Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Nissan Cube Z12 1.8 (122 Hp)
Overall Rating
Nissan Cube:
The Nissan Cube is a mini MPV produced by carmaker Nissan between 1998 and 2019. Initially sold only in Japan, the Cube was sold in North American markets from 2009 to 2014, and in European markets from 2009 to 2011. In Japan, it was exclusive to Nissan Red Stage dealerships. It is a slightly larger load-carrying alternative to the Nissan Micra hatchback. While production for the North American market ended in 2014, the Japanese-market Cube lasted until December 2019.
The first-generation Cube was introduced in 1998. It shared the same platform as the Nissan Micra , as well as the same 1. 3 L inline-four engine. A continuously variable transmission and four-wheel drive were optional. The Cube helped narrow the gap in the Nissan lineup between the March and the Sunny....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Z12 Overview:
Nissan Cube (Z12). With 172 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.4 l/100km). Weighing only 1269 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Nissan Cube Z12 generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. However, it received generally good ratings from the IIHS in the US, indicating a reasonable level of occupant protection for its class.
1.8 (122 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides the most spirited performance among the petrol options, offering better acceleration and more confident overtaking capabilities.
Fuel Economy
Higher fuel consumption compared to the smaller engines, making it less economical for daily city driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unique and polarizing styling stands out from the crowd.
- • Surprisingly spacious and practical interior for its compact footprint.
- • Excellent visibility due to large windows and upright seating position.
- • Generally reliable Nissan engines, particularly the HR-series petrol units.
- • Comfortable ride quality, well-suited for urban environments.
Cons:
- • Design is not for everyone, limiting its broad appeal.
- • CVT transmissions can feel unengaging and noisy under hard acceleration.
- • Larger petrol engines can be thirsty, especially the 1.8L.
- • Limited engine options in some markets, particularly the diesel.
- • Not a performance-oriented vehicle; handling is competent but unexciting.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Z12: 2008 - 2019).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Nissan |
| Model: | Cube |
| Generation: | Z12 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 (122 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2009 |
| End of production: | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 122 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 67.9 Hp/l [90mm more] |
| Torque: | 172 Nm @ 4800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | MR18DE More details about the engine MR18DE |
| Engine displacement: | 1798 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.1 l |
| Coolant: | 6.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 81.1 mm mm |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | LEV2-LEV |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.4 kg/Hp, 96.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.4 kg/Nm, 135.5 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1269 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1645 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 323 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3980 mm mm [90mm more] |
| Width: | 1694 mm mm [1mm less] |
| Height: | 1651 mm mm [1mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2530 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1476 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1481 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Torsion |
If you could change one thing about the Nissan Cube, what would it be?