Nissan Cube

Cube.

Possessing a life-long sweet tooth, I have always associated the word with a sugar cube. In my pre-pubescent youth I pilfered them from the coffee station in the cabinet shop my dad owned.

Some 45 years later, Nissan has changed my perception.

For the uninitiated, the 2009 Nissan Cube bears a resemblance to the Honda Element, but comes with a distinct personality and attitude. It’s designed to appeal to individuals who will see it as an extension of their personality and reflect their individuality.

Powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, my front-wheel-drive Cube was mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Aside from its unique exterior, the Cube sports a casual, lounge-like interior with bold, intriguing styling that includes reddish LED lighting and wave-like ripples emanating from the roof and other locations.

I’m sure I’m considered (by marketers) too old to like the Cube, but at risk of killing sales of this worldwide vehicle that originated in Japan, emigrated to Europe and is now a legal citizen of the U.S., I admit that I loved it.

My brother, an architect by trade, was the first to point out the Cube’s asymmetric rear design and wrap-around rear windows. I managed to pick up on the Cube’s rounded-off, square dimensions and unusual geometry.

Other exterior accessories include a front chin spoiler, rear underspoiler, side body sills, rear roof spoiler, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, nose mask, side window deflectors and fog lights. And if that doesn’t turn your crank, how about “Witty Military,” “Sea Turquoise” and “Bitter Chocolate” as some choices for your new Cube’s exterior paint.

Aside from shock and awe, Cube’s shape was designed by engineers to create an open, airy, functional space with a surprising amount of room for people (seating for five) and possessions.

Cube even comes with a shag carpeted circular doily on the dash – for what purpose I can only speculate.

On the practical yet funky side, the Cube delivers a large sunroof with shoji shade — inspired by the traditional Japanese shades made from rice paper — that allows light to enter but minimizes heat build-up, and detachable multi-hooks for holding bags or hats. That’s along with the more mundane cupholders, cubbyholes and what-have-you.

Other interior goodies include illuminated stainless steel kickplates, drilled stainless pedal covers, a rear cargo organizer and a sleek, carbon fiber look.

The Cube is also armed and dangerous in its appeal to the techno-savvy younger generation. Equipped with hands-free Bluetooth, interface system to make an iPod happy, and an upgraded audio system with six speakers and a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, the vehicle is ready to rock.

It has seating a little higher than a car, with excellent visibility all around, and delivers 122 horsepower – enough oomph to keep one happy – and maneuvers through traffic and into tight parking spots with ease.

With a minimalist price tag, and an EPA rating in the neighborhood of 30 mpg on the highway, fun has never made so much sense. In fact, Nissan could be making “square” hip again.

Maybe that’s why I like the Cube.