Nissan Versa History
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Now offered in two rather different models--the conventional four-door sedan and a new Note five-door hatchback--the Nissan Versa subcompact is one of the roomiest cars in its segment. Its back seat actually accommodates two full-size adults, and virtually all of its dimensions are more generous than competitors. It rides comfortably, yet remains one of the least expensive cars on the market. Its drawbacks, in the eyes of many reviewers, include a cheap-feeling interior and numb, not particularly enjoyable handling and roadholding.
The two-model Versa range now competes with the Honda Fit--often deemed the standout in the class for its flexible and capacious interior--as well as the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, and Toyota Yaris.
The current Versa sedan was completely redesigned for 2012, trading its predecessor's slab-sided lines for more rounded contours, curvier shapes, and the new Nissan corporate grille. To round out the range, an all-new Versa Note five-door hatchback was added as a 2014 model early in 2013, though it shares not a single body panel with the sedan. The new Versa Note blends elements of the overseas Nissan Note and a few cues from the Chinese-market Tiida, but visually, it's related to the Versa sedan only by their shared nameplate.
As always, the Versa's strong suit remains value for money. With a very roomy interior, and switchgear that feels like it could be from Nissan's larger models, the Versa appeals to those who want a lot of vehicle for their cash but don't necessarily prioritize either outright performance or fuel economy. While the Versa steers well, its suspension is fairly soft and not fond of being tossed around. In either version, the back seat is spacious enough for two adults or three kids, and back doors open wide. The Note hatchback is the choice for those wanting the most versatility.
For more information on the Versa, including options, prices, and full specifications, read our full review of the 2013 Nissan Versa.
All 2013 Versa sedans are powered by a 109-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2013 Versa 1.6 S sedan--Nissan's cheapest model in its U.S. lineup--starts below $13,000, including a mandatory destination fee. And air conditioning is now standard, even at that price, though power accessories--windows, locks, mirrors--are not. The 1.6 S gets notably worse fuel efficiency ratings (27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway) than better-equipped models, because it has only with a five-speed manual gearbox or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. The higher-line models can be ordered with the more fuel-efficient newest version of Nissan's continuously variable transmission (CVT), which pushes the Versa sedan's ratings to 31 mpg city, 40 mpg highway.
The mid-range SV model adds the usual convenience items, including power windows and cruise control, while the top-of-the-range SL models can reach around $18,000 when fully optioned with navigation, XM NavTraffic, and USB/iPod controls. The new Versa seems even more bargain-basement than ever in its features and appointments, with drum brakes across the lineup; short, flat seats; hard-and-hollow-feeling dash and door trims; and rear seatbacks that don't fold forward on the more affordable models. Surprisingly, the Versa's safety ratings aren't stellar either.
When the Versa was introduced back in 2007--it's sold in other markets as the Tiida--it was the only subcompact to have a standard six-speed manual gearbox (which it no longer offers, sadly). Both the four-door sedan and the five-door hatchback were equipped with a 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. At first, a conventional four-speed automatic transmission was optional, soon replaced by Nissan's new Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).
For 2009, Nissan expanded the model line by adding 1.6-liter Base models (for the sedan only), which featured a 107-hp version of the same engine, along with a standard five-speed manual instead (or optional automatic). The 1.8-liter did well with either of the combinations, with more torque than most small-car engines off the line, but the 1.6 was only adequate if you stuck with the manual. While fuel economy was never the Versa's strongest suit, the 1.6-liter models were actually a little lower on the highway cycle, at an EPA rating of 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway.
The Versa Base didn't come with air conditioning, power locks, a sound system, and many other things that are sometimes taken for granted. Versa S models are better equipped, including most of those basics, and range-topping SL models come with upgraded sound, height-adjustable seats, power windows and locks, keyless entry, and standard electronic stability control. Although the Versa earned reasonably good safety ratings, in models prior to 2010 the Base and S models haven't come with standard anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control.
For 2010, in addition to the new safety equipment, Nissan added a slightly different grille to the lineup and made large 16-inch alloy wheels optional, as well as a navigation and an XM Satellite Radio package. Intelligent Key and Rockford Fosgate sound remained major options.
