Being square has never been so cool – or not.

Earlier this week in Chicago, Nissan announced that the all-new 2009 Nissan Cube would have a starting MSRP price of $13,990 and North American sales would begin in May. The 2009 Nissan Cube will be offered in four versions: cube 1.8, cube 1.8 S, cube 1.8 SL and cube 1.8 Krom. The new cube Krom, which was developed by Nissan’s new Specialty Vehicles Group, will feature exclusive exterior and interior treatments.

The Cube will be available with more than 40 individual accessories, ranging from a unique 20-color interior illumination kit and shag carpeting instrument panel inserts to aerodynamic body kits and custom 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, which allows cube owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and personalities.

A new “Reserve Your Cube” program, which allows consumers to research and reserve the cube of their choice, will begin later in the month, following the release of complete cube model and option package pricing.

The Krom

The Krom starts with the extensive list of cube 1.8 S model standard features, then adds a 3-bar chrome grille, 2-bar chrome front bumper grille, fully integrated front and rear fascias, body side sills, unique rear roof spoiler, exclusive 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and Krom rear emblem.

For fun kicks, the Krom also offers a Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, an upgraded audio system with six speakers, Interface System for iPod, Titanium interior trim accents, sporty aluminum trimmed pedals, interior illumination system and automatic temperature control.

The Krom is expected to get 30 mpg Highway and it comes with a standard new-generation Nissan Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission.

Personalization and Accessories

The new Nissan cube interior offers room for five, floating meter pod” driver’s area and “lounge sofa” style sliding and reclining rear bench seat.

Among the items designed to accentuate cube unique design approach are “shag dash topper” instrument panel inserts, which fit into the top center of the instrument panel; “front door bungees,” which are colorful elastic straps that slip into cutouts on the door armrests to secure items such as maps and photos; and an Interior illumination kit, which provides a changeable 20-color palette of accent lighting under the instrument panel and in the center console cup holder.

Other interior accessories announced include illuminated stainless kick plates, drilled stainless pedal covers, rear cargo area organizer and interior trim appliqués available in four body-matching colors and a sleek, carbon fiber look. Exterior accessories include a front chin spoiler, rear underspoiler, side body sills, rear roof spoiler, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, nose mask, side window deflectors, vehicle cover and fog lights.

A number of accessories have been grouped into special packages; the Interior Designer Package, the Interior Illumination Package and the Ginormous Package, all feature a range of items including the aero body kit and interior accent lighting.

So what do Cars for Girls readers think of Nissan’s new ride?  To me, it’s like an updated version of the 1970′s van, but with the personalization included in the packaging.  I’m not sure that’s so fun.

To see photos and to get more information (including a 3-D brochure), visit NissanUSA.com.

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