The boxy exterior has obvious benefits for occupants. There’s plenty of room both up front and in the back. Interestingly, the rear seat slides a few centimeters forward, so you can increase either cargo room or legroom for rear passengers.

It’s impossible to load a golf bag sideways; you have to fold the 60/40-split seatbacks instead.

Still, one could certainly wish for greater luggage capacity. For instance, it’s impossible to load a golf bag sideways; you have to fold the 60/40-split seatbacks instead. Sure enough, smaller bags and suitcases will easily fit inside the cube.

On the road
Once you spend time behind the wheel, the Nissan cube turns out to be less different than what its design might initially suggest. It’s a small car that fully assumes its urban personality and handles like a high-profile hatchback.

While it lacks steering response and sharpness, the cube easily moves about and threads through downtown traffic. The brakes are competent and the suspension is smooth enough to ensure comfort for all.

Needless to say the cube is no race car. The 122-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine is quite capable when travelling alone, but if you load up the trunk, it will quickly run out of steam. Typical cube buyers will use it for a night out with one or two friends -- not to move furniture or go on a camping trip.

Also, I have to admit that the automaker’s continuously-variable transmission (CVT), a technology I normally despise, proved to be flexible and a discreet operator. Kudos to Nissan engineers, as this CVT maintains the engine in its sweet spot across the rev range, thereby improving fuel economy. Interesting.

So, did I like the cube or not? On the road, it’s impossible not to smile because it really feels like driving a little toy -- not a children’s toy but a city-ready, grown-up’s toy. As for styling, either you love or loathe it. Judging by the dozens of handprints I had to wipe from the windows during the entire week, the cube definitely arouses curiosity. It’s a unique alternative and a friendly runabout for equally unique and friendly folks.

On the road, it’s impossible not to smile because it really feels like driving a little toy.

Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert