Okay, so the Nissan Versa is a high-efficiency, small-footprint subcompact.  It competes with the Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet

Nissan's smallest isn't all that small after all. (Photo: Nissan)

Aveo, Hyundai Accent, Honda Fit and other diminutive vehicles in the class that was vacated as the Corolla, Cobalt, Elantra and Civic moved up-market, and it's the least expensive vehicle in Nissan's lineup.  For 2010, there's even a higher efficiency, lower priced base model that stickers for less than $13,000.  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 also a real car. 

The styling hasn't changed significantly since the Versa was introduced in 2007.  Four-door sedan and five-door hatchback versions are offered.  The one-box

The little sedan is cheapest and boasts a large trunk. (Photo: Nissan)

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.  A Sport appearance package can be had with the SL that adds a roof spoiler, subtle ground effects and a matching front fascia with fog lights.  Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are available too. 

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. 

You'll be surprised at how upscale the cabin is. (Photo: Nissan)

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 proximity sensing remote access is also available, enabling pushbutton starts and hands-free door unlocking.  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-litre, 107-horsepower DOHC four.  This very basic engine offers 7.9/6.3 L/100km city/highway

Versa seats are ultra-comfortable. (Photo: Nissan)

fuel economy and a rock-bottom starting price. The hatchback's 1.8-litre 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 less than 1,300 kilos fully equipped, so a little bit of power goes a long way.  The 1.6-litre 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 to actually do better than the smaller 1.6 in fuel economy, with a 7.3/5.8 rating.

Thanks

It's such a good deal you can afford two! (Photo: Nissan)

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 behaviour 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-litre Base sedan starting at $12,698.  A fully loaded version with an automatic transmission goes for $16,133, plus the $1,325 freight and PDI charge, and hatchback Versas start at $14,198. 

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(MP) Metallic Paint

(J005) Standard Paint Type