cube is designed to be an urban transporter, with a wheel-at-each-corner design maximising interior, and it is without doubt functional.

Nissan’s designers affectionately describe the front of the Cube as looking like a “bulldog in sunglasses”.

The simple model range has been designed to offer a straightforward choice. The line-up consists of only two grades, starting at £14,000. Each version provides a template for drivers to create their own, customised Cube.

To celebrate the Cube’s arrival in the UK, the first 100 examples sold will all be LDN special editions – the version tested here – finished in Bitter Chocolate colour with matching suede interior trim. I found that colour a bitter pill to swallow. The Cube cries out for a light exterior colour, and looks at its best in off-white.

Priced from £14,600, the LDN also comes with climate control, rain sensing wipers and auto headlamps as standard.

The standard Cube grade also includes a glass roof, rear privacy glass and Bluetooth and cruise control. Spend a little more and you can upgrade to Kaizen trim.

Available from £15,100, this adds the Nissan Connect audio and navigation system, a rear parking camera and full climate control to the lengthy standard equipment list.

The engine range is just as simple. Nissan’s 1.6-litre 108bhp petrol engine gives the Cube emissions as low as 151g/km and combined fuel economy as high as 42.8mpg. The only decision is whether to choose the manual transmission or opt for Nissan’s advanced CVT. Whichever you choose, you will not be disappointed.

Anyone looking to minimise running costs over a higher mileage should look out for a frugal 1.5-litre diesel engine joining the Cube range in May.

It doesn’t look like a conventional car, so you could say it’s the anti-car for anyone seeking a personal mode of transport and wanting to make a statement at the same time.

You’ll struggle to find a straight line inside. The car’s interior is full of soft curves, while the ventilation controls are housed together in a circular fashion.

For all the Cube’s weirdness, there is a sensible side. The cabin, complete with sliding rear seats, is surprisingly spacious and comfortable. There’s enough room for a quartet of adults and equipment levels are high.

It’s also an easy car to drive, something made straightforward by the inclusion of that smooth petrol motor, which offers plenty of go for the cut and thrust of city life.

For all the Cube’s quirky attributes, and it has many, this is not a car that sacrifices function over form. Its user-friendly nature should appeal to a broad audience, not just the trendy set, and it matches a conventional –looking family hatch for practicality. I can see how the side-hinged rear door will be a boon to many, but others may be wary of the extra space needed to open it.

A style icon, practical and family friendly? Yes, it really is all those. Granted, you’re never likely to be knee-deep in Cubes in the years to come, which helps perpetuate the car’s semi-exclusive nature. But if you already ‘get’ the car’s appearance, you are also likely to be impressed by its refined and versatile nature. The feelgood factor comes as standard.

Just what UK buyers will make of this latest generation car remains to be seen, but initial reaction has apparently been positive. The Cube has been named one of the 50 cars that changed the world by the London Design Museum. But changing perceptions might prove harder than changing the world.