L.A. Auto Show: The Nissan Cube’s rubric

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Although the Nissan Cube has been in existence long enough to enter into its third generation, only now (well, spring 2009) is it going on sale in North America. It seats up to five, features a sliding/reclining theater-style rear seat (I was just talking to a 6-footer as he sat in the back and he seemed comfortable enough), and Nissan is keen to tout its practicality and ‘witty’ design.

A 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine powers the front wheels through either a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. There are no performance figures yet, but the company expects highway fuel consumption to be better than 30 mpg.

The 2009 Cube will come in three forms: 1.8, 1.8 S and 1.8 SL. Available toys include Bluetooth capability, satellite radio, a Rockford Fosgate audio system and an iPod interface. Expect prices to start near $14,000.

-- Colin Ryan

For more photos of production cars from the show, click here.