Cube on ice

As Nissan prepares to launch the latest version of its quirky five-seat box known as the Cube in the UK, the Australian arm of the company has reiterated the unlikelihood of the car ever coming here.

"Our product planning people looked at it but the Cube just didn't add up," said Nissan Australia's Manager of Corporate Communications Jeff Fisher. "At the moment it is not on the agenda."

Fisher said the Cube, which will be part of the establishment of a new cultural facility in London's East End, is an interesting asset in terms of development of a corporate image, but said the level at which it would need to be equipped to appeal locally would price it out of the market -- which, even in a best-case scenario, would only be small anyway.

So, despite Kia's introduction to Australia of its similarly-conceived Soul model this year, the Cube appears to have been relegated indefinitely to the freezer.

In some ways this is a pity, because the latest version has the potential to add to the local company's already eclectic image.

The little hatch, which is based on the current generation Nissan Micra/Renault Clio B platform, is nothing if not challenging to behold -- moreso than even the Kia Soul.

The Cube carries five passengers in an environment configured to feel like a Jacuzzi (via water ripple effects in the headlining and other parts). The instrument panel continues the theme with its rolling, wave-like shape. The rounded cubist style is accentuated by an asymmetrical rear window that wraps around on the left side to visually eliminate the C-pillar, and the bluff front end supposedly represents a bulldog wearing sunglasses.

The engine is a 1.8-litre four and transmission choices include a six-speed manual or CVT.

In Britain, the official launch in January will take place in the Cube Store, a special facility in London that will host a season of "design, art, music, fashion and film-themed experiences over a period of six weeks."

The Cube Store was designed by Nissan Design Europe in its Paddington studio under the guidance of design vice president Alfonso Albaisa.

You're not likely to see a Cube on Australian roads any time in the foreseeable future, unless it's a grey import...

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