Autoblog

Rumormill: Nissan Cube on the outs in UK?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 21:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Crossover, Hatchback, Nissan, UK, Rumormill

Nissan Cube S - Click above for high-res image gallery

At one time there were high hopes in the UK for the current generation Nissan Cube. But in the year since its entry into the market, the quirky little box on wheels has experienced putrid sales. We're talking a reported 686 units sold. In a year. And with no diesel version on the way.

Auto Express reports that the Cube has been so unsuccessful on the Island Nation that dealers won't be required to have a Cube on site for demonstration purposes. And if dealers can sell twice as many copies of the also-quirky Juke in one month (1,617 were sold in September alone) as the Cube in an entire year, we can't see to many dealers asking for a Cube if they don't need one.

Does this news mean anything for the future of the Cube in the U.S.? Nearly 20,000 copies of the boxy little runabout have been sold so far this year; probably not a poor enough showing for the Cube to be shown the door, but nothing much worth bragging about, either.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan Cube (U.S.-spec)

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Nissan Cube on the outs in UK? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reports: Nissan to repair 2.14 million vehicles in its 3rd biggest recall ever

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:52:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Infiniti, Nissan

The line at the door for the recall party is getting longer. Nissan has just showed up and it needs to bring in 2.14 million vehicles around the world, making it the automaker's third largest recall of all-time. The issue lies with a faulty ignition relay that could cause the engine to stall or fail to restart. The fix is reported to take less than 25 minutes, and involves swapping out the faulty ignition relay for a new one.

This recall affects vehicles built around the world, from August 2003 to July 2006. Japan serves up the bulk of the recalled vehicles, with 835,000 units needing to come back in. The U.S. and Canada are not far behind, recalling 762,000 cars between them. The vehicles include a wide gamut of Nissan product, from subcompacts like the Micra and Cube up to larger cars and trucks such as the Titan and Infiniti QX.

Nissan joins an ever expanding list of automakers reporting recent recalls. BMW recently took the first step in admitting they have a problem, by recalling N54-equipped vehicles. Chrysler and Volvo vehicles have had power steering issues. Some Ram trucks went out with incorrectly labeled weight and seating stickers. Honda and Toyota used a parts supplier who was dealing in faulty brake master cylinders. The list goes on and on.

[Sources: AOL Autos]

Reports: Nissan to repair 2.14 million vehicles in its 3rd biggest recall ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Nissan, Design/Style

Nissan Graphics Custom Vinyl Wraps - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan is teaming up with Original Wraps Inc. to join Ford by jumping on the custom vinyl bandwagon. The Cube is the first Nissan to receive the vinyl wrap treatment and you can customize your own designs at NissanGraphics.com.

As the Cube customization hits the web it will quickly be followed by the Juke before Nissan moves on to the Frontier, with more products being added to the line over time. The graphics are installed by a professional, but can be removed at anytime and leave no residue. Manufacturing, warranties and shipping of the vinyl units are all handled by Original Wraps and each piece is designed to last up to three years. Hit the jump for the full details.

Gallery: Nissan Graphics Custom Wraps

[Source: Original Wraps]

Continue reading Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket

Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars

Zach Bowman — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

Honda Element, one of AAA's best dog-friendly vehicles - Click above for high-res image gallery

Dog owners looking for a new set of wheels can take heart; the American Automobile Association has taken the time to pick a handful of vehicles best suited to moving your furry friend from one place to another. With around 45 million households across the country boasting at least one dog in the family, it should be no surprise that the ability to conveniently and safely move a pet plays a big role in which vehicle consumers choose to buy. A total of 11 SUVs, crossovers and wagons have made the AAA list, each divided into categories like luxury, active lifestyle and efficient and fun.

While we weren't surprised to see cars like the Subaru Forester and Honda Element make the cut, others, like the BMW 3 Series Touring and the ever fun-to-fling Mazda3 five-door were vehicles we wouldn't have necessarily thought of as doggie rides. Thrifty buys like the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube found particular favor on the AAA list, thanks in part to their ability to serve up plenty of space with their rear seats folded down. We still say a Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon would do just fine - at least for a low-profile dog like a dachshund or beagle. Hit the jump for the press release after checking out our complete gallery of canine-correct-carriers below.

Gallery: AAA Dog-Friendly Vehicles

[Source: American Automobile Association]

Continue reading Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars

Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan recalls 46,000 2009-10 Cube models over fuel system integrity

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Nissan

2009 Nissan Cube - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last month, the Lexus HS250h was the subject of a serious recall involving fuel leakage resulting from rear-end collisions. Now, Nissan faces a similar predicament involving 2009 and 2010 model year Cube hatchbacks, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a full recall, covering 46,000 Cubes built between January 30, 2009 and July 30, 2010.

