IT’S unmissable, unforgettable and going to make its mark on Britain this year, if only in modest numbers.

The cute Nissan Cube is perfectly formed, distinguished by an asymmetric rear window and what has become a cult hit in its native Japan over the past seven years is destined to do the same here in its third- generation guise.

In fact, named by the London Design Museum as “one of the 50 cars that changed the world”, the attraction is already evident from grey imports of second-generation models which are enjoying strong residual values.

FACTPACK: NISSAN CUBE

• Style: Five-door, five-seat city car

• Engine: 1.6 petrol with 1.5 diesel to follow in May

• Transmission: Six-speed manual CVT auto £1,000 option

• Economy: 42.8mpg combined (petrol)

• Price: From £14,000

• On sale: Now

Yes, it is a variant on the city car, but despite compact exterior dimensions it’s roomy inside and, as I discovered driving in serious traffic in London’s East End and out into Essex, it drives and handles very well on its wheel-at-each-corner platform maximising interior space.

That wrap-around rear/nearside window enhances visibility when parking, lane-changing and driving in tight traffic, while the rear fifth door is side-hinged with three stay positions for loading and unloading in tight parking bays where you couldn’t open a hatch.

Cube joins the Pixo, Micra and Note in Nissan’s small car segment as a friendly-faced rival to iconic modern individualistic motors like the Mini, Toyota iQ, Kia Soul and Citroen C3 Picasso.

But it’s not small, seating four or five in comfort – with real sprung upholstery – and with prices from £14,000 it’s not cheap or spartan but simple and fun, and despite five doors you don’t need a family to enjoy it.

The standard Cube includes the glass roof, 16in alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, electronic stability program (ESP), i-Key with start/stop button – allowing vehicle unlocking/locking even when the key is in a pocket or bag – manual air conditioning, Bluetooth and cruise control.

Spend a little more and you can upgrade to Kaizen trim. Available from £15,100, this adds the Nissan Connect audio and navigation system, a rear parking camera, automatic headlights and wipers and full climate control to the lengthy standard equipment list.

The engine range is just as simple: Nissan’s 1.6-litre 108bhp petrol engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, gives the Cube emissions as low as 151g/km and combined fuel economy as high as 42.8mpg.

Constantly variable (CVT) automatic transmission adds £1,000, to be followed soon by a manual-only 1.5 litre diesel at £15,200 in May.

The Cube is set to remain a cult phenomenon in its first year as only around 2,000 will find their way to the UK.

As a design exercise it has been very thoroughly thought through, bringing a smile at every curve from the droopy-jowled bulldog face to the Jennifer Lopez-inspired – honest! – curvy rear surrounding a Jacuzzi-inspired cabin.

Overhead the sunroof is rippled, shaded by a rice paper effect screen. The instrument dials in brown and blue have a moon and earth connotation.

Nothing about Nissan’s new Cube is conventional. Chic, classy, timeless design has never been provided in a less pretentious package. Turning its back on the average look- alike model, the Cube offers a unique solution for 21st- century drivers.

Yes, you’ll find it in the car park – just behind the crowd.