Unorthodox design
Japanese designers configured the interior of the cube to look like a Jacuzzi. The ultra-curvy dashboard, gigantic head clearance and super-spacious front and rear passenger compartments make for a very friendly environment and easy conversation among occupants. But that's far from the whole picture...

Wave patterns can be found everywhere inside the cube. The overall look is stunning.

The rounded side windows must give bystanders the impression of looking at people in pictures! As for the front grille, it's reportedly inspired from the flat nose of a sunglass-wearing bulldog!

And what about the abundance of wave patterns -- on the headliner, cup holders, door speakers and floor mats. Add water, sand and big rocks and you find yourself in the Zen atmosphere of a true Japanese garden!

Yes, the cube is the mirror of modern Japanese culture -- embodying centuries-old traditions with a certain dose of kitsch!

A not so big cube...
Beyond these metaphoric definitions, there are the cold, hard facts. First of all, the cube is no behemoth. On the contrary, it's the smallest box on wheels among the four sold in Canada (including the Scion xB, which is scheduled for late 2009 or early 2010).

The 2.5-meter wheelbase of the cube, emphasized by ultra-short overhangs (especially in the back), is identical to the Soul's. While the body is just as tall as it is wide, not to mention 13-centimeter shorter than that of the little Korean, maximum cargo capacity is 10-percent superior. How amazing!

A not so practical trunk
The rear hatch is one of the design highlights of the cube. Opening it requires a clearance of about two meters behind the vehicle, but once you do, access to the cargo area is very generous.

Unfortunately, the cube shares its platform with the Versa and carries over two major irritants. The extremely high loading floor makes manipulating heavy, cumbersome items that much more difficult. And while the rear seats are mounted on sliders, their cushions do not flip up -- only the split seatbacks fold down. The resulting "floor" is actually made up of two tiers with nearly a foot-tall step!

Opening it requires a clearance of about two meters behind the vehicle, but once you do, access to the cargo area is very generous.