Much like the HS hybrid, NHSTA cites that the amount of fuel leakage following a rear-moving barrier crash "exceeds the allowable limits," and that this could result in a fire. While a fuel leak is bad news, it's important to note that this NHTSA test isn't simply a case of a simple crash test and resultant fuel leak - the government agency's methodology includes striking the vehicle from the rear with a deformable barrier at 50 mph with a 70 percent overlap. Post-impact, the vehicle is then spun on its longitudinal axis degree-by-degree for a total of 90 degrees, somewhere along which a fuel leak was detected. While any fuel spillage is a bad thing, we suspect you can put any images of the massively overblown Ford Pinto debacle out of your head right now.

In any case, the full recall is expected to start on or before August 30. To fix the problem, dealers will install a special protector to the gasoline recirculation tube where it meets with the filler neck connector. Naturally, the service will be performed free of charge at any authorized Nissan dealer. The full details are available in NHTSA's press release after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan Cube (U.S.-spec)

Photos by Alex Núñez / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Nissan recalls 46,000 2009-10 Cube models over fuel system integrity

Nissan recalls 46,000 2009-10 Cube models over fuel system integrity originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KBB names coolest cars under $18k... do you agree?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 24 May 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Crossover, Hatchback, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Suzuki

Kelley Blue Book Top 10 Cars for under $18k - Click above for high-res image gallery

Being in the market for a cheap new car used to mean resigning yourself to time bombs like the Chevrolet Citation or windups like the Geo Metro or Ford Aspire, but the times, they are a-changin', and the good folk at Kelley Blue Book have worked up their very own top 10 list of cool cars for under $18,000.

Not surprisingly, the 2011 Ford Fiesta nabbed a mention thanks to its 28 mpg city, 40 mpg highway EPA rating and mile-long standard feature list. Likewise, the new 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring received a spot on the list. The Korean automaker's new long roof manages 23 city and 30 ~~mph~~ mpg highway thanks to its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

The base Mitsubishi Lancer also made the cut - another 2.0-liter bruiser, the baby brother of the Evolution nabs 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Suzuki also got some love on the KBB list with its SX4. When optioned with the five-speed gearbox, the car walks away with 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Rounding out the list is the ever lovable 2010 Honda Fit. Just like the Suzuki, if you want a few more miles per tank, you'll need to opt for the manual transmission. Thusly equipped, the little Honda can 28 mpg city and up to 35 mpg highway.

Want to see what else made the list? Hit the jump or visit KBB for the whole list.

Gallery: Kelly Blue Book Top 10 Cool Cars

[Source: Kelley Blue Book]

Continue reading KBB names coolest cars under $18k... do you agree?

KBB names coolest cars under $18k... do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ice Cube: Everyone's favorite boxy Nissan chills in London with famed tattoo artist

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Nissan, UK, Design/Style

Nissan Cube ice sculpture - Click above for high-res image gallery

With such a strong focus on design, we knew it wouldn't be long before the Nissan Cube was transformed into some sort of life-size art project. And that's exactly what legendary celebrity tattoo artist Henry Hate has done, creating an ice sculpture that encompasses the edgy design of Nissan's econobox with tattoo art.

Not only is this Hate's first sculpture, it is the first sort of "ice tattoo." Normally, ice is chiseled and carved to stand alone as a unique sculpture, but in this case, elements of tattoo design have been carved into the large ice blocks that enclose the Cube. Colorful lighting has been placed around the base of the car as well, giving it a glowing effect that looks pretty darn cool at night.

The Cube ice sculpture is currently on display in London's South Bank, on display for the public until the warm weather melts the ice away. Can't make the trip to see it in person? Check out our gallery of high-res shots below, and click through the jump to read Nissan UK's official (short) press release.

Gallery: Nissan Cube Ice Sculpture

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Ice Cube: Everyone's favorite boxy Nissan chills in London with famed tattoo artist

Ice Cube: Everyone's favorite boxy Nissan chills in London with famed tattoo artist originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Bono wants cars to bring sexy back

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Celebrities

No, really. If you didn't know, U2's front man and Africa activist Bono is a regular columnist at The New York Times. And he (too) has a top 10 list to kick off the new decade we now find ourselves living in. Bono first smartly apologizes for burdening our collective eyes and minds with yet another such list, before then presenting his.

