Where Nissan Missed the Mark on the Cube...
Well you asked, so here goes:
1 - Nissan should definitely have offered a version of the Cube that came with a sunroof. When I was looking for a new car, I really, really wanted one with a sunroof so I would say that is by far my biggest area of disappointment with my Cube.
2 - Headrests don't move all the way down to a flush position - I just think that in terms of basic comfort, all headrests should be able to be adjusted so that they are all the way flush with the top of the seat.
3 - ARMRESTS - front driver and passenger... Here is where I think Nissan really missed the mark on this vehicle. The driver's side armrests don't make sense at all. You have one on the right which can be lifted so that it is out of the way but then on the left all the dirver has is the door armrest which is mounted on the door and therefore is NEVER at the same height as the armrest attached to the seat itself. It is extremely awkward. My suggestion would be to get rid of the part built into the door entirely and add another armrest like the one on the right side. Also, the front passenger should have armrests too! There's plenty of room in this vehicle - my suggestion is that all armrests for the front driver and passenger be like the kind currently on the right side for the driver. This option would allow the driver and passenger to decide whether or not they want the armrests at all - believe me - in terms of comfort - this makes a HUGE difference, especially when driving long distances.
4 - Nissan should definitely have offered a luxury option where leather seating could be introduced. This vehicle is so visually interesting and has so many other unique bells and whistles - why not leather option?
5 - Lighted vanity mirrors... I just have no idea why ANYONE would put vanity mirrors in any car without lights in them (in the sun visors)... Big mistake.
6 - Lighted glove box. This is a no-brainer - especially with a glove box the size of the one in the Cube. That thing is immense (which I love) but it's impossible to see anything in there when it's dark unless you turn on all the interior lights. Definitely missed the mark on that one.
7 - Why put only ONE power outlet in the vehicle?? A vehicle this size most DEFINITELY needs more power outlets and at least one of those should be accessible by any passengers riding in the back. Currently, there are NONE for the back passengers...
8 - and this is just a "would be nice to have" - Nissan should have thought of a convenient place to locate a garage door opener - or if not that then an option to where a button in the vehicle could be programmed to open one's garage. Most other new vehicles now come with this standard.
9 - another "nice to have" - additional air vents in the back passenger area - I think I don't need to explain why.
10 - the Cargo Organizer is VERY cheaply put together and the fact that it straps down with flimsy velcro straps is not just cheesy but it makes the organizer actually not as sturdy as I personally would have preferred. The cargo area privacy screen was also done rather cheaply in my opinion but it's 'ok'...
11 - Offer more accessories that can be purchased as add ons - one big one for me is a good sunshade for the front windshield. The windshield on this vehicle is not a standard size so getting an aftermarket sunshield for this car has been challenging at best. It would be a great benefit - not to mention generate more sales - to be able to get a perfectly sized one directly from Nissan.
I am curious to know why the 4WD option didn't make it to the US. From everything I've heard - this option would do quite well here!
If Nissan ever offers this in a Hybrid version, I think sales would go through the roof! Also, the way the back door opens is pure genius!
One downside for me so far is that I haven't had the vehicle for a month yet and already it's in the shop. It stalled on me and then the check engine light came on. A part needs to be replaced (already) - an "intake sensor" - and I guess because the car is so new to the market, there are as of yet no parts in stock for such repairs... So now we're going on 5 days with my car at the dealership waiting for its part.
The dealership set me up with a loaner car - a Nissan Versa - which just so happens to be one of the cars I had been looking at when I decided on the Cube. I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad that I did not purchase the Versa. That vehicle is awful to drive. The visibility out of the back window is terrible and it feels like driving a tin can. The car itself gets easily strewn around the road at the slightest wind gust. Not fun at all. And no driver's arm-rests... Whose idea was that? It's awful!
I can't wait to get my Cube back!
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