[hk20000]

I am in the market right now for a tiny sub compact thing that I use solely for commute. We are talking about something that I am going to buy, drive, thrash and not mod single screw on it. Hopefully sell it for decent money by the end of the warranty/by the time I'm tired of it.

What's on my shopping list are these:

1. Honda Fit
2. Nissan Cube
3. Toyota Yaris
4. Kia Soul

SPL consideration:

5. Mazda2 (not released yet)
6. Toyota iQ (if it ever gets released to begin with)
7. Scion xB (again Scion seems to have given us the "not for you" stick)

in descending order of interest. Now my macho friends are saying that the Cube looks gay... But from the way it drove the Nissan Cube seems to make most sense because it's not retardedly slow (0-60 in under 10 seconds), and most spacious of them all. The Fit is on top of my interest list solely because it has the government rebate and it is quite new, having a model change recently. Kia is not my cup of tea when it comes to driving feel but it is the cheapest out of the 4 - which means its value is going to sink like a rock by the time I want to sell it. The Toyota does everything but it's not particularly good at anything....Also a slightly used Yaris would be quite good bang for the money too.

So where I'm getting is that what do you think of the Cube? Does it look like I lost my balls because I drive one of those? My macho friends certainly think so but I really don't mind it after having test driven it and had a taste of its excellent smooth CVT transmission and "1 foot above my head" openness. Also where does it stand when you want to pick an everyday just A-to-B car? Why should/shouldn't I pick the other cars in my list?

Overall I hear good reviews for the Cube other than how its looks is really "love it or hate it"..... That hot tub interior is really not bad I have like 5 cup holders for the rear row and like 4 for the front...

I know this is Revscene not Commutescene but your common sense input is highly appreciated.

[skyxx]

It's offers great Fuel milelage plus the back seats are movable for more leg room. :) It's a looker and it's a great commuter car/road trip car. Pricing on the Cube isn't too shabby

[Nightwalker]

It's so terrible looking, I could never consider one.

[asian_XL]

Bm13vmMJ7Cc

another review

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2854468/kia_soul_nissan_cube_go_head_to_head_kelley_blue_b ook/

[smk]

I believe the Ford Fiesta was just released (or coming soon)... I would consider that one

[too_slow]

The Kia Soul looks cool.. but value wise: a used Toyota Yaris RS makes more sense.... used car prices on the Fit are ridiculous..

[68style]

Dude, I am telling you... maybe the 2009+ models have improved on this, but I have a 2008 Honda Fit Sport... the mileage claims are not what I was hoping for... I have a 5spd manual and I no matter how nicely I drive it I cannot get it to budge over 32mpg and that is primarily highway!!! Just for reference, you can see in my signature that I get 9.8L/100km on my MR2 Turbo which is quite above average, so it is not a driver problem... my friends with Toyota Yaris hatchbacks can get almost 200km farther than me on a tank of gas (I get 460km and my friends get almost 700km and that's on nearly equivalent litres of gas).

Between that and the gas tank sploshing sound from under the driver's seat after a fill, complete lack of power, rough shifter (you can't shift fast from 1st to 2nd without it feeling like it's grinding) and mine being delivered with air in the coolant lines............. I think the Honda Fit is not as great as people make it seem.

Stick with the Yaris in my opinion, just the centre guages drive me nuts, but I wish my wife had bought that instead of the Fit sooo much.

I think the Cube is cool, but I'm not much of a fan of Nissans as far as ownership and maintenance goes... too many friends with Altima's and Sentra's that end up with huge bills 3-4 years down the road... but I do like the Cube... and fuck what you "macho" friends think, they'll all be driving CR-V's and pricing out Sienna's in a few years when they're 30+ and having kids and shit anyway.

[pandalove]

looks like honda element....
jus get a fit please

[!Aznboi128]

wait for the ford fiesta

[sonick]

Your friends are insecure homophobic douchebags.

[thumper]

what about a hyundai elantra touring?

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/01/23/first-drive-2009-hyundai-elantra-touring.htm

or maybe a vw jetta tdi?

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2008/04/21/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-jetta-wagon.htm

i know they aren't exactly subcompact but if u need something that can actually haul...not sure what your budget is.

[hk20000]

Budget is kind of 23 24 out the door if it's new, tighter if it's slightly used.

@68style thanks for the heads up actually I haven't test driven the new Fit yet. (I rented a 1.3L CVT version in Japan for a day but I haven't driven a 1.5 4AT version) Maybe I should go do that.