Items found on his list include: a cap and trade system taxing every individual's right to pollute, protecting the intellectual rights of movie and television studios, a rock star teleportation scientist and eradicating rotavirus. All good and/or interesting stuff, no doubt, if not a little, um, predictable. Which may very well be why Bono stuck his car-related concern up on they very top of his list. That concern? "Return of the Automobile as a Sexual Object."

In short, Bono thinks modern four-door sedans are lame looking and laments the fact that minivans and SUVs are so widespread (and dull). He meditates on the decline of the sexy family car, pioneered during the U.S. auto industry's design heyday, circa 1946 to about 1971. Where are the curves, he asks, before stating, "In Ireland in the '70s, it was the E-Type Jag that made sense of puberty." A line, we should add, that we'll be stealing.

Bono then goes on to muse that the problem with modern car design might the practice of "design by committee," noting that, "rarely does majority rule produce something of beauty." We're with him so far, but then he gets a little fatuous. Essentially, Bono says that since the Obama Administration, "still holds the keys to the big automakers," they ought to be injecting some, "style fascists into the mix." Among those mentioned, Marc Newson, Steve Jobs and Jonny Ive, Frank Gehry and Jeff Koons. Luckily, we've got some insider knowledge about that last little bit. Make the jump for a slightly NSWF explanation of why this writer thinks that Bono's wrong.

[Source: The New York Times | Image: William West/AFP/Getty]

Continue reading PSA: Bono wants cars to bring sexy back

PSA: Bono wants cars to bring sexy back originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan may bust a nut under pressure, recalls 143,000 over tire monitoring woe

Chris Shunk — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Wagon, Government/Legal, Safety, Crossover, Hatchback, Infiniti, Nissan, Luxury

2009 Nissan Cube - click above for hi-res image gallery

If you own a 2008-2010 Nissan with Tire Pressure Monitoring and you live in one of the 21 "cold weather" states, your tires could lose an air load in a big hurry. Nissan is recalling 143,000 vehicles equipped with TPMS after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that the material in the nut may corrode in areas that use high concentrations of road salt. If this happens, the nut could come out of the sensor-transmitter, illuminating the amber TPMS lamp. if the driver ignores this warning, the tire could quickly deflate, possibly resulting in a crash (or at least a ruined trip to the grocery store).

What models are covered in the recall? The 2009 Nissan Cube and Murano, along with the 2008 Rogue. 2008-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45 sport sedans are also affected by the action. Owners of model affected by the recall will be able to head over to the nearest Nissan or Infiniti dealer to get a "more robust nut." Dealers will be able fix recalled vehicles on or before November 2010. Hit the jump to see if you live in one of the states affected by the recall. Hat tip to Art G.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube (US Model)

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Nissan may bust a nut under pressure, recalls 143,000 over tire monitoring woe

Nissan may bust a nut under pressure, recalls 143,000 over tire monitoring woe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Once again, the Nissan Cube proves that it's hip (for older folks) to be square

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Hatchback, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Scion

2009 Nissan Cube Krom - Click above for high-res image gallery

Apparently, those with graying temples are attracted to cars that automakers had originally intended for younger audiences. This trend was most recently noticed with Honda Element and Scion xB, which featured heavily youth-slanted marketing schemes but were often purchased by those with a bit more experience under their belts.

By now, it's clear that trend is here to stay. According to USA Today, each automaker that offers a box-it-came-in mobile here in the United States - a list that includes the Honda Element, Kia Soul, Nissan Cube and Scion xB - reports that the average buyer is over the age of 40 and brings home over $60,000 per year.

Not surprisingly, it's not just the looks of these cars that attracts older buyers. Experts from AutoPacific and Edmunds suggest that the practical nature of such a design and its low price are key components of the genre's success. Just as long as somebody is buying them, we're pretty confident the boxy-but-cheap segment is here to stay.

