I’ve been craving a new car for some time, waiting on the Nissan Cube to hit the states (2008) while hopping on the hybrid fuel Toyata Prius bandwagon, as everyone should, but the soon to be released Mini Clubman (stretched mini) has really caught my attention, being small, a bit boxy, and oddly cute like the other cars that I’ve pondered over such as the Scion Xb, Honda Element, and the o so small Smart Car. Of the bunch only the regular mini, xb, and Element are out. I think I can wait as the Mini Clubman (spring 2008) seriously rocks, but I’ve heard rumors that the Nissan Cube (late 2008) is suppose to be a hybrid, as it’s also a 4 door which I like… but the Clubman has this odd 3rd door on the passenger side, much like a secret VIP door to the back seat and some cool barn yard like back doors.
So what does it come down to for me and my next ride?…hmm, fuel economy, cool-oddness, space, fun, comfortable, and some sweet unusual extras.(yes, I know I’m kinda into this boxy pixel thing) Anyhoots, I thought I’d just share my thoughts with ya’ll, perhaps getting some input on what to do or any other thoughts on oddball sweet rides… ooo..Regular mini, Mini Clubman, xB, Cube3, Element, Smart, or I could always just settle with the square “Modular Car“!
Some pictures and links after the jump!
The Mini Clubman: Arrives in USA Spring of 2008
Mini Website
Image Gallery via AutoBlog
I’m seriously diggin the Clubman… The mini was great, but a bit tiny for my taste, but now the stretched mini offers up this kinda odd VIP door and barn doors…lots more space, in a compact car …I like!
Nissan Cube (Conran)
Cube Website (in japanese)
Conran Cube image
Wikipedia Cube
Images Gallery via Google Images
I’ve been waiting for the Cube to hit the states since 2002, and it’s finally being released in late 2008 in the States …there are some rumors that it’ll be a hybrid, but that is just speculation, though that would be a huge star for buying it. Very quirky..I love it!!!!!
Honda Element /SC
Element Website
Image gallery via ForbesAuto
I was craving the Cube since 2002 when it launched in japan, but the Element was the first somewhat boxy car to hit the states…has lots of cool odd features. I still like the Cube and Mini more, but it’s an option for a lower price.
Mercedes Smart Car
Smart Website
Images gallery via Google images
I’m not sure if the Smart would do justice to my needs, but I dig the sweet mileage!
Toyota Scion xB
xb Website and Gallery
Image Gallery via ForbesAuto
I somewhat liked the previous boxier model more..but i guess this ones a bit smoother, somewhat like the Cube. I’ve heard lots of great thigns about the previous Xb from friends, so…I’ll have to give this one a test run!
2009 Toyota Prius(100mpg!) Concept for now..booo…but it’s been delayed some…I like the whole cascading glass rooftop! I’ve been in a bunch of these…I love it for the tech and fuel economy, but the design i’ve never really dug…it’s okie, but something still yells ” I’m out of place”. This new design might be a bit more flattering if the glass on the roof don’t break all over the driver!
The Square Car, or the Modular car =) (haha..so cool!!)
marijnvanderpoll.com
Video
If I’m broke, I’ll do this one…not sure what kind of mileage I would get, but it would be a graffiti haven.
Any thoughts, tips, experiences?!?!?! help!
Hi, I’ve been enjoying your blog posts on various things.
I bought a new scion xb in 2006 (before the redesign.) I just love it. Very roomy inside and I like the odd quirkyness of the overall design. My only complaint is the 1.5 ltr engine, which means not got the greatest 0-60 ratio on the interstate and it REALLY doesn’t like big hills/mtns. Luckily, 99 percent of the time I’m a flatlander. I think the new ones have a bigger engine, so that solves that problem, although you dont’ get the good fuel economy you get with the smaller engine. Great flatlander city car. And I agree. I like the “look” before the redesign.
Good luck!
I loved the Cube car (if you can call it a car), does it run on liqued Syrofoam?
As they say these guys have way too much time on their hands…
Ann, thanks for hitting up my blog and your note.. I’m glad to hear you love your scion as most scion users have mentioned to me. I might dig the new scion, but I guess I’ll have to scope out for older new scion models first.
Ann: what other cars did you consider? Any other insights?
Jim..yeah, I think your talking about the “modular car” made from styrafoam..yeah, its a cool idea where buyers custom shape their own cars, but not a reality. But I do dig the “Nissan Cube”… i’vee been waiting for it for wayyyy to long….
I also have the previous generation Scion xB (2005 Release Series 2.0) and share the same thoughts as Ann. I was debating between the Mini Cooper S and xB and settled on the Scion since the Mini was a bit out of my price range at the time. Chances are that I’ll be looking into the Mini again when it comes time to shop for a car for my fiancé. Talking to some individuals who own Mini’s, they’re fun cars to drive and get decent mileage plus you get the white glove treatment from BMW Service.
The Smart Car would be first on my list if I lived in a city like San Francisco or New York just because of it’s small size. And if money was no option, I would opt for a Prius with a Plug-In conversion or shell out $30K to convert my xB to an electric via AC Propulsion’s eBox system. 🙂
tomas,
thanks for your note.
How roomy is the xb 05? Is the 08 xb even roomier?
I’m really diggin the Clubman and Nissan Cube, but so many people have pointed towards the xb. I’m all for a hybrid which is why i like the prous, but hopefully the rumored hybrid Cube is a truth.
Any other tips on the xb or other cars?
The previous version xB is deceivingly roomy for both driver and passenger, my only complaint is the actual “luggage space” between the rear seats and the hatchback. You could probably fit 3 carry-on sized suitcases without folding down the rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, I’ve been able to shove some pretty large items from IKEA and The Home Depot back there without issue. 😀 I wouldn’t have a clue about the new model though, I know it is supposed to be larger and more powerful – I would definitely see both the Nissan Cube and xB in person to see if it will accommodate your lifestyle.
And as I mentioned before about the Clubman and Mini in general, they’re fun to drive and good looking cars IMO; I’m about 90% sure that the Mini Cooper S will be the next car I own unless someone gives me a new Nissan GT-R for free. 😀
We looked at the Clubman, the xB, the Element, the Audi A3, and the VW GTI. Our other car being a TT, this one had to have some practicality, so it had to sit 4 people relatively comfortably. Out of the selection, the clubman is the worse for 4 passenger comfort, but we went with it anyway because it is just so fun to drive. You can feel people smiling at you (especially in yellow). We really liked the GTI with the bigger “Potato Cut” wheels, it drove awesome, and had the right mix of subtle designerlyness, but we were scared of by VW reliability. The A3 also drove well, and was the most lux of the group, but in the end felt a touch wagony and the front end a tad dated. The xB and Element just felt a bit more entry level than we wanted (both nice, and a lot cheaper). All in all, the clubman, optioned out the way we wanted it, was pushing 30k but was definitely the right choice for us. We tested its capacities during the last week when my parents stayed with us…. 3 months in, still loving it.
addicted the scion