Chicago 2009: 2009 Nissan Cube starting at $13,990, Cube Krom unveiled
by Damon Lavrinc on Feb 10th 2009 at 8:42PM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Nissan Cube Krom
Nissan has finally put a price tag on the 2009 Cube: $13,990. That's what the 1.8 model equipped with a manual transmission will set you back when sales begin in early May.
Four versions of the Cube will be offered: the 1.8, 1.8 S, 1.8 SL and the model you see above, the 1.8 Krom. The limited-edition model, essentially a U.S.-spec of the JDM Cube Rider, is based off the 1.8 S variant and features a three-bar chrome grille, two-bar chrome front bumper, unique fascias, side sills and spoiler, along with exclusive 16-inch aluminum wheels. Inside the factory customized model you'll find a leather-wrapped steering wheel, iPod interface, Bluetooth integration, titanium trim, illuminated lighting system, automatic temperature control, aluminum pedals and an upgraded audio system with six speakers and a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer.
Buyers that opt for one of the standard models can choose from over 40 individual accessories, including a 20-color interior illumination kit, wheels and a "shag carpeting" instrument panel. All the details are available in the press release below the fold.
Gallery: 2009 Nissan Cube Krom
PRESS RELEASE
NISSAN ANNOUNCES 2009 CUBE®, CUBE® STARTING PRICE OF $13,990 AND ACCESSORIES PROGRAM
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced that the all-new 2009 Nissan cube® 1.8 will feature a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $13,990 when it goes on sale in early May. Nissan also debuted a specialty vehicle model – the cube® 1.8 Kr?m. The new cube® Kr?m, developed by NNA's new Specialty Vehicles Group, features exclusive exterior and interior treatments, elevating cube®'s unique styling to a sportier, more aggressive dimension. The 2009 Nissan cube® will now be offered in four versions, cube® 1.8, cube® 1.8 S, cube® 1.8 SL and cube® 1.8 Kr?m.
In addition, Nissan announced that the cube will be available with more than 40 individual accessories, ranging from a unique 20-color interior illumination kit and "shag carpeting" instrument panel inserts to aerodynamic body kits and custom 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels – allowing cube owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and personalities.
A new "Reserve Your cube" program, which allows consumers to research and reserve the cube of their choice, will begin later in the month, following the release of complete cube model and option package pricing.
Exclusive Nissan cube® Model
While every 2009 Nissan cube makes a bold statement against the backdrop of look-alike entry-level vehicles, the cube Kr?m is a standout with exclusive exterior and interior treatments designed to add character without overwhelming the innovative cube design. The cube Kr?m starts with the extensive list of cube 1.8 S model standard features, then adds a 3-bar chrome grille, 2-bar chrome front bumper grille, fully integrated front and rear fascias, body side sills, unique rear roof spoiler, exclusive 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and Kr?m rear emblem.
Inside, the cube Kr?m offers Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, leather-wrapped steering wheel, woven black and gray seat cloth, an upgraded audio system with six speakers and Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, Interface System for iPod®, Titanium interior trim accents, sporty aluminum trimmed pedals, Automatic Temperature Control, interior illumination system and more.
Like every cube model, the cube Kr?m offers unexpected power and ease of driving provided by an advanced 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder with a projected fuel economy of 30 mpg Highway. The cube Kr?m comes with a standard new-generation Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for good acceleration response, smooth operation and fuel efficiency.
"The cube Kr?m is unmistakable, with its unique exterior treatments and interior enhancements, it takes the already standout cube and raises the "cool" factor even more," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, NNA. "For those consumers that love the cube but are looking for a little something extra, the cube Kr?m offers that and then some."
The cube Kr?m was developed by Nissan North America's Specialty Vehicles Group, which also developed the sporty Nissan NISMO 350Z. Kr?m models are converted in a unique area of the cube assembly facility.
A "Personalized" Approach to Accessories
Inside and out, the new Nissan cube offers an inspiring canvas for personalization. A centerpiece of the new cube's appeal is its "social space" interior that offers room for five in a lounge-like comfort. Along with its open occupant space, "floating meter pod" driver's area and "lounge sofa" style sliding and reclining rear bench seat, the cube interior is available with a long list of innovative accessories.
Among the items designed to accentuate cube's unique design approach are "shag dash topper" instrument panel inserts, which fit into the top center of the instrument panel; "Front Door Bungees," which are colorful elastic straps that slip into cutouts on the door armrests to secure items such as maps and photos; and an Interior Illumination Kit, which provides a changeable 20-color palette of accent lighting under the instrument panel and in the center console cupholder.
