JAPAN: Nissan Motor today revealed the all-new, third generation of its highly successful Nissan Cube in launch events in Japan, the United States and Europe.

The fully redesigned Cube continues the iconic "cubic" styling of the previous generation, adding a higher level of refinement and polish inside and out.

Sales of the new Cube will begin in Japan on Nov 26, followed by North American in the spring of 2009, and Europe and other global markets in fall 2009.

Originally launched in 1998, the Cube has sold nearly one million units to date in Japan.

The latest version maintains the distinctive exterior styling that is instantly recognizable as the Cube, such as the asymmetric rear end, while pursuing a simpler, more universal design for its debut on the world stage.

It offers greater comfort, a larger cabin and a host of innovative interior details such as sofa-like seating, a large glass roof panel that extends over the driver's seat for an open, airy view of the outside environment, and a shoji-style roof shade that fills the cabin with gentle light.

Despite its increased roominess, the new Cube remains less than four meters long, providing big utility within a small physical footprint. With its excellent visibility and maneuverability, along with smooth performance and high fuel efficiency, the new Cube is a high-performance daily driver created to be enjoyed by value-conscious buyers worldwide.

Said Yosuke Iwasa, Segment Chief Product Specialist, ""The new Cube is designed for people who imagine a life less ordinary, who have grown tired of the never-ending pursuit of faster, more powerful, more outrageously styled cars."

"The quieter, more harmonious qualities of the Cube have attracted interest not only among young people, but for those in every walk of life."

Seiji Watanabe, Associate Product Chief Designer, added, "The new Cube is a refined car of universal quality and appeal, that can compete without 'makeup' or excessive decoration."

In what seems to be a Zen-like approach to design, "the development concept took the approach of 'purifying' the Cube design, rather than "evolving" it."

Seiji Watanabe stated that they wanted to "simplify its exterior" using fewer lines and widening certain areas.

"It is a vehicle for people who are not being influenced by others, who go their own way, and enjoy interactions with friends in a welcoming atmosphere."