Nissan Cube EX (BZ11)
A refrigerator-style side-hinged hatch and a window that wraps around one rear corner turned this little box into a rolling room.
Early Nissan Cube Z11 · TaitaFkm · CC BY-SA 3.0
Research pending
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More than a set of wheels.
Nissan launched the second-generation Cube across Japan on October 8, 2002 under the 'Magical Box' idea. It was shorter than the previous Cube but stretched its wheelbase, moved the wheels toward the corners and built a calm, sofa-like cabin inside. The EX paired the 1.4-liter engine with either a four-speed automatic or a CVT; this profile follows the CVT-M6 version shown in Nissan's launch material.
Look a little closer.
The rear door swings sideways like a refrigerator door, making it easier to open in a low-ceiling garage—but it also needs clear space behind the car.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
Why the back is deliberately lopsided
Nissan described the Z11's exterior as a functional left-right asymmetric design built from squares with rounded corners. The glass wraps around one rear corner while the other side carries a solid pillar and door hinge. That creates a memorable shape and supports the side-opening hatch instead of copying a normal top-hinged tailgate.
Source: Nissan Global Newsroom · Nissan releases all-new Cube ↗More room from almost the same footprint
The launch Cube measured only 3,730 mm long, yet its wheelbase grew by 70 mm and rear overhang was trimmed. A 220 mm sliding rear seat could trade knee room for cargo room, up to Nissan's quoted 460-liter VDA maximum. The packaging lesson is simple: moving seats and axles can matter more than making the whole car longer.
Source: Nissan Global Newsroom · 2002 Cube launch packaging ↗Where these facts come from
- Nissan Global Newsroom · Nissan releases all-new Cube
- Nissan Global Newsroom Japan · New Cube launch
- Nissan Heritage Collection · Cube 2WD SX 70th-II BZ11
- JATCO archive · New belt CVT for the 2002 Cube
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 30, 2026.