Nissan Cube Stens is not just a car, but a real legend of the Japanese automobile industry, combining unique design, practicality and impeccable reliability. Limited edition model Stens, has become the object of attention of both collectors and lovers of non-standard solutions. In this article we will look at why Cube Stens so popular, what features does it have and how to properly approach its selection or tuning.
Since debut in 2008 Nissan Cube third generation (Z12) won the hearts of car enthusiasts around the world thanks to its futuristic design and spacious interior. Version Stens is an upgrade of the base model, including sporty exterior elements, improved suspension and exclusive interior details. But not everything is so simple: this machine has its own nuances that are important to know about before purchasing.
What is Nissan Cube Stens and how is it different from the standard version?
Version Stens is the result of cooperation Nissan with a Japanese tuning company Autech, specializing in sports modifications of production cars. Unlike usual Cube, Stens received:
- 🔧 Sports suspension with lower ground clearance and stiffer shock absorbers for better handling.
- 🎨 Exclusive bumpers and side skirts, giving the car a more aggressive look.
- 🔥 16" alloy wheels with low profile tires (usually
205/50 R16). - 🖥️ Modified exhaust system with improved acoustics (without loss of power).
- 🛋️ Sports seats with better lateral support and leather trim.
It is important to understand that Stens - this is not a separate model, but a package of options that was installed on Cube 1.5 or 1.8 (depending on the market). In Japan, such cars were sold as Cube Stens Autech, and in other countries could be supplied as Nissan Cube Customized by Autech.
The main difference from the standard Cube - it's not only appearance, but also chassis tuning. Engineers Autech redesigned springs, stabilizers and shock absorbers to reduce roll in corners and make the car more responsive. At the same time, comfort was not affected: Stens remains a comfortable city car, not a race kart.
- Standard Cube
- Cube Stens
- Cube with custom tuning
- I don't like Cube
Technical characteristics: engines, transmission, fuel consumption
Nissan Cube Stens was equipped with the same power units as the base model, but with some modifications. Let's look at the main options:
| Modification | Engine | Power (hp) | Gearbox | Consumption (city/highway), l/100 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Stens 1.5 | HR15DE (1.5 l, petrol) |
109 | CVT CVT or 5-speed manual |
7.2 / 5.5 |
| Cube Stens 1.8 | MR18DE (1.8 l, petrol) |
126 | CVT CVT or 6-speed manual |
8.1 / 6.0 |
| Cube Stens (Japan, hybrid) | HR15DE + electric motor |
98 (combined) | CVT e-CVT |
5.8 / 4.7 |
The most common version is 1.5 liter Cube Stens with variator. This engine is known for its reliability, but has one caveat: variator CVT requires regular oil changes (every 60,000 km), otherwise the risk of breakdown increases sharply. At the same time, 1.8 liter version more dynamic, but less economical.
Deserves special attention hybrid version, which was only sold in the Japanese domestic market. It was equipped with a system Nissan Hybrid System, similar to the one installed on Note e-Power. However, find one Cube Stens It's almost impossible outside of Japan.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Cube Stens with mileage, be sure to check the service history of the variator. Many owners ignore changing the oil, which leads to expensive repairs (from 150,000 rubles).
Pros and cons of Nissan Cube Stens: is it worth buying?
Like any car, Cube Stens has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's break them down in detail so you can make an informed decision.
Benefits:
- 🚀 Unique design, which stands out from other minivans. Asymmetrical headlights and “bubble” shapes make the car recognizable.
- 🛠️ High build quality - typical for Japanese cars of the 2000s. The body is well protected from corrosion.
- 🔄 Spacious salon with the possibility of transformation. The rear seats fold almost flat.
- 💨 Good handling for a minivan thanks to modifications Autech.
- 💰 Low cost of ownership compared to European counterparts (for example, Mercedes B-Class).
Disadvantages:
- 🛑 Weak engines — even the 1.8-liter engine does not pull the car on the highway when fully loaded.
