Tokyo - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the domestic release of the new Cube following the implementation of a minor model change.

As part of the improvements made this time, the Cube adopts the newly developed 1.3-liter class HYPER CVT continuously variable transmission. This new CVT unit improves start-off acceleration performance and driveability at very low vehicle speeds as well as providing approximately 10% better fuel economy than the previous N-CVT. Moreover, X and S models are available with the HYPER CVT-M6 featuring a 6-speed manual shift mode that enables drivers to enjoy sporty driving performance.

Newly added 4WD models combine the HYPER CVT with the compact, lightweight Auto Control 4WD system that has been highly acclaimed on the Wingroad and the Serena. These cutting-edge technologies provide low fuel consumption combined with smooth, powerful driving performance.

Engine displacement has also been increased to deliver greater power and torque for nimbler driving performance with quicker throttle response.

Changes to the exterior and interior trim include the adoption of Sky Blue Pearl Metallic and Storm Gray Titanium Pearl Metallic as two new body colors and the use of different seat and door trim fabrics. Various equipment improvements have also been made for enhanced convenience and comfort. Standard features on all models now include a seat lifter mechanism for the driver's seat and an electromagnetic glass hatch release that can be operated from the driver's seat. Additionally, X and S models also come with a multi-remote control entry system and rear seat pillows, among other convenience appointments.

All Cube models comply with Japan's 2000 exhaust emission regulations and also meet Japan's Transitional Low-Emission Vehicle (J-TLEV) exhaust gas levels, which require a further 25% reduction of hydrocarbon (HC) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from next year's standards. The J-TLEV levels are specified by the Environment Agency's technical guidelines on exhaust emissions of low-pollution vehicles.

Overview of New Cube

1. Adoption of new 1.3-liter class HYPER CVT
The new HYPER CVT adopts a torque converter for enhanced start-off acceleration performance and improved driveability at very low vehicle speeds. It also incorporates full electronic control of speed ratio changes to achieve approximately a 10% improvement in fuel economy over the existing N-CVT.

Moreover, X and S models are available with the HYPER CVT-M6 featuring a 6-speed manual shift mode operated by steering wheel-mounted switches. This unit allows drivers to enjoy sporty driving performance with the pleasure of manual shifting.

2. Addition of 4WD models
The new 4WD models adopt the Auto Torque Control (ATC) coupling for optimal distribution of drive torque to the front and rear wheels according to the road surface condition and vehicle speed. The 4WD unit has also been substantially reduced in size and weight by integrating the final drive unit with the coupling and by using a three-joint propeller shaft, thereby achieving superb driving performance together with low fuel consumption. Moreover, the 4WD system is combined with the HYPER CVT, enabling the 4WD models to deliver smooth, powerful driving performance combined with excellent fuel economy.

3. Improved engine power and torque
The displacement of the engine has been increased from 1.274 to 1.348 liters, boosting its power from 60 to 63 kW (82 to 85 PS)* and its torque from 106 to 120 Nm (10.8 to 12.2 kgm)*.
*The International System of Units (SI) has been adopted for indicating engine power and torque in line with the international standardization of measurement units. Accordingly, the previously used PS unit for engine power and kgm unit for engine torque have been changed to kilowatts (kW) and newton-meters (Nm), respectively. Power and torque figures are converted according to 1 PS = 0.7355 kW and 1 kgm = 9.80655 Nm and are expressed as whole numbers rounded off to the nearest integer.

4. Exterior and interior trim
Two new colors, Storm Gray Titanium Pearl Metallic and Sky Blue Pearl Metallic, have been added to the body color selection.

The seat and door trim fabrics have been changed, and a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel is now available.

Standard equipment on all models now includes a seat lifter mechanism for the driver's seat and a glass hatch lease that can be operated from the driver's seat. Additionally, X and S models have a standard multi-remote control entry system incorporating an indicator lamp for confirming the door status. These and other measures have been taken to expand the equipment roster and improve functionality.

5. Environmental friendliness
All Cube models are in compliance with Japan's 2000 exhaust emission regulations. Moreover, they also comply with the J-TLEV exhaust gas levels specified by the Environment Agency's technical guidelines on exhaust emissions of low-pollution vehicles which require a further 25% reduction of HC and NOx emissions from the 2000 standards. Additionally, all Cube models meet the standards of the designated low-pollution vehicle system adopted by seven prefectures and cities in the Kanto region and those of the designated low-NOx vehicle system adopted by six prefectures and cities in the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe region.