Elantra and Jetta are not really in my consideration because Elantra being a Hyundai and not even in a special segment like the Soul would be worth next to nothing by the time I sell it....It's like the difference between the price of a 2004 Corolla and a 2004 xB...You wanna pick the xB up just coz you can sell it for a lot more down the road.

As for the Jetta, let's say I have had friends with quite a bit of trouble with theirs... the TDI engine is probably great but problems with the car around it is where it troubles me. I really don't want a car that comes loaded with problems, I mean it's a VW...Not exactly the brand associated with "weld the hood shut and go reliability".

Also the VW is cleanly out of my budget range.

[shenmecar]

i think asymmetrical cars are just the new fad. It'll be over in a few years. I personally think the Cube is ugly as sin. I rather take a Versa with CVT over it.

[hk20000]

oh yes Versa CVT is under considerations too. The only real difference is that the Versa is made in Mexico and Cube is from Japan. And I drive a JDM car on top of that you know where my favoritism comes from. :P

[thumper]

oh ic okay... i was thinking hyundai because i personally would get a hyundai over a kia product. and being the euro model (ie. not the same as the standard north american elantra).

someone mentioned matrix... i'm not a big fan of the matrix. i had a base model rental of the last-gen and it was like punishment :cry: is it true it's more daihatsu than toyota? :confused:

[InvisibleSoul]

my friends with Toyota Yaris hatchbacks can get almost 200km farther than me on a tank of gas (I get 460km and my friends get almost 700km and that's on nearly equivalent litres of gas).
The only time I've been able to get more than 700km on a tank in my Yaris RS was on pure conservative highway driving on a trip down to Portland. Otherwise, I generally get about 475km on average, but that's mainly city. If mixed in with a significant amount of highway driving, then I expect up to about 550km...

[sulos]

I bought a 2009 versa SL with the CVT. It is a great car for the city so you should really take a look at it. I think it looks better than the fit because unless you get the top model fit it looks cheap. The versa is also cheaper than the fit when I was looking around.

When I went to honda if you wanted anything other than just the engine and a seat you needed to put on a thousand options.

One thing to be care with the versa is I am not getting great gas milage like they advertise. I am doing mostly city driving so I don't expect it to be great but I have no complaints other than that with the car.

[ToyotaPowah]

I would vote for the Fit or the Cube. I personally love the look of both of them.

[taylor192]

wait for the ford fiesta

and watch the Top Gear video on it! Its a tank! :D

[donot521]

I saw The Cube on Motoring on TSN.

I must say the look caught my attention to Google up the car. Looks odd enough to create some interest I think. I can't wait to see one that's done up. Car has potential as gas prices and mileage matter more and more each year.

[ilvtofu]

The cube certainly doesn't look gay, it's too ugly for that, but it's also got a lot of character, I like the style, but if only they could've carried that style inside, where it's just plain bland. CVT transmission is meh.

My fave would be the Kia Soul, it's really funky inside and out, tall but not big, good value for money, and has some pretty neat features. Also has a bit more power :)

Fits and yaris are too common, and most likely when the fiesta comes that'll be all over the place too. But these 3 are also proven performers with great numbers to back them up.

[hk20000]

I bought a 2009 versa SL with the CVT. It is a great car for the city so you should really take a look at it. I think it looks better than the fit because unless you get the top model fit it looks cheap. The versa is also cheaper than the fit when I was looking around.

When I went to honda if you wanted anything other than just the engine and a seat you needed to put on a thousand options.

One thing to be care with the versa is I am not getting great gas milage like they advertise. I am doing mostly city driving so I don't expect it to be great but I have no complaints other than that with the car.

Yes I'm sort of aware of the fuel mileage in those. There's a reason the Versa and Cube don't qualify for the government subsidiary for fuel efficient vehicle.

But most cars that qualify for that are like...cookie cans with a lawnmower engine. Versa / Cube is one step up from there without being overly bad on gas. I mean Fit is still a great choice and those which got mods look pretty good but I'm not into the tuning potential for this car...and the Cube turns heads stock, which is another selling point for me.

[Rich Sandor]

If you need it NOW, get a new or slightly used Yaris or Fit, and forget about the rest. They are fun to drive, for what they are.

