 2009 Nissan Cube. Click image to enlarge |
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2009 Nissan Cube
Toronto, Ontario – As human beings, we are conditioned from birth that symmetry is beautiful and “normal.” From faces to everyday objects, we like symmetry, while asymmetry is shunned and is considered not pleasing or even ugly in some cases. Symmetry is part of our everyday life: in my living room, I placed my television in the dead centre of the wall and my speakers evenly on either side; even the artwork on my box of cereal is perfectly symmetrical.
Cars are typically symmetrical, styled with a “face” to create an object that generates emotion. Then, along comes the 2009 Nissan Cube with a face like a bulldog wearing sunglasses and the only asymmetrical body design on the market.
  2009 Nissan Cube. Click image to enlarge |
You could use many words to describe the Cube’s styling: odd, cute, weird, funky, distinctive or fun! This journalist would use just one word – polarizing. Ian Forsyth, Director, Product and Corporate Planning, Nissan Canada Inc. said it well when he said, “The Cube is not something our customers settle for.” Judging from the reactions I witnessed in my short stint behind the wheel, you will either love it or hate it. The good news for Nissan is that most people seem to love it. In fact, the Nissan Cube is almost guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Why would Nissan launch an all-new vehicle in our sluggish marketplace? Everyone knows we are in the midst of a financial crisis and car sales are down across the board. It certainly does seem like an odd time to take a chance on a vehicle that may appeal only to a niche market. Actually, Nissan has had the Cube in the works for four years – it was first shown at the 2004 Montreal Auto Show where reactions were positive. At the time, the C-Note was also on display, and it garnered even more praise at the time. It was expedited to our shores as the 2007 Nissan Versa in 2006.