Other interior accessories include illuminated stainless kick plates, drilled stainless pedal covers, rear cargo area organizer and interior trim appliqués available in four body-matching colors and a sleek, carbon fiber look. Exterior accessories include a front chin spoiler, rear underspoiler, side body sills, rear roof spoiler, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, nose mask, side window deflectors, vehicle cover and fog lights.
For added convenience, a number of accessories have been grouped into special packages – the Interior Designer Package, the Interior Illumination Package and the Ginormous Package, featuring a range of items including the aero body kit, interior accent lighting and interior appliqués.
"Enthusiasm is building for cube – it's unique, it's fun, it's functional, and it makes being "square" hip again," said Castignetti. "Consumers in the market are excited about a product like this. If you take the cube's distinctive styling, utility, and efficiency and add a starting MSRP of $13,990, it's easy to see why."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Steve 8:55PM (2/10/2009)
Still looks bloody retarded.
This design departure is more AMC Pacer/Gremlin then Nissan Cube. Going to Japan, I remember original Cubes catching people off guard, and I even have friends in a Cube Club... and they all admit to not liking this at all.
Nice try though, but all I can think of is Cube Hotel, not Cube Car.
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Sea Urchin 10:16PM (2/10/2009)
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
But Picture this, you pay 15K (14K+1K for automatic) plus 1K to remove that head unit and replace it with an AMAZING entertainment system.
Smegley 11:13PM (2/10/2009)
Since it's a box with some curliness in the window frames they should call it the Pube.
Rick 10:14AM (2/11/2009)
I agree with all of you. So I will join you in being voted down because I too think the Cube is dam ugly.
blotto 8:57PM (2/10/2009)
Sweet. Can't wait to check it out.
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big.bryant183 8:58PM (2/10/2009)
Yay another Scion wanna-be!
Basically another bland, boring, ugly, small, economy car that will only sell to losers.
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tuna 9:33PM (2/10/2009)
The cube's been around longer (Japan) than the Scion. Google it.
Jake B 9:49PM (2/10/2009)
A Scion wanna be? So is it desperately trying to hide the fact that it is a bland Toyota with pathetically reworked body panels?
ambientFLIER 10:43PM (2/10/2009)
"Basically another bland, boring, ugly, small, economy car that will only sell to losers."
Are you describing the scion or this car? I can't tell.
zamafir 10:59PM (2/10/2009)
Note to big.bryant183 - fyi, the cube was out YEARS before scion existed, over in japan. the xB, curiously, looks a hell of a lot like it, and comes from scion, who's a part of toyota, who are based in japan and undoubtedly saw the ridiculously popular cubes there.
Nissan is late to the game in bringing this stateside, but let's be reasonable, the xB wouldn't exist if the Cube didn't.
why not the LS2LS7? 11:13PM (2/10/2009)
Just as a tip looking to look this stuff up, the Scion xB was called the Toyota bB (black box) in Japan.
blotto 2:27PM (2/11/2009)
Like Scions, what's wrong with a car that's well-designed, relatively cheap, and (more-or-less) fuel efficient that's not a typical gas guzzling SUV?
This car will sell just fine to people who want a cool, unique, small car that's not retardedly expensive as a Mini.
MGBYG 8:58PM (2/10/2009)
Floral Delivery companies unite! Your vehicle has arrived.
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Torrent 9:00PM (2/10/2009)
Looks better in Krom Form, but everyone loves copying Ford's face I see.
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tuna 9:35PM (2/10/2009)
While I am not a fan of the Krom, Ford is the last thing that comes to mind when I look at it... that's a bit of a stretch there, Buddy.
tuna 9:35PM (2/10/2009)
Oh, and a two-bar grill is hardly a Ford original.
Torrent 9:40PM (2/10/2009)
You're right. It's the 3 Bar Grille. and I've seen it on some cars, but not as much as after Ford started using it.
P.V. 10:32PM (2/10/2009)
Honestly, I can't blame you, as I thought the exact same thing about the front end. I realize that the 3-bar grille is ubiquitous, but this particular one just screamed "FORD" at me right away.
Anyway, this is a nice car. It's affordable (good), tossable (good, even if not fast (but in the economy subcompact segment, who is really looking for speed?)), and has a lot of neat features (good). I think (and hope) it will sell quite well, given the sales success that has been (the previous generation, as I don't see many of the new ones around) Scion xB.
U.K. 9:08PM (2/10/2009)
Even the Europeans laugh at these things.
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Ken Stamper 9:46PM (2/10/2009)
Um... good for them?