Nissan Cube 2020: features, prices and an honest review of the compact hatchback

Nissan Cube The 2020 model is one of the most unusual and memorable compact hatchbacks on the market. This model, released in limited edition for the Japanese market, attracted the attention of car enthusiasts with its unique design, spacious interior and economical engines. Despite the fact that it is official Cube was not supplied to Russia, many copies were brought “gray”, which made them real rarities on the domestic market.

In this article we will look at all aspects in detail Nissan Cube 2020: from technical characteristics and equipment to real reviews from owners. You'll learn why this car has become a cult car in Japan, what its strengths and weaknesses are, and what to look for when buying a used one. We will pay special attention to the issues of operation, repair and adaptation to Russian conditions.

Technical specifications Nissan Cube 2020

Nissan Cube The 2020 was offered in Japan with two engine types: petrol HR12DE 1.2 liter volume and hybrid installation HR12DE + electric motor. Both options were combined with a CVT Xtronic CVT, which ensured smooth gear shifting and economical fuel consumption. The basic version with a 1.2-liter engine developed 98 hp, which was quite enough for a city hatchback.

Hybrid modification, called Cube Hybrid, equipped with a system Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch Control, which allowed the car to run on electricity at speeds of up to 30 km/h. This solution significantly reduced fuel consumption in the urban cycle - up to 4.2 l/100 km according to Japanese standard JC08. At the same time, the maximum speed was electronically limited to 160 km/h.

Suspension Cube 2020 remains classic for the model: front - racks MacPherson, at the rear there is a semi-independent beam. This design provided good handling in the city, but roll could occur at high speeds or on rough roads. The braking system included disc brakes on all wheels, and in top trim levels a system was added VDC (stability control).

Options and prices for new and used Nissan Cube 2020

In 2020 Nissan Cube in Japan it was offered in four main trim levels: 12G, 12S, 12S Hybrid And 12G Hybrid. Basic version 12G included air conditioning, electrical accessories, audio system with CD/MP3 and airbags for the driver and passenger. More expensive modifications added climate control, a rearview camera, navigation and a leather steering wheel.

Cost of a new one Cube 2020 in Japan started from 1,380,000 yen (about 850,000 rubles at the exchange rate of that time) for the basic version and reached 1,850,000 yen (about 1,140,000 rubles) for the top-end hybrid configuration. On the Russian market, prices for used vehicles vary greatly depending on mileage, condition and service history:

• 🚗 Basic version with mileage up to 50,000 km: 900,000 - 1,200,000 rubles
• 🔋 Hybrid modification with a range of up to 30,000 km: 1,300,000 - 1,600,000 rubles
• 💥 Vehicles with mileage over 100,000 km: 600,000 - 850,000 rubles (requires careful checking)
• 🛠️ Cars after an accident or with a problematic history: 400,000 - 600,000 rubles (risky purchase)

Upon purchase Cube 2020 on the secondary market, pay attention to the availability of a full package of documents, including export declaration And service book. Many dealers in Russia offer these cars with already issued title, but it is better to double-check the legality of import through the database FCS.

Design and interior: why is the 2020 Cube so unusual?

Nissan Cube has always stood out from other compact hatchbacks thanks to its unique design, which the automaker called "asymmetrical". The front part of the body had a rounded shape with large headlights and a short hood, and the rear had an almost vertical tailgate, reminiscent of a minivan. This arrangement made it possible to make the most efficient use of the internal space.

Inside Cube In 2020, the manufacturer focused on practicality and originality. The dashboard had an unusual shape with a central speedometer, and the steering wheel was made in the style of "drops". In top trim levels, seats with fabric trim were added "Ripple", simulating waves, and interior lighting with a choice of colors.

Despite the compact external dimensions (length - 3980 mm, width - 1695 mm), salon Cube I was surprised by the space. The rear row of seats could be moved back and forth by 200 mm, and with the seats folded down the trunk volume increased with 227 to 1138 liters. Here is a comparison of dimensions with competitors:

Model	Length, mm	Width, mm	Height, mm	Trunk volume, l
Nissan Cube 2020	3980	1695	1760	227–1138
Toyota Aqua 2020	3995	1695	1445	194–487
Honda Fit 2020	3995	1695	1525	304–1201
Suzuki Wagon R 2020	3695	1665	1775	206–1081

Unique Feature Cube 2020 - An asymmetrical rear door that opens 135 degrees, making it easier to load large items. However, this design also had a disadvantage: in the rain, water could get into the cabin with the door open if the car was parked on a slope.

