Nissan  has released the first official U.S.-spec photos for the 2009 Nissan cube, the automaker's latest take on its box on wheels making its world debut at LA. The cube will start rolling on U.S. streets sometime in the spring. Nissan is billing the latest cube as the biggest and best version yet, with loads of new features and a larger cabin.
Powered by the 1.8L inline-four out of the Versa mated to Nissan's Xtronic CVT or a six-speed manual transmission, the cube will be available in both front drive or with an all-wheel-drive system Nissan calls e-4WD, which uses a rear-mounted electric motor to drive the rear wheels when the fronts begin to slip (because it eliminates the need for a prop shaft, the e-4WD system provides enhanced interior space). While EPA fuel economy numbers are not yet available, Nissan says that the CVT model will achieve over 30 mpg on the highway. Nissan will offer the cube in in three trims -- cube 1.8, cube 1.8 S and cube 1.8 SL -- and pricing will be announced closer to its spring showroom arrival.

2009 nissan cube