Brand: Nissan

Model: Cube Cubic

Body type: MPV

In production: 2002-2008

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Forget about Marmite; the new benchmark of love/hate is the Nissan Cube. Well, we say ‘new’… the Cube first appeared in 1998 and they stopped making the Cubic version in 2008. Yet the Cube in its shorter-wheelbase version, built up until 2019, remains one of the most ubiquitous JDM models on our streets, second only to its opposite stablemate the Nissan Elgrand.

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The Cubic (styled Cube³) is the slightly-longer version of the Cube. It is only 17cms longer, though, which is just more than half the length of a standard ruler. So you can imagine that the third row of seats the Cubic squeezes in are not envisaged for constant use: It’s basically an estate version of the Cube as the Clubman was to the Mini, with the back seats to be popped out if you’re in a pinch. The Cubic was called the Cube Estate in the US, although it hardly compares to the American concept of an estate car.

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For this reason the third row is made to fold completely flat, and there’s even a space to put the headrests so they don’t roll around in the back like, say, a Delica L400 or later D:5. Thus you have a lot of space back there for a compact car; you can fit all your shopping or even a small chest of drawers with the second row seats pulled forward.

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Internally all Cubes had trim options that strayed into Austin Powers territory if you wanted to: leather, a groovy three-prong steering wheel, shagpile rugs and a circular dash mat for holding your phone in place that came to be known as a ‘cube pube’ or ‘cubic hair’ among enthusiasts. And there are a lot of enthusiasts! The Cube is one of those cars that enjoys a friendly and committed following in the UK – be ready to wave at another Cube driver if you pass one.

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Also, for some reason, Nissan opted for a horizontal stick shift jutting out of the steering wheel, in the style of the American saloons of yore. Among common JDM cars in the UK, only the old Diesel Delicas also has this.

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The second-generation Cubics are probably the most stylish; the first generation look like unremarkable minivans, their sides leaning inward pyramidally. The third incarnation has round-cornered windows (‘squectangles’, apparently), which, along with its bubbly fenders, make it look a bit like a square balloon. It does have a sassier back end though. All in all, the second generation was when it came closest to quadrilateral perfection.

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Under the hood the Cube has more or less the same engine as the Nissan Micra or Note; the chassis is the Nissan B platform shared with the Juke – so there shouldn’t be anything there that makes a UK mechanic scratch his head. Even the body panels, the hardest parts to replace on any JDM vehicle, are easier to find than any other, although the Cubic will be a far bigger headache if you wreck the rear corners!

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The Cubic’s striking looks make it an excellent work van for a small business; it’s faultlessly reliable mechanically, it has acres of usable carrying space and its straight edges are easy to wrap with vinyl designs

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When buying your Cubic: This car’s shape means that it has maximum interior space comparative to its chassis size. But still check that it’s big enough; unlike most of the MPVs we sell this isn’t also an SUV - it’s a sort of hatchback with extra flexibility. It won’t get you down a farm track to go dirt biking, but it will get you and six kids back from the beach. Check whether your model is 1400 or 1500cc. You really need the 1500 with 109 BHP if you want to get up a hill with six passengers.

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ALWAYS ASK TO SEE THE AUCTION SHEET

Private sellers may not have it, but an importer/dealer should ALWAYS have retained this in order to prove the vehicle's grade, along with any other important documents. We sell only 3.5 (good), 4 (very good) and 4.5 (excellent) grade imports. Be aware that anything rated RA has been repaired, and that anything rated R or unrated is equivalent to UK grades A,B,C or D (scrapped, insurance writeoff or what used to be known as class N).

 

A vehicle's history is effectively erased upon export, but most of it is there on the auction sheet. Make sure you see it, and ask for a copy if required. A dealer/importer reluctant to let you see the auction sheet on request should be a red flag!

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Insuring your Cubic: Unusually for a JDM car, the Cube can be looked up on comparison sites, so that should be your first stop. You may need to check with an operator whether they make any differentiation between the standard Cube and Cubic (some are unaware that there’s a difference). Japcover, Adrian Flux, Hastings Direct, LV, Admiral, the Post Office, Churchill, LV and A Plan have all been known to insure the Cube range – but it will depend on your circumstances. Be aware that the 2nd Generation Cube (2002-2008) is the most common in the UK and thus the easiest to cover. All Cubics are 2nd-gen, and we go for ones from 2007-08, their final two years of production.

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Battery: Cubists (yes they’re called that) recommend the Yuasa HSB053 as a good midrange battery. Otherwise, fit any available 12V battery of dimensions L: 238mm, W: 129mm, H: 223-227mm (including terminals). Aim for 50Ah or greater. Terminals should be right-hand positive. Also consider the Varta D47 005L

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Parts: There’s an actual dedicated parts website for the Cube at www.nissancube.co.uk. The Cube shares many parts with other CR14DE-engined vehicle, so a part for a Micra or a Note should work for most mechanical needs. The chassis is the same as a Nissan Juke. For body parts try First Choice spares or, if you need to go back to Japan for something, Amayama

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Tax: The Cubic’s engine is just under 1500cc and so qualifies for the lower PLG rate of £200

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Community: There are a lot of Cube communities! Facebook has Nissan Cube Owners Club, Nissan Cube UK and Nissan Cube Classifieds if you want to get an idea of prices.