Okay, so the Nissan Versa is a high-efficiency, small-footprint subcompact.  It competes with the Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent, Honda Fit and other diminutive vehicles in the class that was vacated as the Corolla, Cobalt, Elantra and Civic moved upmarket, and it’s the least expensive vehicle in Nissan’s lineup.  For 2010, there’s even a high-efficiency, low-price base model that stickers for less than $10,000.  That’s the Versa’s reason for existing.

You would be within your rights to expect this car to be a slow, cramped penalty box.  You’d also be wrong.  The Nissan Versa is good news for entry-level buyers; it may be small and it may be inexpensive, but it’s a also real car.

The styling hasn’t changed significantly since the Versa was introduced in 2007.  Sedan and five-door hatchback versions are offered.  The one-box styling sports the large headlamps and short nose that are a hallmark of the class.  A new grille for 2010 adds family resemblance to the rest of Nissan’s sedan lineup.  The sedan’s lines are forgettably ordinary, but the hatchback has a unique C-pillar silhouette and a slightly bustled tail.  The SL hatchback gets a standard Sport appearance package with a roof spoiler, subtle ground effects and a matching front fascia with fog lights.  Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are available.

On the interior, the Versa has benefitted from improved materials.  While the Altima, Maxima and Sentra have gained a bit more family resemblance to one another, the Versa’s cabin, oddly enough, seems to take cues from Nissan’s truck lineup thanks to a smooth, vertical gray plastic console.  Woodgrain trim is available, and the instrument panel and interior trim have been updated and upgraded.  The roomy interior is one of the Versa’s best qualities, and Nissan has successfully packed space for five into a very compact package.  Rear legroom is the best in class, and you won’t feel bad for stuffing your friends back there.  Amenities like an iPod jack and Bluetooth connectivity should appeal to techno-savvy buyers.  Nissan’s iKey smart key is also available, enabling pushbutton starts and hands-free door unlocking.  New for 2010 is an optional in-dash navigation system.  Frugal doesn’t necessarily mean barren when it comes to the Versa.

A choice of fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines is offered.  As the name suggests, the base Versa 1.6 sedan is powered by a 1.6 liter, 107-horsepower DOHC four.  This very basic engine offers 26/34 fuel economy and a rock-bottom starting price. The standard Versa’s  1.8 liter four is a sixteen-valve DOHC unit producing 122 horsepower.  On the road, this is a surprising amount of power, and the Versa has no trouble keeping up with traffic.  Don’t forget, this car only weighs 2700 pound fully equipped, so a little bit of power goes a long way.  The 1.6 liter engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, while the 1.8 offers the option of a six-speed manual, four-speed automatic or continuously variable transmission (CVT).  The CVT’s efficient operation enables the larger 1.8 engine to actually do better than the smaller 1.6 in fuel economy, with a 28/34 EPA rating.

Thanks to the large interior, the Versa seems to be less intimidated by larger cars than other subcompacts as well.  Where the Aveo and Yaris tend to exhibit somewhat nervous behavior on the freeway, the Versa’s front-strut, rear torsion-beam suspension is planted and confident.  Apart from some tire noise, the ride is reasonably quiet as well.

The Versa is a convincing argument for ditching a larger, less fuel-efficient car, and it was in fact the #10 choice of buyers trading in cars under the Cash for Clunkers program.  With excellent road manners and more interior space than you’d expect, the Versa can do the work of a larger car with less consumption, and like the Honda Fit, it keeps a cheerful face while it’s doing it.

Pricing is attractive as well, with the 1.6 liter Base sedan starting at $9,990.  A less basic version with an automatic transmission goes for $11,990, and hatchback Versas start at $13,150.

Specifications:  All specs are for the 2010 Nissan Versa Hatchback
Length:  169.1 in.
Width:  66.7 in.
Height:      60.4 in.
Wheelbase:  102.4 in.
Curb weight:   2758 lb.
Cargo space:   17.8 cu.ft. (seats up); 50.4 cu.ft. (seats folded)
Base price:  $13,150
Engine:   1.8 liter DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder
Drivetrain:  continuously variable automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 122 @ 5200
Torque:  127 @ 4800
Fuel capacity:  13.2 gal.
Est. mileage:   28/34

Print This Post Print This Post