Nissan Recalling 46,000 Cubes After Fuel Spill in NHTSA Crash Tests

The Nissan Cube seems to be facing a similar problem with the Lexus HS 250h hybrid sedan that was recalled last month because of excess fuel leakage during government rear-impact crash tests.

In documents filed on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website, the safety agency noted: "When the vehicle was rotated following a rear moving barrier crash test as required, the amount of fuel leakage exceeded the allowable limits."

The Japanese automaker said its own tests had not result in any fuel leakage, but it will issue a voluntary recall of 46,000 U.S. market Cube vehicles built from January 30, 2009 through July 30, 2010.

Nissan says its earlier tests did not show any fuel leakage, but it will issue a voluntary recall of 5,400 vehicles in Canada and 45,700 in the U.S.

"Dealers will develop a special protector and attach it to the gasoline recirculation tube at the location of the filler neck connector. This service will be performed free of charge," Nissan said in a statement to the NHTSA's website.

The safety recall is expected to begin on or before August 30, 2010. Owners of the recalled Cube models may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 for more information.

2009 Nissan Cube Priced from $13,990, New Cube Krom Edition Unveiled in Chicago

As well as announcing that pricing for the 2009 Cube will start from $13,990 (MSRP) when it hits U.S. showrooms this May, Nissan also took the wraps off a special edition version of its boxy-shaped small car dubbed "Krom" at the Chicago Auto Show. With this version, the 2009 Cube will be offered in a total of four flavors (basic, S, SL and Krom) all equipped with a 122-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that's hooked up to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a projected fuel economy of 30 mpg on the highway.

So what sets apart the Cube Krom from the rest of the range, we hear you ask? Based on the Cude 1.8 S model, the Krom gets a series of exterior appointments like the 3-bar chrome grille, 2-bar chrome front bumper grille, fully integrated front and rear fascias, body side sills, rear roof spoiler, unique 16-inch alloy wheels and a special rear emblem.

Inside, the Cube Krom is less 'unique' in terms of customization. Standard features include a Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, leather-wrapped steering wheel, woven black and gray seat cloth, an upgraded audio system with six speakers and Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, Interface System for iPod, Titanium interior trim accents, aluminum trimmed pedals, Automatic Temperature Control and a supposedly 'nifty' interior illumination system.

Nissan to Present Cube Rider Performance and Cube Drive Shot Concepts at Tokyo Salon

Among the fifteen modified Nissan models that will make their debut at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2009, are two concept versions of the all-new 2009 Cube dubbed "Drive Shot" and "Rider High Performance Spec". The most interesting concept of the two is the "Cube Rider High Performance Spec" developed by Autech. Aside from the full bodykit that includes a three-bar chrome grille, new front and rear bumpers, a roof spoiler and decorative decals, the customized Cube also gets different alloy wheels as well as a sport suspension and engine modifications (Nissan did not reveal any details).

The second Cube study, called "Drive Shot Concept", incorporates the dealer-option "Aero Outer" package, featuring a subtle bodykit and new alloys. The concept car is also equipped with what Nissan calls a "Drive Shot" option, that gives the driver the ability to capture images of passing scenery and upload it into the navigation system, with the simple "click" of a button. Talk about useless gadgets...

2009 Nissan Cube: U.S.-Spec Version Gets 1.8-liter Engine

The unveiling of the third-generation Cube from Nissan at the LA Show marks the beginning of the square-shaped wagon's world career. The new Cube will be available in America from spring 2009, and in Europe and other global markets from fall the same year. Visual differences between the Japanese- and U.S.-spec Cubes are limited to the latter's more protruded front bumper. Underneath the hood, whereas the JDM model gets a 1.5-liter engine, the U.S. market Cube will be offered with a 122HP 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder unit mated either to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a new CVT. Nissan says that fuel economy is projected to be over 30mpg Highway with the CVT.

In the U.S., the 2009 Nissan Cube will be offered in three trims: Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8 S and Cube 1.8 SL. Standard equipment on all models will include power windows with driver's side one-touch auto down feature, Remote Keyless Entry system, power door locks with auto-locking feature, variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear window wiper, rear window defroster with timer, cargo area courtesy light and hooks, 12-volt power outlet and adjustable front seat belt upper anchors.

Available technology features include Nissan's Intelligent KeyO with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six speakers, XM Satellite Radio, Interface System for iPod and a rear sonar system.

Furthermore, Nissan will also offer a full range of dealer accessories with items such as an illumination kit with 20 selectable colors, illuminated kick plates, rear cargo organizer, pet blankets, wheels, aero kits and more.

The Cube's interior is offered in two color environments, Wall Gray and Graphite while buyers will be able to choose among eight exterior colors: Chrome Silver, Steel Grey, Bitter Chocolate, Scarlet Red, Caribbean Blue, Moss Green, Super Black and White Pearl.