CHICAGO -- Nissan's tall, boxy Cube will carry a $14,685 base price when sales begin in early May.

"The car has a small footprint, but a big interior. It is functional and fashionable at the same time," said Rich Latek, Nissan's director of small car marketing, during a press event Tuesday night tied to the Chicago auto show.

The base price includes destination charges.

The Cube will be positioned above the Nissan Versa and below the Nissan Sentra.

The Cube shares a front-drive platform with the Versa. The car is aimed at Honda Fit and Scion xB and xD shoppers.

Latek said that next week Nissan will launch a Web page called "Reserve Your Cube" for interested shoppers.

"Those first in line will have an opportunity to spec-out a Cube, and get it as quickly, as easily and as hassle-free as possible," he said.

Nissan will stress personalization, offering over 40 accessories such as aero kits and a 20-color interior illumination package.

Nissan's recently created Specialty Vehicle Group will create two limited edition models, marketed under the Krom and Nizmo names. Nizmo is Nissan's performance brand.

"We're here to add a little excitement, add a little attitude to an already exciting vehicle," said Patrick Steiner, director, specialty vehicles. "They will come from the factory fully built."

Steiner said the Krom edition will be a little sportier while Nizmo will stress performance.

Without providing details, Steiner said "performance could come in horsepower, it could come in chassis tuning, it could come in body reinforcement."

The base Cube will be equipped with a 122-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable transmission is optional.