- 🔊 Noisy suspension on uneven roads (especially with low-profile tires).
- 🔋 Problems with the variator in case of untimely maintenance.
- 🔍 Difficulties with spare parts - some parts (for example, bumpers Stens) have to be ordered from Japan.
- 💸 High price on the secondary market due to the car's "cult" status.
If you are looking for a practical city car with a striking design, Cube Stens - an excellent choice. But if you plan to drive frequently on the highway or carry heavy loads, it's worth considering alternatives (e.g. Nissan Note or Honda Freed).
Before purchasing Cube Stens check the condition of the suspension - low-profile tires and hard shock absorbers wear out quickly on Russian roads.
Tuning Nissan Cube Stens: how to improve appearance and performance
Nissan Cube Stens in itself it looks unusual, but many owners want to make it even more unique. Let's consider the main areas of tuning:
1. External tuning
- 🎨 Vinyl stickers (for example, “carbon-look” on the hood or roof).
- 🔥 LED headlights and PTF (original headlights Cube dim).
- 🚗 Wheel arch extensions for mounting wider disks (up to
R17). - 🖌️ Two-tone painting (for example, black bottom + white top).
2. Suspension and chassis tuning
- 🔧 Installation of coilovers (For example, Tein Street Basis) to adjust ground clearance.
- 🛠️ Replacing stabilizers to more rigid ones (from Nismo).
- 🔄 Reinforced silent blocks to improve handling.
3. Engine tuning
- 💨 Chip tuning (ECU firmware to increase power by 10-15 hp).
- 🔥 Direct flow installation (For example, HKS Hi-Power) for better sound.
- ⚡ Replacing the air filter to zero (for example, K&N).
If you want more dynamics, it is better to consider the option with a manual transmission.
☑️ Checklist before tuning Cube Stens
Typical Nissan Cube Stens problems and how to avoid them
Despite the reliability, Cube Stens There are a number of “diseases” that every potential owner should be aware of. Here are the most common:
- Problems with the variator
CVT:- 🔧 Jerks during acceleration - a sign of belt or oil wear.
- 🔥 Overheating under prolonged loads (for example, in traffic jams).
- 🛑 Loss of traction - may indicate wear on the cones.
Solution: Regular oil changes (every 60,000 km) and use only original NS-2 or NS-3.
Common problem on engines HR15DE And MR18DE. The reason is wear of the gasket or deformation of the cover.
Solution: Replace the gasket + check the flatness of the cover (grind if necessary).
Associated with wear of stabilizer struts, silent blocks or shock absorbers (especially on versions with rigid suspension Stens).
Solution: Diagnostics on the lift and replacement of worn parts (it is recommended to use spare parts Nissan or Kayaba).
⚠️ Attention: If the indicator on the dashboard comes on SLIP, this may indicate not only problems with the variator, but also a malfunction of the speed sensor or ABS. Do not ignore this signal - carry out diagnostics immediately!
Another typical problem is corrosion of sills and arches, especially for machines operated in regions with abundant use of reagents. Before purchasing, be sure to inspect these areas with endoscope or on a lift.
How to check the variator when purchasing?
1. Take a test drive: accelerate smoothly and listen for any jerks or vibrations.
2. Check the oil in the variator - it should be light, without a burnt smell.
3. Make sure there are no software errors CVT (can be checked with a scanner or via the on-board computer).
4. Ask the seller for service history - if the oil has not been changed for more than 80,000 km, it is better to refuse the purchase.
Cost of Nissan Cube Stens on the secondary market: what affects the price?
Prices for Nissan Cube Stens vary greatly depending on year, mileage, condition and region. Below is an approximate price range for 2026 (for the Russian market):
| Year of manufacture | Mileage, thousand km | Condition | Price, rub. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-2010 | 100-150 | Good (no accidents, service history) | 650 000 — 850 000 |
| 2011-2013 | 60-100 | Excellent (tuned, with documents) | 900 000 — 1 200 000 |
| 2014-2016 | up to 50 | Ideal (Japanese auction, without mileage in the Russian Federation) | 1 300 000 — 1 600 000 |
The price is influenced by the following factors:
- 📜 Availability of service history (cars with a full package of documents are 15-20% more expensive).
