Boxy Dynamics
I have no reason to believe the Cube is unstable, and it has a standard electronic stability system, but it does feel more top-heavy than the other boxes — and definitely more so than conventional cars. It's also more susceptible to crosswinds, as I learned on a gusty day of highway driving.
The Cube is modestly powered, and our car's continuously variable automatic transmission cost us a little off-the-line acceleration compared with last year's six-speed manual. It also seemed slower than it actually was. Though Nissan's CVTs are among the best-executed on the market, they characteristically let the engine rev up to high rpm, often at unexpected times, which gives the impression of straining. In truth, it's just finding the most powerful and/or efficient combination of engine speed and gear ratio.
It pays off. The CVT is rated 27/31 mpg city/highway, and the manual gets an estimated 25/30 mpg. This beats the xB (22/28) and the Soul's smaller engine (26/31). Of the three, the Soul gives the most options, challenging the Cube with its smaller engine and the xB with its more powerful one (24/30).
See also:
New for 2009
An all-new offroad trim clones the Titan's PRO-4X badge; it replaces the
Nismo offroad package on the 2008 Frontier. Many of the features are the same,
including Bilstein high-pressure shock absor ...
How to use the STATUS button
To display the status of the audio, climate control
system and fuel consumption, press the STATUS
button.
The following information will appear when the
STATUS button is pressed multiple times: ...
The Inside
The SE-R is dolled-up with a black interior and sport bucket seats. The cloth
upholstery, embroidered with the SE-R logo, is a step up from the regular
Sentra, but I found the seats marginal in te ...