When there is only a single example of a car in the entire country, there’s something vaguely intimidating about driving it. You really don’t want to be the first to break it—especially in front of scores of other journalists and auto industry-types at the International Motor Press Association (IMPA) Spring Brake event.

We had an opportunity to drive the lone Nissan Cube in the United States last week at the IMPA green-car gathering for media at Bear Mountain State Park, New York, and I’m pleased to report that neither my colleagues nor I broke it. And while the one we drove may be the only Cube here right now, I suspect it may have lots of company once North American sales begin in early 2009.

Shipped over from Japan where it’s been a hit with buyers since 2002, the right-hand-drive example we sampled is not the version we will see here. But we’re told the new Cube will be similar in size, retaining its boxy, funky look and feel that’s reminiscent of the first-generation Scion xB. In fact, fans of the first xB who were disappointed by the new, larger, and less fuel-efficient model may be among the first to sign up for a Cube.

Like the xB, the wee Cube has a remarkable amount of room inside, with comfortable seating for four. Rear seats fold to accommodate longer cargo, and lots of glass area give the Cube an airy feel, with excellent visibility.

Powered by a 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine matched with a four-speed automatic transmission, performance is adequate, though not breathtaking. But that’s not what the Cube is about. The Cube is fun to drive, it’s different, and it’s practical. In addition, this model demonstrated a clever, electric-generator-powered all-wheel-drive system that could provide extra traction without the traditional driveline weight, or a large battery pack. Better still, a Nissan representative tells us to expect fuel economy in the 35 to 40-mpg range when the new Cube arrives here.

That could have a lot of buyers thinking inside the Cube. 

—Jim Travers

Read about the Nissan Denki Cube concept at the 2008 New York auto show.

Also, see coverage of the production model at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and pricing announcement.