Nissan Versa Review

2010 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL Sedan Shown

The Nissan Versa exemplifies the ways in which subcompacts have evolved beyond just being cheap and fuel-efficient. Like other vehicles in this growing segment, the Versa combines excellent fuel economy, solid build quality and space-efficient interior design while remaining very affordable. The four-door Versa also distinguishes itself with many upmarket features and the choice of an inexpensive 1.6-liter engine or a relatively peppy 1.8-liter.,It's a great choice as an entry-level vehicle, but drivers looking for any degree of excitement or personality would be well advised to look toward the Versa's competition.

Current Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa economy car comes in two body styles: a four-door hatchback and a four-door sedan. Both body styles share the Versa's distinctive high bulbous roof line, which allows for a huge amount of interior space. Headroom is extraordinary. There is ample legroom, even in the rear seats, though it comes at the expense of rear cargo space. This problem is mitigated in the Versa hatchback, where the split rear seats fold to provide more than 50 cubic feet of total storage space. There are also nifty storage areas built in and around the doors.

The Nissan Versa is available in four trim levels: 1.6 Base, 1.6, 1.8 S and 1.8 SL. Those who haven't looked at subcompacts recently might be surprised by its high level of fit and finish. The seats are well-tailored, and even the 1.6 Base features upscale-texture upholstery and above-average plastics. The 1.6 Base is as basic a car as you'll find -- conspicuously absent are both air-conditioning and a stereo. The standard 1.6 adds air-conditioning but little else. The 1.6 models are available only in sedan form. Though the Versa fared well in government crash tests, it should be noted that antilock brakes are available only as an option.

Standard features on the 1.8 S include air-conditioning, a stereo with CD player and a tilt steering column. The SL trim adds a 180-watt stereo with in-dash six-CD changer; cruise control; driver seat height adjustment and power door locks, windows and mirrors. Other options, such as keyless entry, Bluetooth and a Rockford Fosgate sound system, are available in packages.

Power for the front-wheel-drive Nissan Versa comes either from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that squeezes out 107 horsepower and 111 pound-feet of torque, or a 1.8-liter good for 122 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed or six-speed manual transmission is standard on most trims, with a four-speed automatic being optional. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is also offered for the 1.8 SL; this transmission improves fuel efficiency through the smoother and more precise shifting made possible by its infinite number of gear ratios.

In reviews, our editors found the 1.8 Nissan Versa to be surprisingly peppy and comfortable to drive. Although it wasn't designed to be a sport hatch, the Versa manages some zip off the line. The CVT does a commendable job of getting the Versa up to speed on the highway; however, the six-speed manual makes better use of the 1.8-liter engine's power reserves and is our recommendation to buyers who don't mind doing their own shifting. The six-speed shifts nicely, and the clutch is light. Unfortunately, the engine gets noisy at higher rpm.

Over smooth pavement, the ride quality is good, but the Versa's suspension compliance over rough road surfaces doesn't impress us, as its wheels tend to hop over obstructions rather than settling quietly back into place.

Used Nissan Versa Models

Although the Nissan Versa was new to America for 2007, it had previously been available in Japan under the Tiida name, and in Europe as the Renault Clio. The addition of the 1.6 variants for the 2009 model year was the only major revision to the lineup.

SELECT A SPECIFIC NISSAN VERSA MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.