Nissan Cube Coming to U.S.
By Bill Siuru
The Nissan Cube, a roomy five passenger vehicle with an overall length of less than 150 inches, will likely be offered in the U.S. starting in early 2009. It will join the quite similar Honda Element and Scion xB, a nod to the growing niche market for two box vehicle designs. Besides being “cute,” these vehicles are extremely efficient at carrying stuff while sipping fuel.
Nissan also offers its e-4WD technology in the Cube. Introduced in 2002 in the Cube and March models for the Japanese market, e-4WD is also now available in the Tiida, Note, Wingroad, and Bluebird Sylphy in the automaker’s home market.
Nissan’s e-4WD provides a rather simple way to allow four-wheel-drive capability with minimal modifications to a two-wheel-drive base vehicle. The e-4WD system features a rear-wheel drive unit consisting of an electric motor, an engine-driven generator, a clutch and reduction gear, and a 4WD control unit. Unlike most hybrids, there is no battery or regenerative braking.
For 4x4 operation, the 4WD control unit directs the generator to produce electricity for the motor, which drives the rear wheels via an electromagnetic clutch that’s located between the motor and rear wheels. The clutch is engaged when starting and also when the front wheels begin to slip. It’s disengaged automatically to reduce friction and fuel consumption when four-wheel drive is not needed. It is also used only at low speeds. A dashboard switch allows a driver to conveniently select manually between 4WD and 2WD.
Since the Cube’s gasoline engine doesn’t directly drive the rear wheels, a propeller shaft and transfer case are not needed. Besides reducing complexity and cost, this allows a low floor height for unobstructed legroom and doesn’t sacrifice luggage space.
Besides excellent traction under slippery road conditions, start-off acceleration is also decent. For instance, the 2500 pound Cube’s 90 horsepower ,1.4-liter four-cylinder engine accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in about 14 seconds. The U.S. version of the Cube will likely use the larger 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine from the Nissan Versa so performance should be improved.
The intelligent e-4WD system is noted for its smooth performance and ability to select the optimum drive mode to match driving conditions. There’s no time lag and the torque split between rear wheels is optimally controlled with minimum wheel slippage or skidding even on icy or snowy roads.
Want to know more about efficient small cars? Be sure to check out these articles on GreenCar.com:
Scion xB: Driving Inside The Box
Smart Car Offers Drivers New High MPG Option
Reviews of Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Nissan Versa
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