What is it?
Nissan's second-generationVersa subcompact takes aim at the Hyundai Accent and Ford Fiesta, and it certainly comes out ahead on one front--price. The base model of the 2012 Versa costs a mere $11,750, including shipping charges, ("What is it, a lawnmower?" said one friend when told of the price.) while the 2012 Accent sedan starts at $13,205 and the 2012 Fiesta at $13,200
The 2012 Nissam Versa reaches dealerships in August. The redesign moves Nissan's small car to its front-wheel-drive global V platform that weighs 150 pounds less than the last chassis and has 20 percent fewer components. The Versa has the same 102.4-inch wheelbase as last year but is refigured inside to increase rear legroom, exceeding even luxury vehicles such as the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-class. The interior also gets upgraded cloth, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat and improved instrumentation. The options include Bluetooth, satellite radio, USB iPod input and navigation.
Under the hood is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with two fuel injectors per cylinder. It turns out 109 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual (on the base model only) or continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy is 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway with the CVT.
What is it like to drive?
We tested the three trim levels of the Versa--S, SV and SL--each with a CVT. We're usually not fans of the rubber-band quality of many CVTs. But in this case we agreed with product planning chief Larry Dominique when he said that the quirks in this transmission had been smoothed out. We couldn't tell the difference between this and a regular automatic transmission.
In fact, the most notable characteristic of the driving experience was that it had little character at all--something that is likely acceptable to the consumers of this subcompact daily driver--people who just need to get from point A to point B. The driving experience wasn't especially exciting, though the Versa was sporty enough and did not lag off the line even when stopped on slopes in the Seattle streets. We didn't expect a ton of oomph from this engine, but we weren't disappointed. As a passenger, the front and back seats were both spacious and comfortable.
The navigation was basic and easy to use, with a 5-inch touchscreen and relatively intuitive buttons. It guided us from the Space Needle to the hotel without a hitch, though it surely lacks the sophisticated features of a pricier nav system.
The iPod connectivity technology was trickier. Upon plugging your pod into the jack between the seats, your screen shuts down and you can only work the device by using the controls on the car's audio interface. After fiddling for 15 minutes we still could not determine how to select a specific album and resorted to playing the entire song library front to back. It seems that carmakers often want to sync the iPod with the car's interface to limit distracted fiddling, but we would have been much better able to focus on the road if we were able to use the iPod interface we're familiar with rather than trying to learn the workings of the new system.
Otherwise, Nissan could also consider upping its sound-proofing efforts--the Versa was a little noisy on the freeway--and streamlining the look of the dash, which has inconsistent air vent designs and looks sleek in some spots and dated in others. But we are being picky--people have been known to pay more for wedding dresses than they would for this ride.
Do I want one?
The people at Nissan say that, despite the ultra-low price point, the 2011 Nissam Versa is still a "real car," with air conditioning, a CD player and all safety equipment even on the lowest trim level. After adding a navigation and satellite radio package to the highest SL trim level, the Versa tops out at $17,020.
That's a good value for your money. Those looking for a cheap daily driver that, while lacking in luxury and sex appeal, gets the job done and includes some fun extras might meet their match in the Versa. The car felt sturdier and looked better than expected given the price tag. It's not perfect, but if this is your price range you're not looking for perfect.
