Car performance

Nissan of North America announced that the 2009 Cube will start from under $14,000. The $13,990 car is on display at the 2009 Chicago motorshow this week. The automaker also introduced a specialty version of the Cube called the Krōm, the work of Nissan's Specialty Vehicles Group.

Nissan will sell the Cube in 4 trim-levels: 1.8, 1.8 S, 1.8 SL and 1.8 Krōm. More than 40 accessory choices will let buyers customise their own vehicle. Many are clearly youth oriented, including shagpile carpet, instrument panel inserts and a 20 colour interior illumination kit.

The Krōm model gets special chrome bumper grille and front grille, a rear roof spoiler, 16 inch aluminum alloy wheels and a rear Krōm emblem. Inside, there's a Bluetooth hands free phone, an upgraded sound system, iPod interface and aluminum trimmed pedals, among other specialty touches.

The 2009 Nissan Cube has a 1.8 litre 4 cylinder engine making 122bhp and delivering an estimated 30mpg on the motorway. The Krōm has Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission as standard. Sales start in May.

Press Release:

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 Krom. The new cube® Krom, 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 Krom.

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® Krom Model:

While every 2009 Nissan Cube makes a bold statement against the backdrop of look-alike entry-level vehicles, the cube Krom is a standout with exclusive exterior and interior treatments designed to add character without overwhelming the innovative cube design. The Cube Krom 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 Krom rear emblem.

Inside, the Cube Krom 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 Krom offers unexpected power and ease of driving provided by an advanced 122bhp 1.8-litre DOHC inline 4-cylinder with a projected fuel economy of 30 mpg Highway. The cube Krom comes with a standard new-generation Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for good acceleration response, smooth operation and fuel efficiency.

“The cube Krom 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 Krom was developed by Nissan North America’s Specialty Vehicles Group, which also developed the sporty Nissan NISMO 350Z. Krom models are converted in a unique area of the cube assembly facility.

A “Personalised” 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.”