- 🎨 Paintwork condition — original paint without chips or repainting is valued higher.
- 🔧 Tuning — high-quality tuning can either increase or decrease the cost (depending on the buyer’s taste).
- 🚗 Equipment — cars with leather interiors, climate control and a rear view camera are more expensive.
- 📍 Region — in Moscow and St. Petersburg, prices are higher than in the regions (the difference can reach 100-150 thousand rubles).
Important: There are many “repainted” ones on the market. Cube Stens, which are passed off as original. Pay attention to the VIN code - the real one Stens there should be a mark at the end AUTECH or STENS.
Owner reviews: real operating experience
To form an objective opinion about Nissan Cube Stens, we analyzed reviews from owners from Russia, Japan and the USA. Here are the main conclusions:
Positive Feedback:
- 👍 "Invisible car in traffic jams - thanks to its compact size and good visibility. Parking is a pleasure!" (Alexey, Moscow).
- 👍 "Design brings smiles - everyone turns around and takes pictures. Even the police come over to talk about the car." (Igor, St. Petersburg).
- 👍 "Ideal for the city — consumption is 7 liters, nothing breaks, only consumables." (Dmitry, Yekaterinburg).
Negative feedback:
- 👎 "The variator died at 120 thousand km — the repairs cost 200 thousand rubles. Now I change the oil every 40 thousand." (Sergey, Novosibirsk).
- 👎 "It makes noise and floats on the highway — at speeds over 110 km/h it becomes unstable." (Anton, Krasnodar).
- 👎 "Spare parts are expensive — even an ordinary bumper costs 30 thousand rubles, not to mention the details Stens" (Maxim, Kazan).
Many owners note that Cube Stens — this is a car “for everyone.” It is not suitable for those looking for speed or prestige, but is ideal for creative individuals who value individuality and practicality.
Nissan Cube Stens is not just a vehicle, but a way of life. It is suitable for those who want to stand out, but are not ready to put up with the shortcomings of a budget car.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Cube Stens
❓ Is it possible to install a Nissan Juke engine on Cube Stens?
Theoretically, yes, but this will require serious modifications: replacing the subframe, wiring, ECU and gearbox. In practice, such a swap will cost more than it costs Cube, so owners prefer to limit themselves to chip tuning or a turbo kit for a standard engine.
❓ How to distinguish original Stens from fake?
Original Cube Stens has:
- Label
AUTECHorSTENSin the VIN code. - Nameplates Autech on the rear door and steering wheel.
- Unique part numbers (for example, bumpers Stens not compatible with standard Cube).
Fakes are often made from ordinary Cube, installing similar body kits and stickers.
❓ What kind of oil should I put in the Cube Stens variator?
The manufacturer recommends using only Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 (for models up to 2012) or NS-3 (for newer ones). Replacement should be carried out every 60,000 km, and with aggressive driving - every 40,000 km. Use of other oils (eg ATF) will cause damage!
❓ How much does insurance cost for Cube Stens?
The cost of compulsory motor insurance for Cube Stens in 2026 is about 5,000–7,000 rubles (depending on the region and the driver’s experience). Casco will cost 40,000–60,000 rubles per year, since the car belongs to the category of “foreign cars over 5 years old.” Some insurance companies may overcharge due to “non-standard” design.
❓ Can Cube Stens be converted into a camper?
Yes, thanks to the spacious interior and high roof Cube good for camping. Popular improvements:
- Installation of a folding table.
- Installation of a folding bed (for example, on the base of the rear seats).
- Insulation of the interior and installation of an autonomous heater.
An example of such alterations can be found on the forums 4x4club.ru or Drive2.ru.