Compact and recognizable Nissan Cube - a car that at first glance attracts attention with its non-standard design. But even such an eccentric hatchback can be made even brighter and more aggressive with the help of body kits. Body tuning not only transforms the appearance of the car, but also improves its aerodynamic characteristics, protects it from chips and gives it individuality. However, the choice of body kits for Cube has its own nuances: from compatibility with the body to installation features.
In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know before purchasing, from popular styles (sports, jit car, retro) to practical installation tips. You will learn which materials are best to choose for durability, how to avoid installation mistakes and where to look for quality kits. And also - real examples of tuning with photos and prices that will help you decide on your budget.
Why is Nissan Cube often tuned with body kits?
The reason for the popularity of body kits for Nissan Cube lies in its unique design. The car was originally created as an “urban art object”, and the owners strive to emphasize this individuality. Body kits allow:
- 🔹 Hide body imperfections - for example, too “plump” wheel arches or a short front bumper.
- 🔹 Improve aerodynamics — splitters and diffusers reduce lift at high speeds.
- 🔹 Protect paintwork — wide sills and mudguards prevent chipping from gravel.
- 🔹 Create a unique style - from aggressive JDM-tuning to futuristic cyberpunk.
In addition, Cube often becomes the basis for projects in style stance or bagged (with air suspension), where body kits play a key role in shaping the image. For example, wide arches allow you to install wheels with a negative offset, and the front splitter visually “presses” the car to the road.
- Sports (aggressive lines)
- JDM (Japanese retro style)
- Stance (low rise)
- Cyberpunk (futuristic)
- Other
Types of body kits for Nissan Cube: which one to choose?
Body kits for Cube are divided into several categories according to material, configuration and style. Let's look at the main options:
1. By material
- 🔧 ABS plastic - lightweight, does not rust, but is fragile when impacted. Suitable for “ceremonial and exhibition” cars.
- 🔧 Polyurethane - flexible, vibration-resistant, but expensive. Ideal for daily use.
- 🔧 Fiberglass (fiberglass) - a budget option, but requires some work before painting.
- 🔧 Carbon fiber - premium material for racing projects. Lightweight, durable, but very expensive.
2. According to the configuration
Manufacturers offer body kits in different configurations:
- 📦 Full kit — full set (bumpers, skirts, splitters, diffusers, arches).
- 📦 Partial kit — separate elements (for example, only the front bumper + rear diffuser).
- 📦 Universal - universal parts that require adjustment (for example, side skirts).
3. By style
| Style | Features | Brand example | Price (set) |
|---|---|---|---|
| JDM | Aggressive lines, large air intakes, retro elements | C-West, Tom’s | from 120,000 ₽ |
| Euro | Minimalism, sleek shapes, emphasis on aerodynamics | Maxton Design | from 80,000 ₽ |
| Stance | Wide arches, low ground clearance, emphasis on wheels | Liberty Walk | from 150,000 ₽ |
| Cyberpunk | Futuristic shapes, LED inserts, “cyber” elements | Pandem | from 200,000 ₽ |
Important: body kits in style Liberty Walk or Pandem require mandatory modification of the wheel arches and suspension - without this they will cling to the wheels when turning.
Top 5 brands of body kits for Nissan Cube
Not all manufacturers produce body kits specifically for Cube, but some brands offer quality solutions:
- C-West is a legendary Japanese brand specializing in JDM-tuning. Their body kits for Cube emphasize the sporty character of the car by adding large air intakes and diffusers. Average price of a set: 130 000–180 000 ₽.
- Tom’s is another Japanese giant offering more discreet, but no less effective body kits. A distinctive feature is a perfect fit without modifications. Price: 100 000–150 000 ₽.
- Maxton Design - a European manufacturer with an emphasis on aerodynamics. Their body kits are often used in projects with turbo engines. Price: 90 000–140 000 ₽.
- Liberty Walk - for those who want extreme stance-style. Wide arches and aggressive lines, but require serious suspension modifications. Price: from 180,000 ₽.
- Pandem — futuristic body kits with elements cyberpunk. Suitable for show-off projects, but not always practical. Price: from 200,000 ₽.
When choosing a brand, pay attention to compatibility with year of manufacture your Cube (for example, body kits for Z11 2002–2008 not suitable for Z12 2008–2014).
Before purchasing, check whether the manufacturer has 3D models or templates for trying on. For example, Maxton Design provides digital mockups for virtual editing.
Step-by-step instructions for installing body kits
Installation of body kits on Nissan Cube requires care and preparation. Let's look at the process using the front bumper as an example:
1. Preparation
Remove the old bumper and clean the fastenings from rust|Check the body kit package (are all fasteners in place?)|Prepare tools: drill, screws, sealant, zip ties|Paint the body kit in body color (if you didn’t buy a ready-made one)
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2. Installation
Algorithm of actions:
- Try the new bumper on the body, marking the places for drilling (use masking tape to mark).
- Drill holes in the body kit and body if specified in the instructions.
- Attach the bumper to the standard mounting points using
bolts M6-M8(depending on model). - Treat the joints with sealant (for example, 3M Automotive Sealant) to avoid corrosion.
- Connect the fog lights (if included).
3. Improvements (if necessary)
For some body kits (for example, Liberty Walk) you will need:
- 🔨 Widen the wheel arches (using
rollerballor Bulgarians). - 🔨 Install fender flares (if the arches are too wide).
- 🔨 Adjust the ground clearance (for body kits with a low splitter).
What to do if the body kit does not fit on the fastenings?