If you can wait until Sept/Oct I can cut you a deal on a new Fiesta, which will be way more fun to drive. (The Mazda2 is much farther away)

The Cube is fun for the first little while but then it becomes a boring ass box on wheels, and drives like a bag of ass. If you don't NEED the storage space, don't get it. And FYI, you want people to "turn heads" and say "oooooh" like when they see a Ferrari or Lambo. When they see a Cube they say "ewwwww"

Right sound but very different spelling and meaning. ;)

[skholla]

I'm in the market for a new vehicle as well, I originally wanted a used Element but I'm keen on getting something brand new. For a few thousand more than a used low mileage Element I can get a Cube fully loaded with bluetooth speakerphone, keyless start, Rockford Fosgate sound system with sub. The Cube is $23k with all fees before taxes, and to me its the best value amongst its class. The Kia Soul also seems like a great value and puts out more power than the Cube but to me its ugly... the front isn't bad but the rear is gross!

The Fit is cool but feels a bit tight in the rear seats, lacks a bit on cargo space, and the whole rear seat mechanism seems cheaply built to me. It's a Honda which is a plus but also a curse... overpriced and lacking features like the Cube! Also I've heard from quite a few owners that gas mileage is pretty shitty, with those numbers I might as well get an Element... I would love a new one but they start at $27k, that's $32k after fees and taxes for the base model.

I've test driven the Cube a few times and it has a nice ride and is fun to drive. It is not a sporty vehicle so don't expect amazing performance, it's a great and practical daily driver with cool looks and a whole wack of cargo space, with all of the features in the SL model with Tech Package it is also a great value... tell your macho friends just that! You can't knock the Cube unless you can't stand the look of it, doing so would be like knocking a Nissan GTR because it lacks cargo space... oh yeah, Lamborghini and Ferrari owners probably can't stand the look of the GTR, so when it comes to looks it really "to each their own".

I can't wait to get my Cube, I'm looking forward to owning a brand new cool looking daily driver and dressing it up a bit... window visors, splash guards, rims and springs... hmmm H&R Sport (http://hrsprings.com/scripts/appguide.php?Mode=Application+Guide&SubMode=Find2&Year=2010&ModelID=646&q=2010%20|%20NISSAN%20|%20Cube), Tanabe NF210 (http://www.tanabe-usa.com/rnd2009-8-6.asp), or Eibach Pro-Kit (http://eibach.com/cgi-bin/htmlos.exe/08701.2.5514773705200030717) ???

[GordonTse]

cube is pretty much a versa with a different body.

[gilly]

i drive a 09 fit. awesome car. looks good, fuel efficient and spacious. i think cube is more for a female driver imo

[Black SC2]

The Cube and Soul are about the ugliest two new cars out there. I'd rather drive a baby poo green Aztek.

The Fit gets my vote in that class of car.

[unit]

Dude, I am telling you... maybe the 2009+ models have improved on this, but I have a 2008 Honda Fit Sport... the mileage claims are not what I was hoping for... I have a 5spd manual and I no matter how nicely I drive it I cannot get it to budge over 32mpg and that is primarily highway!!! Just for reference, you can see in my signature that I get 9.8L/100km on my MR2 Turbo which is quite above average, so it is not a driver problem... my friends with Toyota Yaris hatchbacks can get almost 200km farther than me on a tank of gas (I get 460km and my friends get almost 700km and that's on nearly equivalent litres of gas).

Between that and the gas tank sploshing sound from under the driver's seat after a fill, complete lack of power, rough shifter (you can't shift fast from 1st to 2nd without it feeling like it's grinding) and mine being delivered with air in the coolant lines............. I think the Honda Fit is not as great as people make it seem.

Stick with the Yaris in my opinion, just the centre guages drive me nuts, but I wish my wife had bought that instead of the Fit sooo much.

I think the Cube is cool, but I'm not much of a fan of Nissans as far as ownership and maintenance goes... too many friends with Altima's and Sentra's that end up with huge bills 3-4 years down the road... but I do like the Cube... and fuck what you "macho" friends think, they'll all be driving CR-V's and pricing out Sienna's in a few years when they're 30+ and having kids and shit anyway.

ive been hitting close to 750km/55L on my celica. tahts 13.6km/L or 32mpg! mixed city and hwy, pretty impressive. :thumbsup:

[thumper]

If you need it NOW, get a new or slightly used Yaris or Fit, and forget about the rest. They are fun to drive, for what they are.