Pros and cons of Nissan Cube 2020: an honest analysis

Nissan Cube 2020 is a car with a pronounced character that is not suitable for everyone. Among its main advantages, owners highlight:

• 🚀 Unique design, which highlights the car on the road and makes it the object of attention.
• 💰 Low fuel consumption, especially in the hybrid version (real 5.0–5.5 l/100 km in the city).
• 🪑 Spacious salon with the ability to transform the back row and large trunk.
• 🛡️ Reliable gearbox — variator Xtronic CVT With proper maintenance, it runs more than 200,000 km.
• 🔧 Easy to repair — many spare parts are unified with other models Nissan (For example, Note or March).

However, Cube There are also serious disadvantages that you should know about before purchasing:

• 🛣️ Poor sound insulation — at speeds over 90 km/h the cabin becomes noisy.
• 💨 Low engine power - 98 hp enough for the city, but on the highway overtaking requires preliminary calculation.
• 🔋 Expensive maintenance of the hybrid version - replacing the battery can cost 200,000–300,000 rubles.
• 🚗 Difficulties with spare parts — many parts have to be ordered from Japan with long delivery times.
• ❄️ Climate problems — in severe frosts (-25°C and below), starting difficulties may occur.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Nissan Cube 2020 with a hybrid powertrain, be sure to check the battery's service history. If the previous owner did not monitor its condition, the battery may fail after 3-4 years of operation.

Operation and adaptation to Russian conditions

Nissan Cube 2020 was originally developed for the Japanese market, where the climate and road conditions are very different from Russian ones. Therefore, when operating in Russia, owners have to solve several key problems:

1. **Light adaptation**. Japanese headlights are designed for left-hand traffic, so they need to be adjusted or replaced with European counterparts. Otherwise, you will blind oncoming drivers at night.

2. **Corrosion protection**. Body Cube has a good factory anti-corrosion coating, but in Russian realities it is recommended to additionally treat the bottom and arches mastic or liquid plastic.

3. **Preparing for winter**. Gasoline engine HR12DE sensitive to fuel quality, so in winter it is better to use gasoline with an octane rating of at least AI-95 and add additives to clean the injector. In cold weather, it is advisable to recharge the hybrid version from the mains so as not to drain the battery.

4. **Service of the variator**. CVT Xtronic CVT requires oil changes every 60,000 km (in Russian conditions - every 40,000–50,000 km). Only original oil can be used Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3.

Adjust the headlights|Check the condition of the battery|Change the oil in the variator|Treat the body with anticorrosive|Prepare winter tires-->

Particular attention should be paid to the suspension. Shock absorbers and struts Cube are not designed for Russian roads, so their service life is reduced to 60,000–80,000 km. If knocking noises occur or controllability deteriorates, it is recommended to install reinforced analogues from Kayaba or Tokico.

Owner reviews: real operating experience

Reviews about Nissan Cube 2020 among Russian owners are divided into two camps: some are delighted with the unusual design and efficiency, others complain about weak dynamics and problems with spare parts. Here are some real stories:

Alexey, Moscow: *"Bought Cube 2020 with a hybrid six months ago. The car is just super for the city! Consumption is 4.8–5.2 l/100 km, the interior is huge for its size. The only negative is that it is noisy on the highway, but I drive mostly around Moscow, so it’s not critical. I order spare parts through Japanese auctions, delivery takes 2-3 weeks, but prices are 2-3 times lower than from local dealers."*

Maria, St. Petersburg: *"I took it Cube used with mileage 40,000 km. The design is, of course, not for everybody, but I like it. In winter there were problems with starting at -20°C, I had to install a pre-heater. The variator works like a clock, but I change the oil every 40,000 km. Overall I’m happy, but if I had known about sound insulation, I might have chosen something else.”*

Igor, Ekaterinburg: *"Bought Cube 2020 with petrol engine. For its size, the car is very spacious, but the dynamics are rather weak. When overtaking, you have to think ahead. Plus - very cheap service compared to Europeans. During two years of operation, the only breakdown was the radio fuse that burned out, which was replaced in 5 minutes."*

Overall rating Nissan Cube 2020 among owners on Russian forums is 4.2 out of 5. The main complaints are made about sound insulation and dynamics, but these shortcomings are more than compensated for by efficiency, reliability and unique style.

