2010 Nissan Cube Krom Is a Fun Machine!

By Anne Proffit

Anne Proffit

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2,447 views Feb 19, 2010

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A four-door double-box with side opening rear swing-out door, this is one machine that has attitude to go with its unique box-like styling.  Nissan, which does not capitalize the C in cube, has several different varieties of this quirky hatch available, all equipped with a 1.8-liter engine.

The machine driven here is the top of the line Nissan cube Krom, which is pronounced with a long o, making it sound like the design cues at the front of the car: chrome triple upper and lower horizontal bars.  These make the Krom model distinctly different from the other four cube variations (which start at $13390 plus destination).

The interior of the 2010 Nissan cube Krom also has its own style points, with unique black/gray fabric adorning the seats, carbon-look surrounds for the shifter and air vents, rubber-tipped aluminum pedals and 20 adjustable colors for the interior lighting. The test vehicle had a nice, relaxing blue tint set for it.

The heart of the front-wheel-drive Nissan cube Krom is its 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, which puts out 122 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm.  This might seem anemic, but our cube weighed all of 2869 pounds--Krom is the heaviest cube available--so the power was perfect for the package.

Nissan only markets the 2010 cube Krom edition with its lovely continuously-variable transmission (CVT), which has excellent shifting characteristics.  On flat roads, 70 mph equals about 2400 rpm and 80 only goes up to 2800 on a vehicle that has a 6500-rpm redline.  There's plenty of reserve power here.

The ride on the 2010 Nissan cube Krom is not very rough despite its 157.5-inch length, 66.7-inch width and height of 65 inches (taller than this driver).  The Krom rides on a wheelbase of 99.6 inches, giving it little overhang front or rear and aiding in cornering capabilities.

Front independent struts and rear torsion beam suspensions provide a lithe feel to this little box.  Equipped with front disc and rear drum brakes, the addition of all-wheel ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist help this machine stop effortlessly.  Speed sensitive electric power steering has good tactile feel to it and the turning circle of 33.4 feet is nearly effortless and spot on.

Nissan fits 195/55R Toyo tires at all four corners, with 16-inch polished eight-spoke alloy rims.  They are handsome and, because they're not terribly large or low-profile, the wheel-tire combo manages to keep the ride fairly compliant.

The integrated look of the 2010 Nissan cube Krom includes exterior add-ons: the integrated underbody spoiler, front fascia and grille, the slight body side sill extensions and its rear fascia, ending with a rear roof spoiler that aids aerodynamics.

Inside, all is quite modern for the driver, who sits in front of a black 140-mph speedometer with blue surround and tachometer rimmed in gray.  The LED temperature (yippee) and fuel readouts lie between these gauges, as does the transmission indicator.

Unfortunately, the instruments have a tendency to wash out in direct sunlight.  The trip computer operates through the trip odometer button, an easy solution.  The cube uses a key for ignition; no pushbuttons here.

I like the central heating/air conditioning/ventilation wheel operated by pushbuttons, with system indicator in their centers.  Automatic climate control is available.  Steering wheel controls operate the upgraded Rockford Fosgate audio (with subwoofer) on the left, along with hands-free phone and cruise control on the right.  The audio system is terrific and can be set up for satellite radio, although none was fitted to this particular cube Krom.