If you can wait until Sept/Oct I can cut you a deal on a new Fiesta, which will be way more fun to drive. (The Mazda2 is much farther away)

The Cube is fun for the first little while but then it becomes a boring ass box on wheels, and drives like a bag of ass. If you don't NEED the storage space, don't get it. And FYI, you want people to "turn heads" and say "oooooh" like when they see a Ferrari or Lambo. When they see a Cube they say "ewwwww"

Right sound but very different spelling and meaning. ;)

rich... where will the north american version of the fiesta be built?

[Warp9Racing]

i admit the cube isnt my favorite looking car...but drive one, you might be slightly suprised...

[Meowjin]

i'm waiting for a fiesta.

[slow-fastback]

cube is pretty much a versa with a different body.

Basically only the drivetrain is similar. Also, the cube is made in japan, while versas are made in mexico

[hk20000]

Fiesta is the same idea as Mazda2..... Sure will consider but it's still in the unknown distant future..... hahaha.

[Meowjin]

Fiesta is the same idea as Mazda2..... Sure will consider but it's still in the unknown distant future..... hahaha.

you mean a ford is a fucking ford?

HOLY SHIT.

[hk20000]

huh? Which part of "it shares its chassis with the Mazda2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Fiesta#.282008.E2.80.93.29:_Sixth_generation)" do you not understand?

It's thus in the same consideration as the Mazda2 but it's not available at the moment...So there's the decision of whether I should wait for it or just jump on the Cube and forget about it.

HOLY SHIT is uncalled for, HOLY SHIT!

[ilvtofu]

LMFAO just like Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape...

[Rich Sandor]

rich... where will the north american version of the fiesta be built?

The Ford plant in Cuautitlán, Mexico. (just north of mexico city) (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=19.644851,-99.190257&t=h&sll=19.669675,-99.199462&sspn=0.007789,0.017982&hl=en&gl=ca&ie=UTF8&ll=19.645296,-99.190257&spn=0.015581,0.035963&z=16)

[Meowjin]

huh? Which part of "it shares its chassis with the Mazda2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Fiesta#.282008.E2.80.93.29:_Sixth_generation)" do you not understand?

It's thus in the same consideration as the Mazda2 but it's not available at the moment...So there's the decision of whether I should wait for it or just jump on the Cube and forget about it.

HOLY SHIT is uncalled for, HOLY SHIT!

"the fiesta is the same idea as the mazda2"

You said it yourself.

What your essentially saying is you would rather pay a premium for a badge for the same fucking car.

[ilvtofu]

The car's look different though, Frankly i like the fiesta better :)

[Rich Sandor]

"the fiesta is the same idea as the mazda2"

You said it yourself.

What your essentially saying is you would rather pay a premium for a badge for the same fucking car.

I'm pretty sure I could convince him to go with a Fiesta as long as it gets here well before the Mazda2.. right Pat?

[E-DA9]

Wife's got one and we love it. Though gas mileage isn't as great as I wish, we LOVE the room...we wanted to go picnic one day but it was too windy, so we just decided to chill with our sandwiches and stuff very comfortably in the back. And we love the look.

It's got enough zip, though when you turn on the AC thatz another story.

PM me if you have any questions.

[hk20000]

I'm pretty sure I could convince him to go with a Fiesta as long as it gets here well before the Mazda2.. right Pat?

ya hence it's in "the same consideration"....

neither is here so neither is getting the same consideration as something that is immediately off the lot ready like the Cube Yaris Fit crowd.

[r-b-x]

1. buy a cube
2. pick up style wagon magazine
3. spend heeeeeaaaps of money
4 profit???

[ilvtofu]

Damn I've fallen for the cube as well today. Just wish they offered the 6 speed with the SL Dealer lied to me and told me there was...
Very impressive list of standard features on the S though.

Neone got comments on the CVT i fear that may be my only choice :(

[hk20000]

6 speed is available through the S trim

and the gap between S and SL after u deck out the S would be the smart key only....

Up to you, to be honest.

Test drove the Lancer Sportback GTS and that thing rides like hell compared to the Cube.... Now that I look at it Cube's packaging is irresistable.

I went to Nissan website and specced out a Versa with equipments just like the Cube (i.e. ABS package) and it costs just $300 less to get the Versa hatchback with the CVT.... the normal Versa is cheaper yes but I'm stuck with a stone age 4AT....CVT is great as it's always going to give you the 122bhp you paid for if you put your damned foot down. And on commute it doesn't even shift once ftfw. LOL.

