Nissan Cube III (Z12) photos

Introduced in 2008, the third-generation Nissan Cube (Z12) evolved the playful, boxy styling of the Z11 while transitioning from a Japan-only vehicle into a global model offered in both right- and left-hand-drive markets. Constructed on an updated version of the Nissan B platform with a longer wheelbase and wider track, the Z12 five-door hatchback featured softer, more rounded body contours, wider door openings, and a Lounge-inspired cabin with sofa-style seating and ripple-patterned headliner trim. Notably, the asymmetrical wrap-around rear window and side-hinged tailgate were mirrored for left-hand-drive export markets to ensure curbside loading convenience, while the seven-seat Cubic body style from the previous generation was discontinued. Powertrain options varied significantly by region: Japanese market models relied on a refined 1.5-liter HR15DE four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an Xtronic CVT in front-wheel drive or e-4WD configurations. European buyers were offered a 1.6-liter HR16DE gasoline engine and a 1.5-liter dCi turbodiesel with manual or automatic gearboxes, whereas North American models came equipped with a larger 1.8-liter MR18DE four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual or Xtronic CVT. Throughout its eleven-year production span from 2008 to 2019, the Z12 received periodic mechanical refinements, efficiency upgrades such as idle stop-start in Japan, and numerous special-edition interior and exterior packages. Although exports to Europe and North America ended by 2011 and 2014 respectively, the Z12 remained on sale in Japan until late 2019.