By
LATEST ARTICLE
2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe, Nissan 370Z, Super Bowl Aftermath: Car News Headlines
Today at High Gear Media, we're bringing you live coverage on all the new product reveals at the... Read More
2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe, Nissan 370Z, Super Bowl Aftermath: Car News Headlines
Today at High Gear Media, we're bringing you live coverage on all the new product reveals at the... Read More
- #10LEADERBOARD RANK
- 2225ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 92COMMENTS POSTED
5,584 views
TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the new 2009 Nissan Versa—and checked out the new, budget-priced 1.6-liter version—in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com's auto experts have also researched road tests on the Versa to help you make the most informed purchase.
Likes:
- Fashionable hatchback style
- Nice, simple instrument panel
- Smooth ride and lack of road noise
- Spacious cabin and comfy seats
Dislikes:
- Noisy engine under acceleration with CVT/auto
- Not as fuel-efficient as it should be
- Overly light steering feel
- Isn’t very agile
The Nissan Versa hatchback and sedan were completely new for 2007; for 2009, the model lineup expands with the introduction of a new 1.6-liter model. While last year’s entry model started just short of $13,000, the new Base 1.6-liter model starts at just $9,990, making it one of the cheapest vehicles in the U.S. market.
Those bargain-priced models—the 2009 Nissan Versa and Versa Base—include a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine delivering 107 horsepower. The appropriately named Base model can be paired only with a five-speed manual. The other 1.6-liter model offers either the manual or a four-speed automatic. Fuel economy ratings with the 1.6-liter and manual transmission are 26 mpg city, 34 highway. Oddly, the 1.6-liter is only offered in the sedan body style. The 1.8-liter, 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine that was previously standard is now offered on the rest of the line and comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while Nissan's continuously variable Xtronic transmission is available on the top SL, with other models offering an optional four-speed automatic. Despite having more power on tap, fuel economy for the 1.8-liter is about the same in the city, at 26 mpg, but it has a lower 31-mpg highway rating.
The new 1.6-liter engine provides only adequate performance with the optional four-speed automatic transmission; it feels winded at highway speeds and doesn’t deal well with the wide ratios. The manual gearbox in the Versa is light and precise, making the little Base sedan feel surprisingly perky. The manual is our recommendation with either engine, as the automatics bring more engine noise. Between the two automatics, TheCarConnection.com slightly prefers the conventional four-speed to the Xtronic CVT in the Versa, although we’re told that plenty of shoppers like the CVT for its unobtrusive feel. A sport mode on the Xtronic allows it to hold higher revs (an unappealing drone, admittedly) for improved performance.
