Nissan Cube offers a square deal By Jerry Kronenberg/ Motor Mouth Saturday, March 6, 2010 Huey Lewis & the News once wrote that “sometimes it’s hip to be square” - a sentiment Nissan clearly hopes young consumers will share when checking out the ultra-boxy Cube.       Rolled out in 2009 and slightly updated for 2010, the aptly named Cube takes on the Kia Soul, Scion xB and other “box cars” that are popular with young Americans these days.       A small hatchback, the Cube offers lots of youth-friendly features, from an iPod-enabled stereo system to an affordable $13,990 base price.       Motor Mouth recently tested the Cube SL, an upper-level trim line.       On the outside, my test Cube looked something like a Honda Element that your mom accidentally shrunk in the wash.       The fashionably low-riding car’s front bumper sits just 7 inches off of the ground, topped in front by a stubby hood and a small front grill.       Front doors outfitted with folding side mirrors and 16-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels lead back to the Cube’s ultra-square rear hatchback.       My test Cube’s rear hatch evoked the 1980s’ Honda Civic’s, thanks to a square spoiler and a handy rear wiper. (Interestingly, the Cube’s hatchback opens side-to-side like a door, rather than up and down as most hatchbacks do.)       Inside, the Cube’s cabin provides a surprisingly generous amount of space.       The model’s high roofline makes for excellent headroom, while good design adds solid legroom and hiproom as well.       All told, my test model’s cloth front seats offered plenty of space for both the driver and front passenger.       In back, the sedan’s 60/40 split folding rear seats likewise provide good comfort for two people. These seats are technically designed for three adults, but that’s a little optimistic.       All the way back, the Cube’s 11.4-cubic-foot cargo area can accommodate one large suitcase or one trip’s worth of grocery bags. Or, you can fold down the Cube’s rear seats to create a 58-cubic-foot area large enough to handle perhaps four medium-sized suitcases.       The Cube’s small but nicely laid out dashboard features a medium-sized speedometer andtachometer, along with a small digital display showing engine temperature and fuel levels.       My test model also came with an upgraded audio system outfitted with a crisp liquid crystal display, AM/FM/6CD/XM/MP3 capabilities and special controls to hook in your iPod. The Cube also features climate controls hiply arranged in a circle around a small digital display.       On the road, my test model’s 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission teamed up to produce an enjoyable ride.       The model’s short wheelbase and tall windshields make cornering, backing up and parking a breeze, while the Cube brakes nicely as well.       And while the car’s small engine won’t win the Le Mans (my test model revved semi-noisily to 5,200 rpm going from 0 mph to 60 mph), power is certainly adequate.       The EPA also rated my test Cube’s fuel efficiency at a good 28 mpg/city and 30 mpg/highway. (During a week of mixed test drives, Motor Mouth logged a combined 26.8 mpg city/highway.)       Last but not least, Mom and Dad will like the fact that the Cube comes standard with lots of safety equipment - antilock brakes, stability and traction control, side-curtain airbags and more.       As for pricing, the Cube’s $13,990 base beats that of the $16,800 Scion xB and $15,700 Honda Fit. However, the Cube does cost a tad more than the rival $13,300 Kia Soul.       The bottom line: The 2010 Nissan Cube combines a trendy look with a low price, decent comfort, good safety features and solid fuel efficiency.       If you’re young enough to think the Cold War was fought with aspirin and tea, you should definitely check this model out.