The Nissan Roox channels the Cube in spirit

Remember the Nissan Cube? It was a small MPV that was exclusive to the Japanese and North American markets until it was eventually discontinued in 2019. Well, it seems to be back, at least in spirit, with the latest version of the Nissan Roox kei van.

Co-developed with Mitsubishi Motors, which will be selling it as the eK Space, the Nissan Roox is one model that we’d be very interested to find in our market. It just received a heavy update that will definitely grab your attention with its cute and playful looks.

Based on the design concept of Roomy x Max, the Roox gets a more playful and robotic-looking exterior that somewhat pays homage to the Nissan Cube MPV from yesteryear. 

That’s obvious from its generally rounded-square motif that’s incorporated not only to the body, but also to the headlights, which are integrated into a large front grille with a square pattern, vertical taillights, windows, and even on the 15-inch two-tone wheels.

The theme continues on the inside, where the rounded squares can also be found on the headrests and digital instrument cluster. The overall interior design takes some cues from the Serena minivan, and Nissan is flexing its 2,315mm interior length, which allows the Roox to have best-in-class rear seat knee room and cargo space, and also allows it to comfortably accommodate up to four adults. 

It features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is a first for the kei car segment, and is integrated with Google Built-In and adopts the NissanConnect operating system.

Detailed powertrain specifications have not yet been announced, but we’re expecting it to remain powered by a 658cc engine that produces 53 horsepower and 60Nm of torque, mated to a CVT.

Nissan has also given the Roox some advanced safety equipment such as a 360-degree view camera (not that you need it in a small car like this) that now gets an Invisible Hood View, Nissan’s ProPILOT system which includes Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB), Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention (BSI), and Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

The kei van segment is still one vehicle class we’re hoping will eventually (and legally) find its way into the Philippine market. Unfortunately, that will indefinitely remain a dream, so we are still unlikely to see models such as the Roox in the Philippine market, unless Nissan suddenly decides to make it in left-hand drive.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, pricing for the new Nissan Roox will start at 1.6-million yen or about Php 615,000 in today’s exchange rates.

_{Photos from Nissan}