The Nissan Cube’s imminent arrival here in the U.S. has stirred up much buzz, and likewise with its homeland cult following, the revised JDM version that ours is based on is causing a similar ruckus back home. For engineers and designers, the new Cube presented an odd challenge when it comes to the right-hand drive version for the homeland—they drive on the “wrong side” over there versus left-hand drive for the rest of the world. For most cars, there are a few interior issues and maybe some steering mechanicals to deal with and that’s pretty much it. Not so with Nissan’s little box. Check the photos and you’ll see what we’re talking about.
On the outside, as we now see, Nissan has blessed the Cube with some pretty funky styling, and we mean that in a good way. Its most iconic element has to be the wraparound glass that flows from its side all the way around the back hatch/door. It’s not a pillarless design by any means – there’s some structure tucked behind the glass in the rear corner – but it gives a unique impression from the outside. But here’s the problem: On the right-hand drive JDM model, the glass wraps around on the left side of the car. So, did Nissan simply swap the steering wheel and leave U.S. drivers to deal with a massive C-pillar in their line of sight? No, sirs.
Instead, the USDM and JDM models have completely different bodies. Now that’s dedication. JDM models have their visible C-pillar and the hinge for the rear door on the right-hand side, while the states-bound rides get their hardware on the left-hand side. The result is two vehicles that look like mirror images of each other from behind. It’s a massive change to the vehicle’s architecture that’s hard to pick out unless you’re actually looking for it. This will also present a big problem for Stateside JDM junkies that buy the Cube. Normally they only have to switch a few badges in their quest to return to Homeland looks—going to be interesting to see how they address this one!
Under the hood, the JDM Cube gets a less potent, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 107 horsepower. That’s good for Japan’s fuel-economy and emissions standards, but here in the land of the free(way!) we need a little more onramp punch. Nissan decided to power the USDM variant with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder. Our mill should produce around 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, which should keep it in line with the competition.
Both Cubes stay true to the original intent of the ride – which is to be quirky-stylish, functional and fun – but Nissan kept a keen eye on tailoring the USDM variant to the American pallet. We can’t wait to give it a spin for ourselves to see how it stacks up against the competition. Our best guess is the Cube should have all it needs to go ten rounds with the best of them.
Source: Nihon Car
On the outside, as we now see, Nissan has blessed the Cube with some pretty funky styling, and we mean that in a good way. Its most iconic element has to be the wraparound glass that flows from its side all the way around the back hatch/door. It’s not a pillarless design by any means – there’s some structure tucked behind the glass in the rear corner – but it gives a unique impression from the outside. But here’s the problem: On the right-hand drive JDM model, the glass wraps around on the left side of the car. So, did Nissan simply swap the steering wheel and leave U.S. drivers to deal with a massive C-pillar in their line of sight? No, sirs.
Instead, the USDM and JDM models have completely different bodies. Now that’s dedication. JDM models have their visible C-pillar and the hinge for the rear door on the right-hand side, while the states-bound rides get their hardware on the left-hand side. The result is two vehicles that look like mirror images of each other from behind. It’s a massive change to the vehicle’s architecture that’s hard to pick out unless you’re actually looking for it. This will also present a big problem for Stateside JDM junkies that buy the Cube. Normally they only have to switch a few badges in their quest to return to Homeland looks—going to be interesting to see how they address this one!
Under the hood, the JDM Cube gets a less potent, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 107 horsepower. That’s good for Japan’s fuel-economy and emissions standards, but here in the land of the free(way!) we need a little more onramp punch. Nissan decided to power the USDM variant with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder. Our mill should produce around 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, which should keep it in line with the competition.
Both Cubes stay true to the original intent of the ride – which is to be quirky-stylish, functional and fun – but Nissan kept a keen eye on tailoring the USDM variant to the American pallet. We can’t wait to give it a spin for ourselves to see how it stacks up against the competition. Our best guess is the Cube should have all it needs to go ten rounds with the best of them.
Source: Nihon Car
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