Model tested: Cube Kaizen 1.6, Cube Kaizen 1.6 CVT
Price: £15,100, £16,300
Date tested: December 2009
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

The Cube is closest in size and layout to the Citroen C3 Picasso, Kia Soul, Skoda Roomster and Renault Grand Modus, but one look confirms it's unique. It's been on sale in Japan since 1998 - now Nissan is bringing its 'design icon' to the UK.

The Cube's exterior consists of straight edges and curved surfaces; its asymmetric window that stretches around three quarters of the rear of the car is its most attention-grabbing feature.

The chunky nose is based on a "bulldog wearing sunglasses", while the interior design has flowing curves, ripple-effects and circular features inspired by a drop of water falling into a pond.

A panoramic sunroof lets in plenty of light over the front seats, and there's a rice-paper sliding shade and blind to keep the sun out on hot days.

The Cube has an interior designed for relaxation, and the five chairs are based on a sofa. They're unique within Nissan's model range and feature traditional springs and high density foam for a squidgy feel.

In the LDN limited edition (100 of the first Cubes in the UK) you even get wonderfully retro brown velour fabric and the option of unique 'Bitter Chocolate' paintwork.

The square cabin is practical, and thanks to rear seats which slide backwards and forwards by up to 240mm, or fold down, it's a flexible space.

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You get 283 litres with the seats slid back, 403 litres with them pushed forwards and a vast 1,563 with them folded.

As you might have guessed, handling and performance play second fiddle to the design. All of the controls are light and the Cube is very manouevrable, while motorway cruising is relaxed but there's some wind noise from around the upright windscreen.

Initially the only engine is a 108bhp 1.6-litre petrol, mated to a five-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox. 0-62mph takes 11.3 seconds (12.4 in the auto) and top speed is just over 105mph.

Emissions of 151g/km CO2 (159 for the CVT) make it more expensive to tax than many of its rivals; its average fuel economy is 42.8mpg and 40.3mpg for the auto.

If you can stump up the extra £1,200, it's the CVT gearbox which makes most sense, especially in urban driving. You might want to wait until the torquier 1.5dCi diesel arrives in May 2010 though, and its emissions of around 120g/km of CO2 will be significantly lower than the petrol.

The LDN gets climate control and unique interior features; the range-topping Kaizen gets Connect navigation, Bluetooth and iPod solution, rear parking sensors and rear parking camera.