Road Test: 2014 Nissan Cube

As funny as it looks -- some of my co-workers call it a "clown car" -- the Nissan Cube just might be the perfect car for today's motorist.

The asymmetrical design at the rear, with the back glass wrapping around only on the passenger side, isn't for everyone. But I like it enough that I have to admit that I bought a Cube for myself.

To me, it looks great, it's fun to drive, and it's quite comfortable, even for bigger people.

Originally introduced for 2009, the Cube returns for 2014 with a beginning price of $16,760 for the base model with a six-speed manual transmission.

I'm partial to roomy SUV-type vehicles, particularly ones that let you sit up above most of the cars on the road, as the Cube does. It's funny that this vehicle is actually a compact, but it's so tall that I was seated at the same altitude as most of the minivans and larger SUVs.

There is room for up to five people, and 11.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the backseat. But that opens up to more than 58 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

Some of the extras do add some pizzazz to the car -- especially the wheels, as well as the Aerodynamic Kit, which adds body-side sills, a front chin spoiler, rear underbody protector and rear roof spoiler.

Nissan describes the Cube, which is aimed at young men (18-25), as yet another "mobile device" to help them connect with their friends, billing it as a "lounge on wheels."

The Cube is similar in design and concept to Toyota's Scion xB and the Kia Soul. Its charm is the asymmetrical, boxy exterior, which gives it the clownish look that makes it hard to go unnoticed among the bland and boring cars that dominate the auto landscape.

Under the hood of all models is a 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter, double-overhead-cam, in-line four-cylinder engine, the same one used in the Nissan Versa subcompact. EPA ratings are 25 mpg city/30 highway with the manual, and 27/31 with the CVT.

While it's no speed demon, the Cube has plenty of power for everyday driving. The manual gearbox is tight and easy to shift, and allows the driver to get the most out of the little engine. But the CVT is the best choice. It's quite smooth, with no discernible shift points, and there doesn't seem to be any loss of power compared with the manual version.

The interior is cavernous for a car with such a small exterior profile. Rear passengers have plenty of knee room. Taller folks will like the high roof, which allows them to ride without having their hair brushing the headliner.

2014 NISSAN CUBE

Base price: $16,760

Price as tested: $22,040

Engine: 1.8-liter four-cylinder

Power/torque: 122 horsepower/127 pound-feet

Length: 156.7 inches

Curb weight: 2,762-2,864 pounds

Cargo volume: 11.4 cubic feet (behind second seat); 58.1 cubic feet (rear seat folded)

EPA fuel economy: 25 mpg city/30 highway (manual); 27/31 (CVT)

Bottom line: Odd, but fun to drive.