Watch an introductory video on the new-to-the-USA Nissan Cube

The 2009 Nissan Cube is being called “Mobile Device” and promotional language from its makers includes such language as “personalize it. share it. connect with it.” How exactly does one “connect” with their car? We’ll find out later. But my favorite phrase from Nissan is “Share a loungey interior and smart fuel efficiency with your top four.” Okay, if that doesn’t sound like Nissan wants to appeal to the boxy Honda Fit, Kia Soul, Toyota Yaris, and Scion xB crowd, I don’t know what does. Are they trying a little too hard to reach their targeted demographic of the trendy car lover? Or is the Cube all it’s hyped to be? While Nissan Cube forums are very slow right now, is it the quiet before the storm?

What I immediatelty noticed is how the rear hatch opens; it swings out widely ala a 1970′s land yacht station wagon. Yeah, this crossover vehicle will fit in tight parking spots. Then you can’t open the rear hatch without hitting the car behind you. Can you foresee the same problems we do with this design flaw? The Cube boasts 57 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded and finds its powerplant in the 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine with a new-generation Xtronic CVT and even an optional 6-speed manual transmission.

A Los Angeles Times review calls the 2009 Nissan Cube “coolness in a box” and “more studio loft than economy car.” Based on the Nissan Versa and Sentra chassis, the car can be had for around $14,000 street price pricing upward from there with the S and SL packages, or for about $20,000 luxuriate in the optional Krom Package; better sound, 16-inch wheels, and upgraded upholstery and lighting.

The 2009 Nissan Cube is aimed squarely (get it? squarely?) at the 18-25 demographic who will benefit from its electronic stability control features. (What is electronic stablity control?)

The bottom line is that this is a Nissan Versa with a trendy design.