Among the 40 debuts at the L.A. Auto Show this year, one typical "Gen Y" car stood out among the rest. The look may be trendy but the style is all it's own. We first saw similar style cars venture over from Japan in the early 2000's.

I speak of the new to North America Nissan Cube. The original Cube was released in 1998 across the Pacific in Japan. it wasn't until the just released third generation that we got to see this vehicle on U.S. soil.

This is a a box on wheels like it's direct competition (Kia Soul, Honda Element, Toyota xB) but with a bit of flare. What caught my eye are the lines throughout the car, from oval-edged windows to a rounded dash. Think of an xB with major influence from the Jetson's. Literally if I gave an 8-year old a piece of paper and pencil and ask he draw a car, this is what it would look like.

Now I'm not sure if the Cube will transcend the target audience as the Element and xB did, but I am willing to bet it will have a sure following. With a 122-horsepower 4 cylinder and 6 speed transmission, you should see 30+ miles per gallon.

If you want the modern mini SUV for junior, look no further. It might be labeled as a box, but it is drawn outside the lines of most. The Cube will hit your local dealer in April 2009. The rumored price is to be around $15,000.

Motor on,

Lance

Check out my video on the Cube from the L.A. Auto Show here

Find out more about the 2009 Cube at Nissan USA