New 2009 Nissan Cube Wagon Features And Prices

Making its U.S. debut, the 2009 Nissan Cube is making waves with its head-turning design, efficient use of space, peppy engine, strong fuel efficiency and surprising list of standard features.

Much of the underpinnings of the Cube are shared with its sibling, the Nissan Versa. And these genes lend the Cube a comfortable ride, a fiesty 122 horsepower engine and an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), a technology not usually found in an economy car.

The compact 2009 Cube is a four-door hatchback/wagon that's available in four trims: base, S, SL and Krom.

Standard Features And Options:

The base Cube is already fairly well-equipped with standard features such as full power accessories, air conditioning, 15 inch steel wheels, a 60/40-split folding-and-sliding rear seat, and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player.

The S model has all of the above, plus upgraded upholstery, cruise control, color-keyed sideview mirrors, dual-visor vanity mirrors, a rear cargo cover, and a six-speaker stereo.

The Cube SL adds the CVT transmission, 16 inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, automatic on/off headlights, a pair of tweeters, iPod integration and MP3 playback capability.

The Krom model adds some unique styling upgrades (including a three-bar chrome front grille), special interior lighting accents, two-tone upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with sound system controls, a Rockford Fosgate audio system, and 16 inch polished wheels.

There's also an optional Preferred Package for the SL that adds keyless ignition, keyless entry, rear park assist, Bluetooth, the Rockford Fosgate audio system, satellite radio and the leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

The available Ginormous Package, also for the the SL, includes an exterior aero kit, an interior accent lighting kit, illuminated sill plates, and other interior and exterior modifications, some of which can be added individually.

There are also a number of dealer-installed options which include multicolor interior trim accents, mood lighting colors (a choice of 20), and a shag rug dash-topper.

Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:

Powering the front-wheel-drive Cube is a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission on the base Cube and Cube S is a six-speed manual. CVT is optional on the S and standard on both the SL and Krom.

The Cube's acceleration is better than most in its segment, timed from a standstill to 60 mph in a quite respectable (for its class) 9.7 seconds.

The EPA estimated gas mileage for a manual Cube is 24 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway. Gas mileage for the efficient CVT comes in at 28 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Safety:

Standard safety features on all Cubes include antilock brakes (ABS), stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Interior:

Keeping up with the unique "cube" exterior, the interior does things uniquely as well. The interior design is marked by a more curvy theme rather than the traditional angular design. The headliner has a "pebble in a pond" wave effect, there's some interesting looking speaker grills and the optional color illumination package adds to the unique look. You can even have a shag carpet dashboard top. In addition, the controls are well designed, attractive and user-friendly.

Space is efficiently used and seating is comfortable and roomier than one might expect. The rear can seat two adults comfortably due to the high roof and multi-adjustable backseat. And with the rear seat lowered, there's 50 cubic feet of cargo space.

Drive:

With it's fiesty engine, the Cube is well adapted for city driving challenges and is easy to park. It's also a pleasant performer on the highway (max speed of 85 mph) and can confidently handle most passing and merging needs. But bear in mind that the Cube isn't trying to impress with incredible driving dynamics. It does get the job done, however ... and in a fuel efficient manner.

Update: Bad Economy Leads To Lower Cube Prices:

How To Buy A New Nissan Cube At The Lowest Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Cube, here's a technique that will show you the best way to buy one at or below invoice, especially given the current slow economic environment.

Price:

2009 Nissan Cube Wagon:

1.8, manual: listed retail price: $13,990, invoice price: $13,500
1.8 S, manual: listed retail price: $14,690, invoice price: $14,173
1.8 S, CVT: listed retail price: $15,690, invoice price: $15,135
1.8 SL, CVT: listed retail price: $16,790, invoice price: $16,192
1.8 Krom, CVT: listed retail price: $19,370, invoice price: $18,557

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2009 Nissan Cube Features And Prices