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Cube Krom

[Source: USA Today]

REPORT: Once again, the Nissan Cube proves that it's hip (for older folks) to be square originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Nissan Cube S is unbalanced, in a good way

Alex Nunez — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Minivan/Van, Nissan

2009 Nissan Cube S - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of our favorite cars last year was a cream-colored, Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), second-generation Nissan Cube that the Japanese automaker loaned us for a few days of commuting and assorted daily driving duties. It was a fantastic car, with excellent styling, the ingenious e-4WD system, a practical interior, and - bless its heart - a front bench seat. Nissan was passing around the keys because it wanted to build up buzz for the arrival of the third-generation Cube, which would break free of the right-hand-drive market prison to which its predecessors were restricted. The JDM Cube was indeed a tasty appetizer, but now the main course has arrived. Once again, we were given the keys to a Nissan Cube for a few days. Only this time it was brown and, more importantly, you can actually buy it in the U.S.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan Cube (U.S.-spec)

Continue reading Review: 2009 Nissan Cube S is unbalanced, in a good way

Review: 2009 Nissan Cube S is unbalanced, in a good way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: U.S.-spec Nissan Cube and Cube Krom

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:38:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Crossover, Hatchback, Nissan, Specialty

Click above to view live shots of the Nissan Cube Krom and Krom-less

While we've already told you pretty much everything we know about the new-to-these-shores Nissan Cube, what we haven't shared are many pics. We covered the asymmetrical Cube when it appeared at the LA Auto Show, but based on your comments, more is better in this case. When we saw the special Cube Krom on the eve of the Chicago Auto Show, we figured we could remedy that situation by adding a fistful of new photos to the database.

Whether in blinged out Krom trim or regular old just-Cube form, this is one unique vehicle with an attitude that reminds us of the first-generation Scion xB. It should, as these two vehicles came from the same Japanese market that values quirky, versatile and small in the same package. In addition to the plain white model that was in Los Angeles, Nissan brought along the Krom and another customized version seen here. This green example shows the customization possibilities that Nissan wants to promote in this new model. The body kit, wheel upgrade and rear spoiler really make this Cube shine. You can see our previous post on the Cube for more details, but don't forget to feast your eyes on these live shots from Chicago. Keep your eyes open for the the carpet garden growing out of the dash and the zen ripples on the headliner.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Nissan Cube and Cube Krom

Chicago 2009: U.S.-spec Nissan Cube and Cube Krom originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: 2009 Nissan Cube starting at $13,990, Cube Krom unveiled

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:42:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chicago Auto Show, Crossover, Nissan

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

Continue reading Chicago 2009: 2009 Nissan Cube starting at $13,990, Cube Krom unveiled

Chicago 2009: 2009 Nissan Cube starting at $13,990, Cube Krom unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2008: Nissan unleashes the slightly less cube-y Cube [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Nissan

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan Cube

The Cube is ready for America, and it's coming in three flavors just to make sure it has all... sides... covered. Each of them gets the 1.8-liter engine good for 122 hp and 127 lb-ft., with trim levels being just 1.8, 1.8 S, and 1.8 SL. The little box with the slightly droopy rear end is packed with goodies including ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, VDC, TCS, TMPS, and six airbags, and you can get it with Nissan's CVT or a six-speed manual. Opt for the CVT, and it will return something beyond 30 mpg. When it comes to accessorizing, there are 20 colors on offer, illuminated kick plates, a rear cargo organizer, and, um, pet blankets. Follow the jump to watch the video and read all about it, and check out the high-res photos of the "bulldog in sunglasses" below.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2009 Nissan Cube

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube (US Model)

Continue reading LA 2008: Nissan unleashes the slightly less cube-y Cube [w/VIDEO]

LA 2008: Nissan unleashes the slightly less cube-y Cube [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Nissan Cube breaks cover in Japan

Alex Nunez — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Nissan

Click above for a photo gallery of the JDM Cube in the wild

The redesigned 2010 Nissan Cube will be unveiled in the U.S. tomorrow at the LA Auto Show, but Nissan's boxy little wagon is already making its way to Japanese showrooms, as evidenced by these shots of a transporter loaded with them. What you see here is what you'll see in LA tomorrow, only with one major difference: we'll get a reversed version of the car's asymmetrical layout. Stay tuned.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube Spy Shots (JDM)

[Source: Newcar-News via TTAC, Motive]

2010 Nissan Cube breaks cover in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Nissan Cube teaser vid shows... nothing

Alex Nunez — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Videos, Hatchback, Nissan

Click above to view video after the jump

Go figure. Nissan's playing the debut of the revised and now U.S.-bound Cube very, very close to the vest. We say this because there are photos of the new 370Z all over the place -- released by Nissan, no less. The Cube? Not so much. We posted leaked imagery, and were subsequently forced to pull them down, so we know they were accurate. (No worries, scraped copies of that post are all over the web. Click away.) Aside from that, the only other views of the redesigned Cube came courtesy of Tomica's new die-cast. So it was with excitement that we opened this new Cube teaser video released by Nissan (view after the jump), only to find that it shows absolutely nothing except the logo. We're waiting like everyone else for the car's debut next week at the LA Auto Show. In the interim, you can pass the time by reading our review of the current JDM model.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube Die-Cast

