Automotive
Nissan Cube Z12: Quirky Innovation Meets Urban Practicality - Secured by SherlockLock, Your Certified Automotive Locksmith
When Nissan launched the third generation Cube at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, it wasn’t just introducing another compact vehicle - it was making a bold statement. In a market dominated by conformity, the Cube dared to be different. Designed with congested cities in mind, this boxy hatchback offered a creative solution for people who spend more time in traffic than on the open road.
With decades of expertise crafting small vehicles - particularly Japan’s kei-class cars - Nissan aimed to expand its success globally. After brief lifespans for the first two Cube generations (1998 and 2002), Nissan introduced the Z12 Cube, a more refined and spacious version of the original concept, optimized for international markets.
But turning a small car into a spacious, livable space came with aesthetic compromises. The Cube's front fascia featured a mask-like grille and headlight design that gave it a playful, cartoonish character. A tall bumper, optional fog lamps, and auxiliary cooling grille added function over form, making the quirky design unmistakable on city streets.
In profile, the Cube fully lived up to its name - its boxy silhouette featured a short overhang, steep windshield, and tall greenhouse, highlighted by a panoramic glass roof above the front seats. The design smoothed out harsh lines with soft window corners and asymmetrical styling at the rear, where a thicker driver-side rear pillar supported a wraparound rear window. Accessibility was also a strong suit, thanks to wide doors and elevated seats that eased entry and exit.
Inside, Nissan elevated the Cube’s cabin with a unique, jacuzzi-inspired layout. Wave-shaped surfaces, a floating dashboard, multiple storage compartments, and playful design touches made the interior genuinely relaxing. A pair of bucket or bench front seats, a versatile rear bench, and a paper-style sunshade over the panoramic roof enhanced the car’s urban lounge feel. Though compact, the rear cargo space was enough for groceries or daily errands - just what urban dwellers needed.
Underneath the design was a proven platform shared with the Nissan Micra, offering two reliable engine options: a 1.5-liter CVT and a 1.6-liter manual variant. The Cube emphasized efficiency and maneuverability rather than performance, making it perfect for tight city streets and short commutes.
But owning a distinct vehicle like the Cube means you need a locksmith who understands specialty vehicles - and that’s where SherlockLock comes in.
As Boston’s certified and trusted automotive locksmith, SherlockLock provides key fob programming, smart key replacement, ignition repair, and emergency lockout services tailored to rare and iconic models like the Nissan Cube. Our technicians are trained to handle unique key systems and entry mechanisms, offering peace of mind whether you're driving a third-gen Cube or any other compact import.
Wherever your Cube takes you - whether parked at a city café or cruising the urban grid - SherlockLock keeps your vehicle secure, accessible, and protected with unmatched expertise.
SherlockLock - the smart choice for unique vehicles and discerning drivers.
