Alternative review of Nissan Cube

No prizes for guessing what shape the Nissan Cube is. Well, it's not actually a Cube as such but it has obvious cuboid tendencies. The sharp angles are rounded off and there's a bonnet protruding from the front. Let's just say that if you knew a car called the Cube existed but hadn't seen it, then this hoved into view, you'd be likely to put two and two together. Nissan's designers were not simply out to be quirky and innovative for the sake of it when fashioning the Cube. The shape also happens to be extremely space efficient - just examine any cardboard boxes you have to hand for evidence of that. They created a supermini MPV that was distinctive on the outside and very roomy within, which sounds like a perfect combination for the fashion-conscious family buyer. What's the reality?

Despite its boxy dimensions, the Cube is devoid of sharp edges. Its extremities end in soft curves which help create a cuddly persona. At the rear, the door is side hinged and opens like a fridge so you can access cargo in spaces that would restrict a top hinged tailgate. The boot door is still quite a size, however, so you'll need to leave space behind the car to swing it fully open. Once you get inside, the design comes over more curvy still but the theme remains geometric (inspired by the circular ripples that spread when a drop hits a pool of water). Nissan claims to have created a 'casual lounge' interior with the sofa-style rear bench arranged in a 'jacuzzi curve'. It all sounds very luxurious but isn't really that far removed from traditional car interior design. There's absolutely loads of headroom, enough for Peter Crouch to drive wearing a Grenadier Guard's bearskin if the necessity ever arose. But the important areas of leg and shoulder room aren't any more generous than you'd expect in a more conventional supermini MPV. There's a lot of room in the Cube but it's in the wrong areas for the Nissan to really leverage an advantage over rivals. Some kind of overhead storage solution might make more of all that fresh air up top.

The shape of the Cube doesn't lead you to expect a thrilling drive. It appears cute but cumbersome to the casual observer but turns out to be better than that. For something so tall, it doesn't drive too badly. There's plenty of width to counterbalance all that height, the wide track produces a super-tight turning circle and body-roll isn't too disconcerting in quicker corners. The steering is light and the six-speed gearbox relatively slick which is a further boon in an urban setting. The ride is quite firm, however, and bumps in the road often send shudders through the cabin. Power for the Cube comes either from Nissan's 1.6-litre petrol unit or a 1.5-litre dCi diesel. Aiming to provide the perfect partner for every Cube buyer, Nissan's 1.6-litre 108bhp petrol engine gives the Cube emissions as low as 151g/km and combined fuel economy as high as 42.8mpg. The only decision is whether to choose the sharp-shifting manual transmission or opt for Nissan's advanced CVT. Anyone looking to minimise running costs over a higher mileage should consider the frugal 1.5-litre diesel engine.

In a supermini MPV class that isn't exactly brimming over with stylistic innovation, the Nissan Cube stands out. There's more space inside than in most of its rivals but the extra is all located above your head where it isn't all that useful. The driving experience is better than the bulky shape suggests and anyone seeking a small practical vehicle with a bit of style should give this Nissan some consideration.