New car news

21 November 2008 - 16:00

LA show: Nissan Cube

Oh Mr Nissan, you do spoil us with your many-faceted range.

As well as the 370Z, Nissan also came to LA with the new Cube. Formerly an ultra-boxy and strangely asymmetrical Japan-only curio, the Cube has gone global. And lost some of the trenchant slabbiness that made its name so appropriate.

It’ll come Europe as well as the US. This means Nissan has to do the body in two mirror-image formats depending on what side of the road they drive on. That way the side-hinged rear door will always have its handle on the kerb side. And there’s an extra window on the passenger’s side to help the driver’s three-quarter vision.

Inside, it’s a tall five-seater with a sliding rear seat. Plus loads of storage pockets and boxes. It’s undeniably useful. There are a few nice design touches, too, like a headlining with ripples spreading out from the central interior light. Hardly something to charm the birds out of the trees though.

It’s a year off from UK sale, but expect a 1.5 petrol and 1.6 diesel, and prices from around £13,000, with lots of spec. Don’t worry, Nissan isn’t expecting us all to want one.