Nissan North America announced a $13,990 starting price for its all-new 2009 Cube. The car is on display at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show this week. The automaker also introduced a specialty version of the Cube called the Krom, the work of Nissan's Specialty Vehicles Group.
Nissan will sell the Cube in four versions: 1.8, 1.8 S, 1.8 SL and 1.8 Krom. More than 40 accessory choices will let buyers customize their own vehicle. Many are clearly youth oriented, including "shag carpeting" instrument panel inserts and a 20-color "interior illumination kit." A clever one is the set of Front-Door Bungees attached to cutouts on the door-side armrests to secure items such as maps.
The Krom model gets � quite naturally � special chrome bumper grille and front grille, a rear roof spoiler, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a rear Krom emblem. Inside, there's a Bluetooth hands-free phone, an upgraded audio system, iPod interface and aluminum-trimmed pedals, among other specialty touches.
The 2009 Nissan Cube�s interior, like its predecessor, is roomy. Nissan says it�s a destination rather than transportation. The Cube seats five with a three-passenger rear bench, raised �theater-style,� that slides six inches forward and back and also reclines. Nissan has loaded the Cube with innovative storage, including spots for MP3 players and cell phones, plus six cupholders. Nissan refers to the interior as �a �Jacuzzi Curve� layout with a �floating meter pod� driver�s area.
An unusual feature of the interior is what Nissan calls �Water Drop,� concentric circle seen in the cupholders, climate control buttons and even the roof liner.
The Cube, despite its plain exterior, is well equipped, with standard features including power windows with driver�s side one-touch auto down feature, Remote Keyless Entry system, power door locks with auto-locking feature, variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear window wiper.
The 2009 Nissan Cube has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine making 122 horsepower and delivering an estimated 30 mpg on the highway. The Krom has Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission as standard.
