Only a few days ago someone was pointing out to me how 'samey' all cars were nowadays.
All greys, blacks, silvers, and all with shapes between the wedge of the coupé and the sledge hammer profiles of the bigger off-roaders. To a certain extent I had to agree. Many manufacturers are sticking to tried and trusted shapes, sizes and colours nowadays in the hope of riding the popular wave.
Then, one frosty morning I took delivery of what can definitely be described as something completely different. I'm not really sure what I was expecting, but the brilliant white Nissan Cube shattered my preconceptions immediately. I expected small... The Cube is not a small car. Partly due to its shape and the fact that traditionally the less aerodynamic-looking cars have tended to be small too, it was an eye-opener. I also expected a very utilitarian and dare I say it, a bland car, lacking in the sumptuousness and comfort that many modern cars now offer. How easy it can be to be deceived. I was wrong again - and on just about every count thereafter.
From the outset, one thing you get by the bucketful when you drive around in the Cube is attention. Lots of it, too! Due to its 'Postman Pat' characteristics, it turns heads of all sorts. Kids love it because it looks like a big toy car, women love it because it's quirky and different and most blokes seemed fascinated by the fact that anyone would seriously consider driving around in THAT! It's funny how a concept so simple could attract so much attention and comment.
What's it like then? Initial impressions of the interior are of a minimalist approach visually, but with all mod cons included in an almost stealth-like manner. Everything's there to be found, but it all looks remarkably simple to the naked eye. It does actually drive really well, with feather-light controls and a precise and responsive steering. It certainly won't be winning many races in the near future. The 1.6L petrol engine nips you around town effortlessly, quietly, and smoothly but it certainly wasn't pinning me into the back of my seat on the open roads. It's not built for that though. It's built to be practical, comfortable, light and easy to handle during day-to-day use. Despite the limitations, it cruised happily all day at seventy, using the fitted cruise control. There's even an exceptionally intuitive climate control to keep you warm or cool, whatever your preference may be. My only negative was the rather obvious wind noise once speeds approached the upper part of its range. If you want a car to go fast though, buy a fast car!
On the subject of practicality it has so much going for it. The obvious pearl in the oyster is the side-hinged rear door, which, providing the person parked behind you has left sufficient room opens wide and doesn't leave bruises on your forehead. It is easy to access the boot space, which though not huge, is a wide, deep and square box that can fit a surprising amount of stuff in. I wasn't too impressed with the velcro top boot cover though, which had a habit of catching on everything I tried to take out of the boot space. The passenger compartment is all quite sit-up-straight and is particularly easy for those averse to bending and contorting themselves to get in or out. Access to both front and back seats is a doddle as there's no bending or crouching involved. It is of particular benefit to parents who need to strap in their little ones, or the elderly who don't like the thought of having to limbo dance into a reclined sunbed.
Overall I was impressed by this quirky, eye-catching, asymmetrical thingy on wheels. It outperformed my expectations in almost every respect. It looks like a novelty, but in fact it is a very real and well thought out practical city car that is equally at home eating up the miles on a longer run. Don't expect ground breaking performance, but enjoy the ride. It is a refreshing breath of fresh air in this dull and dreary world.
Nigel Crawford
November 2010 |
The Volvo C30