Comparison with competitors: which is better to choose?

On the Russian market Nissan Cube 2020 has several direct competitors among compact hatchbacks and hybrids. Let's look at the main alternatives:

1. Toyota Aqua (Prius C) - the main competitor in the hybrid segment. Advantages: more reliable hybrid system, better sound insulation. Disadvantages: less space in the cabin, less original design.

2. Honda Fit (Jazz) — offers a more dynamic engine (1.3 l, 100 hp) and better handling. Cons: higher fuel consumption, less spacious trunk.

3. Suzuki Wagon R - cheaper to maintain, but inferior in design and comfort. Pros: high seating position, good visibility.

If we compare by key parameters, then Cube outperforms competitors based on two criteria: unique design And spaciousness of the cabin. However, in terms of reliability and comfort on the highway, it is inferior Toyota Aqua And Honda Fit.

Parameter	Nissan Cube 2020	Toyota Aqua 2020	Honda Fit 2020
Fuel consumption, l/100 km	5.0–5.5 (hybrid: 4.2–4.8)	4.0–4.5 (hybrid)	5.5–6.0
Power, hp	98	99 (hybrid)	100
Trunk volume, l	227–1138	194–487	304–1201
Maintenance cost, rub.	8 000–12 000	10 000–15 000	9 000–13 000

If you need a stylish and economical city car, Cube - an excellent choice. If the priority is reliability and comfort over long distances, it’s worth considering Toyota Aqua or Honda Fit.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the 2020 Nissan Cube

❓ Is it possible to officially buy Nissan Cube 2020 in Russia?

No, Nissan Cube 2020 was not officially shipped to Russia. All examples on the market are cars imported from Japan in a “gray” way. When purchasing, be sure to check the legality of customs clearance and the availability of all documents.

❓ What is the real fuel consumption of Nissan Cube 2020?

Actual consumption depends on the engine type and operating conditions:

• 🔥 Petrol version (1.2 l): 5.5–6.5 l/100 km in the city, 6.0–7.0 l/100 km on the highway.
• ⚡ Hybrid version: 4.5–5.0 l/100 km in the city, 5.0–5.5 l/100 km on the highway.

In winter, consumption may increase by 1–1.5 liters due to heating and operation of the stove.

❓ What are the most common breakdowns of the Nissan Cube 2020?

The most common problems:

• 🔋 Wear of the battery in the hybrid version (after 100,000–120,000 km).
• 🛞 Rapid wear of shock absorbers and stabilizer struts (resource - 50,000–70,000 km).
• 🔊 Plastic creaks in the cabin (especially in cold weather).
• 💡 Burnout of lamps in headlights (it is recommended to install LED analogues).

With proper maintenance Cube 2020 can last more than 200,000 km without serious breakdowns.

❓ Is it worth buying a used Nissan Cube 2020?

Buying used Cube 2020 could be profitable if:

• ✅ The car has a full service history.
• ✅ Mileage does not exceed 80,000–100,000 km.
• ✅ There are no traces of an accident or corrosion on the body.
• ✅ The hybrid version has passed the battery test.

If at least one of the conditions is not met, it is better to consider other options or be prepared for additional investments in repairs.

❓ Which engine is better to choose: gasoline or hybrid?

The choice depends on your priorities:

• 🔥 Petrol 1.2 l Suitable if you drive mostly in the city and on the highway, don’t want to overpay for hybrid maintenance and are willing to put up with a consumption of ~6 l/100 km.
• ⚡ Hybrid 1.2 l optimal for urban use with frequent traffic jams. Fuel consumption is lower (4.5–5.0 l/100 km), but maintenance is more expensive.

If you drive more than 20,000 km per year, the hybrid will pay for itself in 3-4 years due to fuel savings.