Nissan Cube I (Z10) photos

Launched in 1998, the first-generation Nissan Cube carrying the Z10 chassis code was developed to bridge the gap between the subcompact Nissan March (known globally as the K11 Micra) and larger family minivans. Sharing its underlying platform and mechanical architecture with the second-generation March, the Z10 Cube featured a distinctive tall five-door hatchback body style with upright pillars, a flat roofline, and expansive glass surfaces. This packaging maximized interior headroom and cabin versatility while preserving a compact exterior footprint suited for congested city streets. At launch, power came from a 1.3-liter CG13DE inline-four gasoline engine paired with either a conventional four-speed automatic transmission or Nissan's continuously variable transmission (CVT). While front-wheel drive was standard across the lineup, all-wheel-drive variants were also offered to handle snowy road conditions. During its production run from 1998 to 2002, the Z10 underwent mid-cycle updates that introduced the revised 1.3-liter CGA3DE engine—including a supercharged variant for improved torque—alongside updated front grilles, refreshed bumper designs, and upgraded interior upholstery and storage solutions. Although the Z10 generation was officially marketed only as a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) model, its practical cabin layout, flat cargo floor, and straightforward mechanicals made it a popular gray-market import in various right-hand-drive countries and Eastern markets.