The all-new 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan holds a distinction many carmakers covet – it is the lowest-priced new car available in the USA. You can buy a new Versa for just $10,990 for the base model. Built at the Nissan factory in Aguascalientes, Mexico, this is the second-generation Versa. It offers low price, great fuel economy and a roomy 4-door package that seats five adults.
We tested the Versa 1.6 S model with automatic transmission and little other options – except perhaps the floor mats. It’s been a long time since I’ve driven a true base model anything, but I was pleased with the included standard equipment (like air conditioning) and impressed with the rear legroom and cavernous trunk. A goofy discovery was the placement of the owners-manual in the trunk – in a neat specially-fitted carrier mounted to the side. I’m not sure how Nissan expects an owner to access it from inside the cabin, but perhaps that’s why the rear seats fold down?
Versa is known for being small on the outside, but big on the inside. It’s much roomier and comfortable on the inside than expected. The trunk – and even the glove box – are as big as many mid-size cars. The styling has an open, airy, high-quality look and feel – including available upgraded cloth, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat and Fine Vision instrumentation. The new Versa Sedan has a long list of standard and available equipment, including available Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, XM Satellite Radio, and an in-dash 5-inch touch screen navigation system with XM NavTraffic, and USB input for iPod and other compatible devices.
Versa is powered by a new 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. This is a very small engine. But, it’s peppy enough to move the Versa around in city traffic without any problems. This new compact, lighter weight engine also utilizes a twin Continuously Variable Timing Control system mounted on both intake and exhaust ports, similar to the system used on the flagship Nissan Maxima. The engine is rated at 109-hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. ??The 2012 Versa Sedan is front-wheel drive, and it’s available with a 5-speed manual transmission or with an automatic CVT transmission. It’s also equipped with electric power steering, independent suspension, anti-locking brakes with brakeforce distribution and brake-assist, and 15-inch wheels. Overall the driving dynamics are as you’d expect in a small car – but the ride is smoother than rivals and the interior is much quieter. Steering weight and feel is akin to larger cars also, but braking felt a bit uncertain, likely due to Versa’s old-school front-disc with rear drum brake set-up.
Nissan has squeezed every ounce of fuel economy out of the Versa. The result is fuel economy estimated at 30-mpg city, 38-mpg highway and 33-mpg combined with the CVT transmission (27/36/30 mpg with the 5-speed manual transmission). The new engine and transmission technology, with resulting high fuel economy and ultra-low emissions together make up Nissan’s “Pure Drive” package on the Versa.
The Versa Sedan’s new exterior design bears unmistakable Nissan design cues, and it’s a departure from most current compact sedans, offering a refreshing design character that is both smart and highly aerodynamic. It appears a bit larger than it actually is, with a large greenhouse that makes for excellent outward visibility.
Even though the Versa is a small car, it’s a very safe package. Standard safety systems include Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (driver and front passenger side-impact air bags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags), LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), child safety rear door locks, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
The Versa Sedan is available in three models – 1.6 S (tested), 1.6 SV and 1.6 SL. Rivals include Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Kia Rio, Mazda3, Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta, and other similar small cars – and many of those cost thousands more than Versa. For more information, see your local Nissan dealer or visit NissanUSA.com/Versa.