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Nissan Cube

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading New Nissan Cube teaser vid shows... nothing

New Nissan Cube teaser vid shows... nothing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tomica die-cast verifies new Nissan Cube styling

Alex Nunez — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:37:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Wagon, Hatchback, Nissan, Toys/Games

Click above for a gallery of Tomica's new Nissan Cube die-cast

Thanks to alert reader Galvin, we can verify that the 2009 Nissan Cube images we published back in September and (rolls eyes) were subsequently ordered to pull down are indeed accurate. The source? eBay -- in auctions for Tomica's new Matchbox-sized die-cast of the car. As you can see here, the toy shows off the restyled front and rear ends, as well as the roof details of cars equipped with panoramic glass (as seen on the early leaked image of the JDM car). Now, Tomica's a Japanese toy company, so the die-cast shows the JDM config. That asymmetric bodywork is reversed on the USDM car. Oh, and while we were forced to remove the shots we originally posted of the new Cube, you can still check them out at any of the dozens of sites that scrape Autoblog's web feed and repost it verbatim, photos included. Have a look and compare them to the toy gallery below. That's what's heading to L.A. later this month.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube Die-Cast

[Source: eBay]

Tomica die-cast verifies new Nissan Cube styling originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is this the 2009 Nissan Cube?

Alex Nunez — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Nissan

Click image to enlarge and compare to the current Cube

It sure looks like it could be. Reader "Uncle Evan" sent us this image, which looks like it's either a scanned PR shot of the next-gen JDM Cube³ or a good photoshop, perhaps from one of the Japanese buff mags. We're inclined to think it's the latter scenario, and that this photo might have even served as its basis (look at the shapes visible through the windshield and passenger window -- they appear to be identical in both images). In any case, the car depicted here has all of the elements first seen in the leaked Nissan photo back in May, giving us a little more to chew on while we wait for the Cube's official debut at the LA Auto Show.

As seen in the original leaked image, the wheel covers have four thin slits. Body-colored a-pillars (they're blacked out on the current car) curve softly into the roof, which has a large glass section up front. The fender bulges are more pronounced on the current Cube, and the fascia now incorporates headlamps that wrap around to the front quarter panels as opposed to being fully contained in the grille insert.

Hopefully, this is a mostly accurate depiction, because it shows an evolved Cube that really keeps the good stuff intact. After driving the Japanese version, we're looking forward to seeing what the USDM version has in store for us. Thanks for the tip, Uncle Evan!

Is this the 2009 Nissan Cube? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. Nissan Cube site hits the web

Alex Nunez — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:38:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Wagon, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Nissan

The new Nissan Cube will be unveiled the morning of November 19 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and the automaker has begun the buildup to its arrival. The Cube now has an official website, where you can count down the days and see more on the Cube art cars that design students prepared for the '08 New York Auto Show, among other things. Nissan's covering all the bases, also getting the Cube set up on Facebook and other social networking sites in the meantime.

We like the Cube a lot, and hope the new version keeps the character of the current Japanese car intact while delivering power and fuel economy geared to appeal to the U.S. buyer. We don't think Nissan's going to botch this, so and shoppers looking to get their geek ought to have a strong candidate from Nissan. Not that it'll be without competition -- the Scion xB, Honda Element, and Kia Soul will all be vying for peoples' attention, too. Let the geekmobile deathmatch begin. Thanks for the tip, Turkey Pie!

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Nissan Cube

[Source: Nissan]

U.S. Nissan Cube site hits the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Nissan Cube JDM-Spec

Alex Nunez — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Budget, Japan, Nissan

2008 Nissan Cube - Click above for high-res image gallery

You know that you have a disorder when you're as enthused about an econobox as you are to get seat time in something like a Rolls or Bentley. But that's me, and that's how I felt when I got the call at my desk telling me that my new media ride was downstairs waiting for me. I quietly walked out to the stairwell and then, when the door shut behind me, I bounded down them two at a time, like a kid running downstairs on Christmas day. I stepped out into the sunlight, and there it was in all its delightfully quirky, 100% JDM glory: a 2008 Nissan Cube. And for the next four days, it was mine.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Nissan Cube

Continue reading Review: 2008 Nissan Cube JDM-Spec

Review: 2008 Nissan Cube JDM-Spec originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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