[hk20000]

1. buy a cube
2. pick up style wagon magazine
3. spend heeeeeaaaps of money
4 profit???

I agree with 1-3.....4 errrr. :confused: Maybe use the car as a hip hop MV backdrop? I don't see another way to make money out of a decked out Cube hahaha.

[Volvoman]

The Versa CVT is fine. It feels like one long gear. If you floor it, it'll redline and stay there while the speed increases...unlike conventional automatic transmissions where it'll shift until it reaches top gear.

It takes a while to get used to, and its not the best for sporty driving...but then again, neither is an autobox

[ilvtofu]

HK20000, where you planning to get a CVT or a stick?

I didn't bother test driving because the manual was all wrapped up and non PDI'd just started it up, Do they (versa/cube) ride on the same platform?

Did u notice that here the Cube is relatively cheaper compared to other cars than in HK?

Pricing here is amazing especially for the base, A/C and tons of electronics shit (TCS,VDC), and shitload of airbags that you wouldn't expect in such a cheap car.

Main upgrades with SL has Alloys + leather wheel with audio controls + CVT standard + Fog lights (like $500 on nissan website..) + like you said the keyless :)

The tech pack is also very attractive for only $500 more, The upgrade from S to SL is definitely worth it, but i do lose the option of manual, which in a car like this will probably be a lot more fun.

If they had tech pack SL in 6 speed i would have the keys by now...

[hk20000]

I test drove the Cube S with CVT.... It was quite good in every department other than my friend's talking shit about it left right and center.

Alloys - just look up Revscene.
Leather wheel - nahhhhh not a big fan of synthetic (read: fake) leather on steering wheels usually it gets really sticky after u park it under the sun for a year or two.
Fog light can be added to the S.

Cubes are not sold in HK officially so it's sold as "water goods" pricing.... they demand quite a bit coz in HK that's the cute tax....

so as a piece of transportation equipment I think Cube is really well priced.... the handling is not bad, the ride is not bad for a hatchback, the fuel economy is so-so but verging on the good side.

The only downside I can see now is that it will be all over Richmond.....which is starting to show already.

[ilvtofu]

My friend said he saw a matte black cube in HK, damn I Wanna see

BTW where is timpo lately?
I want to know what kits you can put on it

[skyxx]

Check the Nissan JP website, They usually have decent looking kits that are available in Japan only.

[ilvtofu]

In US there is the special "Krom" version, the front is nice, but the back is...

[mr_piggy]

The only time I've been able to get more than 700km on a tank in my Yaris RS was on pure conservative highway driving on a trip down to Portland. Otherwise, I generally get about 475km on average, but that's mainly city. If mixed in with a significant amount of highway driving, then I expect up to about 550km...

Also, remember that the Fit is MUCH bigger/more comfortable than the Yaris. I am only 155 lbs and I hate sitting in the back (or front really lol) of the Yaris, whereas in the fit, not only is it really spacious, its so big that with the seats down you can actually use it to carry furniture (from Ikea :D ) LOL.

I'd take the Fit over all those. Also the Fit by far drives the best out of all those cars.

I like the design of the Cube and would consider buying one, but Nissan's quality is nowhere close to Honda/Toyota imo.

[ilvtofu]

hmm mr. piggy you are one of few that actually like the design of the cube.
The fit is probably the safest bet of all 3, but I'd still rather go for something with a bit more personality

[hk20000]

yeah rather people go ewwww than ignore it. At least I can try to convince them to like it if they at least notice it. Just putting around town today in Richmond and DAYUM a lot of cubes have taken delivery eh.

[orange7]

the cube's look is like the grill on the acura's line-up.
You take it or leave it; some ppl like it and other don't.
.
..
..
.
.... wait a second... I actually don't know anyone who like the grill on acuras


Anyways, you guys got my point. I personally don't like the new grill and the cube, but i do not represent everyone on this planet.


*ilvtofu, why were you looking at the cube? What's wrong with your car? Don't tell me you gave it to your bro? cause it's a good car! I'd take your current car over the cube anyday, but this is just me.

[ilvtofu]

lol sale is pending for the Z31 @ $5800

I just don't see the point of keeping it, sure it's fun but it's not that fun, and the practicality and fuel economy aren't great either, nor is the power. And I thought about doing mods on it, and it was too expensive/ parts were hard to find.

As for the cube, I don't know yet, just considering it, I'm one of the few that like the style, and with a bit of work put into it, I'm sure it could look pretty cool. not in a lambo sorta way, but it'll have its own character.