If the holes do not line up, do not try to force the part - this will lead to cracks. Instead:
1. Use rubber gaskets for depreciation.
2. Drill new holes, having first protected the body with anticorrosive.
3. Contact a tuning studio if you are not confident in your abilities - altering the body kit can be cheaper than repairing the body.
⚠️ Attention: If you have Nissan Cube with all-wheel drive (4WD), check the compatibility of the body kit with the transmission - some splitters may cling to the driveshaft.
How much does the body kit and installation cost?
Price of body kits for Cube ranges from budget options to premium kits. Consider the average prices for 2026:
| Type of body kit | Price (set) | Installation cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (fiberglass, universal) | 30 000–50 000 ₽ | 15 000–25 000 ₽ | 45 000–75 000 ₽ |
| Medium (ABS plastic, branded) | 80 000–120 000 ₽ | 25 000–40 000 ₽ | 105 000–160 000 ₽ |
| Premium (polyurethane/carbon fiber) | 150 000–250 000 ₽ | 40 000–60 000 ₽ | 190 000–310 000 ₽ |
| Full custom (custom design) | from 300,000 ₽ | from 80,000 ₽ | from 380,000 ₽ |
Additional costs:
- 💰 Body kit painting - 10 000–30 000 ₽ (depending on color and complexity).
- 💰 Body modifications (arch extensions, welding work) — 20 000–50 000 ₽.
- 💰 Suspension tuning (if lowering is required) - from 30,000 ₽.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap body kits from China (for example, with AliExpress) often have problems with the fit and quality of the plastic. Savings of 20–30% may result in additional costs for modifications.
The most budget option is to buy used body kits from Japanese auctions (for example, Yahoo! Auctions Japan). But be prepared for the fact that they will have to be restored and adjusted.
Real examples of tuning Nissan Cube with body kits
To get inspired, let's look at successful projects:
1. JDM style with body kits C-West
Auto: Nissan Cube Z12 2010
Body kit: Complete set C-West (front bumper, skirts, diffuser).
Additionally: Wheels Work Emotion CR Kiwami 17", suspension Tein Street Basis, painting in matte gunmetal.
Project cost: ~250 000 ₽.
Features: The body kit was installed without modifications to the body, and the factory aerodynamics were retained.
2. Stance project with Liberty Walk
Auto: Nissan Cube Z11 2005
Body kit: Liberty Walk LB-Silhouette (wide arches, aggressive splitter).
Additionally: Air suspension Air Lift, wheels Rotiform BLQ 18" with offset ET -15.
Project cost: ~400 000 ₽.
Features: Rear arches will need to be trimmed and extensions installed.
3. Cyberpunk design with Pandem
Auto: Nissan Cube Z12 2012
Body kit: Pandem Rocket Bunny (futuristic lines, LED inserts).
Additionally: Full painting in neon purple, LED lighting around the perimeter.
Project cost: ~500 000 ₽.
Features: The body kit is made to order, since serial kits for Cube not in this style.
Photos of such projects can be found in communities VK (“Nissan Cube Russia”) or at Instagram by hashtags #NissanCubeTuning, #CubeStance.
Common mistakes when choosing and installing body kits
Even experienced tuners sometimes make mistakes. Here are the most common:
- Incompatible with body. For example, body kit from Z12 not suitable for Z11 due to different bumper sizes. Always check
model yearAndbody index. - Ignoring aerodynamics. Splitters and diffusers should not only look stylish, but also improve downforce. Otherwise, at higher speeds
120 km/hthe car will become unstable. - Savings on fastenings. Cheap screws or lack of sealant will lead to parts falling off within a year.
- Incorrect painting. ABS plastic body kits require special primer (for example, Plastic Primer), otherwise the paint will peel off.
- Lack of suspension adjustment. A low splitter or wide arches can catch on the wheels when cornering.
⚠️ Attention: If you are installing a body kit with large air intakes (for example, for an intercooler), make sure that they are functional. Plastic plugs without actual ducting will only worsen cooling.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to install body kits from another car on a Nissan Cube?
Theoretically yes, but it will require serious modifications. For example, some owners adapt body kits from Nissan Juke or Honda Fit, but this requires welding and sizing. Ready-made “universal” solutions for Cube almost none - it’s better to look for specialized kits.
Do body kits need to be registered with the traffic police?
By law, any changes in the appearance of a car that affect its dimensions or lighting devices are subject to registration. For example, if the body kit protrudes beyond the body by more than 40 mm, it must be included in the PTS. However, in practice, inspectors rarely pay attention to body kits unless they cover license plates or headlights.
Which body kit is better for daily use?
Optimal for the city polyurethane — it is flexible, does not crack from vibrations and is resistant to gravel. Brands we recommend Maxton Design or Tom’s. Avoid fiberglass - it is fragile and requires frequent repairs.
Is it possible to paint the body kit yourself?
Yes, but you will need:
- Clean the part from grease and dust.
- Apply plastic primer (e.g. APP Plastic Primer).
- Paint in 2-3 layers and let dry.
- Coat with varnish to protect against chipping.
If you have no experience, it is better to contact a painting shop - the cost of the work will be 5 000–15 000 ₽.
Where to buy body kits for Nissan Cube in Russia?
Main options:
- 🛒 Official dealers of brands (for example, Maxton Design).
- 🛒Tuning stores: TuningShop.ru, JDMStyle.
- 🛒 Japanese auctions (Yahoo! Auctions, Buyee) - they often sell used body kits in good condition.
- 🛒 Groups in VK/Facebook (for example, “Nissan Cube Russia”).
Average delivery time from Japan - 1–2 months, from Europe - 2–3 weeks.