Gift Boxes

When it comes to a few new car designs, the shape of the season offers some nice surprises.
By Alan Rider

With gift-giving season fast approaching, let’s take a moment to consider the underappreciated gift box. So pretty in its bright shiny wrappings, so eminently practical underneath and yet so often overlooked in our rush to get to the goodies contained therein. Well, we think it’s time that boxes get their due, specifically for their inspiration behind three of our favorite new boxy models that are guaranteed to be as much fun as whatever holiday loot you can stuff inside.

Nissan Cube
Got a quirky sense of humor? Like to stand out in a crowd? Have we got the car for you.

Admittedly, the all-new Nissan Cube is one of those polarizing designs that people will either love or hate on first sight. We happen to love it, but not just because of its refreshingly standout styling.

Get past the double-take-inducing looks, and you’ll find that the Cube is actually a surprisingly capable little vehicle. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine gives this rounded-off little box decent performance and very good fuel economy when fitted with the available continuously variable automatic transmission. A fully independent suspension adds a remarkably smooth ride and capable, if not exactly sporty, handling.

A side benefit of the Cube’s boxy design is an interior with way more head- and legroom than you’d expect in a car this size. Swing open the side-hinged rear door and fold down the 60/40-split rear seatbacks, and the Cube will cart home the bulkiest holiday spoils we can imagine.

Put it all together, and the Cube manages to pull off that all-too-rare combination of style and substance. Or, to put another way, it puts the “fun” in both funky and functional.

Strengths:
• Cartoonish styling gives the Cube a definite “wow” factor.
• Exceptionally smooth ride
• Roomy, comfortable interior

Weaknesses:
• Handling is just so-so.
• Front seats need more lumbar support.
• Lack of a flat load floor limits cargo-carrying capability.

Bottom line: Count on the Cube’s unique looks to be the genesis of conversations with complete strangers.

Pricing:
• Base Price: $16,790
• As Tested: $19,930

Safety: • Safety features: Antilock brakes, electronic stability control, multistage front airbags, side-impact airbags (front seats), side-curtain airbags, tire pressure-monitoring system
• Crash ratings: Not yet tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

M.P.G., city/hwy: 28/30

Also consider: Honda Element, Suzuki SX4 Crossover




Kia Soul
Say the word “soul,” and we immediately think of James Brown. Or at least we did before Kia’s new Soul crossover came along.

Now here’s the weird part. Even though comparing this Korean compact to the Godfather of Soul may seem like a stretch, we think the four-wheeled Soul and the Hardest Working Man in Show Business actually have quite a bit in common.

For starters, there’s the flamboyance factor. One look at the Soul’s wedge-shaped profile, bold design and 18-inch wheels, and it’s clear that this is not a vehicle for those looking to blend in.

The Soul’s just as flashy inside. The Sport model we drove featured an interior done up in sharp red-and-black upholstery and fitted with a 315-watt stereo that includes speakers ringed with bright LED lights that pulsate in time with the music.

One area, however, in which the Soul doesn’t quite measure up to Mr. Dynamite in his prime is in its performance. Frankly, the 142-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine just isn’t all that exciting. That said, it does deserve a big round of applause for its very respectable fuel economy.

Add Kia’s standard 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, and the Soul might just have you humming “I feel good!”

Strengths:
• Great bang for the buck
• Two-tone interior with pulsating speaker lights
• Long warranty gives extra peace of mind.

Weaknesses:
• Performance and handling lack pizzazz.
• Rock-hard plastic on center armrest

Bottom line: Funky styling may get your attention, and a low MSRP and long list of standard features will keep it.

Pricing:
• Base price: $13,300
• As tested: $18,420

Safety:
• Safety features: Antilock brakes, electronic stability control, multistage front airbags, side-impact airbags (front seats), side-curtain airbags, active front head restraints, tire pressure-monitoring system

• Crash ratings: NHTSA/Frontal—5 stars; NHTSA/Side—5 stars (front seat passengers)/4 stars (rear seat passengers). Not yet tested by IIHS.

M.P.G., city/hwy: 24/30

Also consider: Nissan Versa, Honda Fit



Scion xB
When we look at the new second-generation Scion xB, we don’t see a car. We see one of those slab-sided shuttlecrafts from the James T. Kirk-era Starship Enterprise.

Okay, so we’ve seen way too many Star Trek reruns. Still, there’s no denying that this second-generation of the car that started this whole boxes-on-wheels trend has taken on a particularly futuristic look.

While it won’t achieve warp speed, the xB’s 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine actually feels pretty gutsy compared with those in other boxes we’ve driven. A relatively firm suspension, responsive steering and strong four-wheel disc brakes also make it feel a lot sportier than you’d expect.

When it comes to inner space, the xB’s surprisingly roomy cabin features a backseat big enough for a couple of fully grown Klingons. Flip those 60/40-split rear seats forward, and you get a nice flat load floor with room for a whopping 69.9 cubic feet of tribbles or more earthly cargo.

All in all, we think the xB makes an ideal way to transport your crew members and their gear to strange new worlds. Even if it only means boldly going to grandma’s house for Thanksgiving dinner.

Strengths:
• Excellent “Top Safety Pick” rating in IIHS crash tests
• Humongous interior for such a small car
• Engine/suspension make it surprisingly fun to drive.

Weaknesses:
• Not quite as attention-getting as the first-generation
• Some may find center-mounted gauges distracting.
• Sun visors are not long enough to cover side windows.

Bottom line: Spacious cabin, sporty performance and excellent crash safety ratings make the xB a standout in this class.

Pricing:
• Base price: $16,700
• As tested: $19,165

Safety:
• Safety features: Antilock brakes, electronic stability control, multistage front airbags, side-impact airbags (front seats), side-curtain airbags, tire pressure-monitoring system
• Crash ratings: NHTSA/Frontal—4 stars; NHTSA/Side—5 stars; IIHS/Frontal—Good; IIHS/Side—Good.

M.P.G., city/hwy: 22/28

Also consider: Mini Cooper Clubman, Chevrolet HHR

Solutions AAA’s Vehicle Buying Program can save you time, money and aggravation. Find out how by calling 877/222-9901, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. or visiting AAA.com/autobuying.