Lol i like the acura grille on the CSX but everything else is...

And also parking space at our house is getting tight now... although a cube would only be slightly smaller, but we live in Vancouver and we need to park 6 cars... it sucks sometimes

[orange7]

I just don't see the point of keeping it, sure it's fun but it's not that fun, and the practicality and fuel economy aren't great either, nor is the power. And I thought about doing mods on it, and it was too expensive/ parts were hard to find.

As for the cube, I don't know yet, just considering it, I'm one of the few that like the style, and with a bit of work put into it, I'm sure it could look pretty cool. not in a lambo sorta way, but it'll have its own character.

Lol i like the acura grille on the CSX but everything else is...

And also parking space at our house is getting tight now... although a cube would only be slightly smaller, but we live in Vancouver and we need to park 6 cars... it sucks sometimes

but but but.. it's still going to be more fun than a cube. Why not get something similar? I actually found your car to be sorta a head turner. LoL.. because it's something I don't see everyday.

[ilvtofu]

That's true they are quite rare, and to be in that condition even rarer,

But when the fun isn't particularly outstanding although last night I decided to drive it like i stole it after leaving from work, and getting every shift perfect from 1-3rd was nice, syncro didn't even grind last night ;)

Lol you wanna buy it? XD!!!

[!SG]

funny about the a/c, cuz i think it looks like a fridge on its side.

i should hit up a nissan dealership to check it out...


Wife's got one and we love it. Though gas mileage isn't as great as I wish, we LOVE the room...we wanted to go picnic one day but it was too windy, so we just decided to chill with our sandwiches and stuff very comfortably in the back. And we love the look.

It's got enough zip, though when you turn on the AC thatz another story.

PM me if you have any questions.

[orange7]

That's true they are quite rare, and to be in that condition even rarer,

But when the fun isn't particularly outstanding although last night I decided to drive it like i stole it after leaving from work, and getting every shift perfect from 1-3rd was nice, syncro didn't even grind last night ;)

Lol you wanna buy it? XD!!!


If I have the money, I would actually buy it for a track/weekend/fun car to drive hard around the track. With some stickers, it can be a real badass head turner.

[hk20000]

^ It's all about the stickers, brah.

[ilvtofu]

hmm maybe I'll cover the Cube in sponsors if I do get one!!! OVER 9000 HP!!!

[orange7]

^ It's all about the stickers, brah.

:haha::haha::haha::haha::haha::haha::D:D:D:D:D:D:D :D:):):):):):):p:p:p:p:p:p:p

[E-DA9]

funny about the a/c, cuz i think it looks like a fridge on its side.

i should hit up a nissan dealership to check it out...

Go see James Ting @ Southside.

:D

[ilvtofu]

^lol r u james ting?

Is james ting related to Joe Ting @ morrey?

[E-DA9]

I'm not James Ting. My wife and I bought our cube from him.

[toyota86]

asymmetrical for the lose

its only cool when its done to a brick

it doesn't work on a cube

http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2009/02/medium_3261011292_a1759fb1d9_o.jpg
http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2009/02/medium_3260182641_8e8e7e9800_o.jpg
http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2009/02/medium_3261010614_8a2449540f_o.jpg

[skholla]

I was pretty much sold on the Cube because of the features/value of the SL+Tech and I love the look too, I think that it's so cool! The only thing I really don't care for is the low power ouput and floaty handling, the later can be fixed with aftermarket springs. Power is not a big deal since it's a daily driver and a box on wheels, really how fast could it go anyways?

I looked at the Kia Forte and it's a wicked value and great alternative to the Honda Civic but I wasn't sold on it. If you haven't seen it yet then check it out, you will be surprised that it's a Kia! The Kia Soul is another great option but is butt ugly to me!

The other day I stumbled across the Mitsubishi site only to find my next car.... 2009 Lancer Sportback! I liked the 2007 Lancer but it didn't have enough cargo room for my needs, the Sportback fixes that and adds a bit more power. With lower finance rates than the Cube (2.8 vs 4.9) the Sportback ends up being almost the same price and is a better option IMHO.

[Gh0stRider]

what a POS!

[ilvtofu]

I was pretty much sold on the Cube because of the features/value of the SL+Tech and I love the look too, I think that it's so cool! The only thing I really don't care for is the low power ouput and floaty handling, the later can be fixed with aftermarket springs. Power is not a big deal since it's a daily driver and a box on wheels, really how fast could it go anyways?