Under Japan's revised fiscal 1999 tax code, the Cube qualifies for a reduction of the automobile acquisition tax as a preferential tax measure for low pollution vehicles. The automobile acquisition tax on vehicles complying with Japan's 2000 exhaust emission standards will be reduced by 1% until September 30, 2000. From October 1, 2000 to February 28, 2001, the tax will be reduced by 0.1% for vehicles in compliance with these regulations.

Price Range and Sales Target
The new Cube is priced in a range from 1,148,000 yen to 1,656,000 yen nationwide. Nissan projects a monthly sales volume of 7,000 units.

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE CUBE
Grade X (2WD HYPER CVT-M6)
Overall Length (mm) 3,750
Overall Width (mm) 1,610
Overall Height (mm) 1,625
Wheel base (mm) 2,360
Track Front (mm) 1,375 Rear (mm) 1,335
Ground Clearance (mm) 145
Curb Weight (kg) 980
Turning Radius (m) 5.0
Steering Rack & Pinion with power assistance
Suspension Front Independent. struts Rear 5-link coil springs
Brakes Front Ventilated disks Rear Leading-trailing
Tires Front 175/60R14 Rear 175/60R14
Engine
Type CGA3DE DOHC, In-line 4
Displacement (cc) 1,348 Bore x Stroke (mm) 72.0 x 82.8
Max. Power (kW/rpm) 63/6,000
Max. Torque (Nm/rpm) 120/4,000
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Induction EGI (ECCS)
Transmission
HYPER CVT-M6 (with a six-speed manual shift mode)
Transmission
Gear ratio
Forward 2.432-0.442
Reverse 1.931
Final 5.246 1st 2.432 2nd 1.634 3rd 1.160 4th 0.938 5th 0.732 6th 0.531

In conjunction with the minor model change implemented for the Cube, Autech Japan, Inc., a Nissan affiliate, today released throughout Japan the Cube Rider and Cube Premium, both of which feature special specifications, and the Cube Enchante and Cube Driving Helper lifecare vehicles*. The specifications and appointments of all these models have been further improved and expanded. Moreover, Rider models are now available with the "Rider Genuine Leather Selection" package.
*Nissan Group companies use the term lifecare vehicle (LV) to refer to vehicles that are specifically designed to assist persons with special mobility needs in their everyday lives.

Overview of New Cube Rider/Rider Genuine Leather Selection and Cube Premium

The newly added "Rider Genuine Leather Selection" package adopts exclusive white genuine leather seats and SUPPLALE¨ door trim and an exclusive genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel (white and black two-tone) as specifications for further enhancing a distinct customized look. (SUPPLALE¨ is a registered trademark of Idemitsu Petrochemical Co.,Ltd.)
Other improvements made to the Rider's specifications include the adoption of six speakers, instead of the four-speaker system used previously, and the application of a handsome silver color to the heater control dial.

Price Range
The new Cube Rider is priced in a range from 1,398,000 yen to 1,636,000 yen. The new Cube Rider Genuine Leather Selection is priced in a range from 1,498,000 yen to 1,736,000 yen.
The new Cube Premium is priced in a range from 1,498,000 yen to 1,721,000 yen.

Overview of New Cube Enchante and Cube Driving Helper

The Cube Enchante is specifically designed for people who experience difficulty in entering and exiting vehicles, such as persons who feel knee or hip pain as a result of increasing age or have leg disabilities. To facilitate easy ingress/egress, it is fitted with a "swivel passenger's seat" that can be turned and pulled outside the vehicle manually. The swivel angle has been increased from 60 to 80 to make entering and exiting even easier than before.

The Cube Driving Helper is fitted with various driving assistance features that enable persons with leg disabilities to drive, including manual controls for operating the accelerator and brakes by hand. In addition, a Driving Helper Wheelchair Hoist is also available as a Japan Autech option. This ceiling-mounted power hoist, a Japan first, makes it easy to lift a wheelchair into the rear-seat space.

Price Range and Sales Target
The new Cube Enchante is priced in a range from 1,148,000 yen to 1,656,000 yen.
The new Cube Driving Helper is priced in a range from 1,438,000 yen to 1,661,000 yen.