With its unusual box-like shape, the 2012 Nissan Cube is the latest edition of the model first released in 2009. Quirky in appearance, the Cube has become known as a spacious, reliable and unique small car with imaginative advertising. Designed more for an eye-catching look than speed or performance, you either love it or hate it. For those it attracts, its low $14,750 price tag makes it worth its money.

The 2012 Nissan Cube comes in three trims: 1.8 Base, 1.8 S and 1.8 SL. This is just one level less than the 2011 model, which had a premium trim known as the 1.8 S Krom. All three trims come with 1.8-liter DOHC inline-4 gas engines. The engine produces a decent 122 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, with 127 ft-lbs of torque at 4,800 rpm. This may not seem like much, but it’s more than enough for a fun compact car. In the Base and S trims the Nissan Cube has six-speed manual transmissions, while the premium SL trim comes with a variable speed automatic, which actually improves fuel economy.

With 13.2 gallon gas tanks, the Base and S trim 2012 Cubes have a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the open road. Using the automatic transmission, the SL trim produces 27 mpg in the city and up to 31 mpg on the open road. Its unique shape means that the cube is economic at low speeds, making it the ideal inner city model.

Overall, the Nissan Cube is a fun, compact hatchback-type vehicle with generous internal space, an economic engine and head turning looks. With a low basic price, the extras you get include an array of safety features and basic radio features. To get extras such as Bluetooth and iPod input you do have to invest in either the S or SL trims, but as a quirky city runaround car, the 2012 Nissan Cube is well worth consideration.