I looked at the Kia Forte and it's a wicked value and great alternative to the Honda Civic but I wasn't sold on it. If you haven't seen it yet then check it out, you will be surprised that it's a Kia! The Kia Soul is another great option but is butt ugly to me!

The other day I stumbled across the Mitsubishi site only to find my next car.... 2009 Lancer Sportback! I liked the 2007 Lancer but it didn't have enough cargo room for my needs, the Sportback fixes that and adds a bit more power. With lower finance rates than the Cube (2.8 vs 4.9) the Sportback ends up being almost the same price and is a better option IMHO.

IMO I prefer the styling of the Soul but it is almost 3000 more which is quite a lot in this price range of >20000 cars and the basic ones suck :(

Test drove the cube, steering had zero feedback and CVT put me to sleep...

Need to test drive the soul first before i make any decision though, I probably shouldn't have been expecting much of a drivers car from the cube though

[skholla]

If you compare apples to apples then the cube and soul are almost the same price!

The base cube is 18,500 with delivery, fully loaded it's 23,300.

The base soul is 17,145 with delvery, full loaded it's 22,845 (2.0 4u a/t, not retro or burner).

It looks to me that the soul is a better value since it has a bigger engine and a better warranty. Also Kia's financing is cheaper than Nissan's and that will save you a few thousand dollars (3.9% vs 4.9%).

Keep in mind that the Lancer Sportback GTS is 23,498 with delivery for a 5 speed and 26,358 with a CVT. Mitsubishi's finance rate is only 2.8% which will shave a few thousand off the total cost when compared to Nissan or Kia's rates.

IMHO the cube is better looking than the soul but the lancer is better looking than them all. If you factor in the savings in finance rates then all three are similarly priced.

[hk20000]

4AT or CVT either way you are going to sleep with the transmission, but at least CVT is thoroughly modern and you aren't going to experience any shift shocks.

The Lancer Sportback is bad. You have to test drive it to appreciate the badness. a Cube's ride is like a throne if the sportback ride is a kneel-over toilet bowl.

[skholla]

With the soul and the lancer you get a choice of 5 speed or auto/cvt. The cube sl is only available with a cvt, if you want a 5 speed then you have to settle for the crappy stripped down base model.

Dude are you saying that the cube has a better ride than the lancer???

[ilvtofu]

Err... sportback styling is... subjective?

Cube has the best practicality though, none of which that i'll be using, so i think the soul would be a better option. CVT is way too smooth, lol, I find the corolla a lot more entertaining to drive than the cube, I really don't mind driving a corolla everyday just based on fun. But the cube is another story...

Anyone here test drove the soul yet?

[JesseBlue]

i did. a lil bit on the rough side but not too much. i likemthe look better thanmthe cube. the rear has an almost flat floor which i really really like. not a lot of trunk space but adequate enough. the trunk is bigger than the matrix

[hk20000]

Yes I mean cube rides way better than a Lancer Sportback.

Go try it, you will understand if you did haggle into actually driving one. It's horrid. that's why you don't see a lot of them on the road at all.

[ilvtofu]

yeah the cubes ride is quite good, the suspension if i remember correctly was a bit noisy but the shock absorbers do a mighty fine job of reducing bumps on ur back. And the seats are quite supportive although not sporty and buckety.

hmm.. flat load floor isn't really that big a deal, besides the cube has adequate trunk space.

Looks way easier to parallel the cube too over the soul

[E-DA9]

www.nissancubelife.com

[BoredAtWork]

got a question for you guys who are considering the Cube and other small compacts.

Have you guys compared the interior space? not just spec wise, but also feel. which of the below have the most room inside for cargo and passengers? / feels the biggest to you?

05-07? Scion xB (1st Generation)
07-08 Honda Fit
2010 Honda Fit
Nissan Cube

[hk20000]

^ nothing in your list is even in the same class as Cube....

It's a box but it's a huge mid-size (from my Asia standard) one. The rest are compacts. new xB is similar sized.

[ilvtofu]

The cube definitely feels the largest inside out of that list.

Finally test drove the soul today (2.0 5 speed) basic 4u without the sports suspension, my dad felt the car was quite sporty, and when i was driving I found the acceleration and handling were quite good. :)

I think i'm sold on the soul just because it was that much more fun, interior styling is better as well, and less ppl consider the soul "ugly"