Looking for a hatch that has a smooth ride, good fuel economy and a large trunk? The 2017 Nissan Versa might be a good fit. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.
Transcript
JOSH SADLIER: This is automotive editor Josh Sadlier with an Edmunds Expert Rundown of the 2017 Nissan Versa. What we're looking at here is actually the Versa Note. It's the hatchback version of this model. And that's fortunate, because we do like it a little better than the sedan, which is not one of our favorites in this subcompact class. Wouldn't say the Versa Note's one of our favorites either, but it does have some things going for it, including a surprisingly large back seat that would give some mid-sized sedans a run for their money. So if you're looking for a small car with a lot of room in back, the Versa Note is going to be at the top of your list. But in other respects, it suffers compared to most cars you can get for this price. It's got about 110 horsepower from a small four-cylinder. And that's not so unusual. But the way it delivers that power is distinctly unpleasant, especially if you get the CVT, continuously variable automatic transmission. It's going to be making a lot of droning noises and not a lot of forward progress. Stepping inside the Versa Note, there is the piece de resistance, that big back seat room for tall people and their cowboy hats. This is the place to be in this segment if you want to sit in back in style. But then up front, you've got pretty standard economy car stuff. Three dials for the climate control. And you've got a double [INAUDIBLE] stereo there you could swap out for something sweet if you wanted to. The bottom line is the Versa Note gives you a lot of space inside, pretty good fuel economy for not a lot of money. But if you're shopping in this segment, the Honda Fit's going to be one you've got to check out. And really would check out just about everything in this segment before plunking your money down on a Versa Note. For more Edmunds expert rundowns, click the link to subscribe.
Compact hatches are trendy, but the Nissan Versa Note is starting to show its age. Which is an odd thing to say considering that the 2017 Nissan Versa Note has just received a styling update in the form of a new front fascia featuring a V-shaped (or U-shaped, depending on your perspective) grille that gives it a family resemblance to newer Nissan designs.
Unfortunately, the mechanical bits are largely unchanged, save for the elimination of a manual transmission for 2017. The Versa Note is powered by a 1.6-liter engine that produces 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. We clocked the Versa to 60 mph in a sluggish 10.4 seconds, and the droning of the engine (courtesy of the CVT, which can keep the engine speed in a narrow band as the car accelerates) made the run seem even longer. The engine is noisy when pushed, but at least its fuel economy figures are decent: The EPA rates the Versa Note at 34 mpg combined (31 city/39 highway).
We like the simplicity of the Versa Note's dashboard, with its easy-to-read gauges and simple controls, but that's about the only compliment we can pay it. Though the top-of-the-line SV model — the one you're likely to see in glossy brochure photos — does get significantly nicer cabin trim, the cheaper versions are awash in hard, shiny plastic, a cheap material that most of the Versa Note's competitors have since done away with.
If the Versa Note has one saving grace, it's the backseat, which is roomy enough to seat 6-foot adults in comfort. Cargo space is about average for the class, but the adjustable cargo floor is a useful feature. It maximizes cargo space when placed in its lower position, and raising it provides a flatter load floor when the rear seats are folded down. It also provides hidden storage to keep valuables away from prying eyes.
Unfortunately, the Versa Note isn't particularly good to drive. The steering offers little feedback and the tall body is susceptible to crosswinds, and though the ride is generally comfortable, the suspension does a poor job of filtering out hard jolts. The Versa Note's handling is competent, but it isn't much fun, and there are definitely more enjoyable cars in this segment.
Nissan has eliminated the entry-level S model for 2017, but the S Plus still gets the bare minimum of features; it's the the SV model that offers the creature comforts most small-car buyers expect nowadays. The SR gives the Versa a sporty look that its running gear can't deliver, while the range-topping SL comes the closest to delivering what we expect from a modern subcompact hatch. If this is the car you want, let Edmunds help find the perfect 2017 Nissan Versa Note for you.
2017 Nissan Versa Note Overview
The 2017 Nissan Versa Note is offered in the following submodels: Hatchback. Available styles include 1.6 SV 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT), 1.6 S Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT), and 1.6 SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT). Versa Note models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2017 Versa Note comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic. The 2017 Versa Note comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What should I pay for a new 2017 Nissan Versa Note?
2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 S Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
The 2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 S Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $16680. The average price paid for a new 2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 S Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is trending $3536 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3536 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $13144.
The average savings for the 2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 S Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is 21.2% below the MSRP.
We are showing 6 1.6 S Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) 2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 S Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 S Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
The 2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 S Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $16550. The average price paid for a new 2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 S Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is trending $4010 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4010 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $12540.
The average savings for the 2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 S Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is 24.2% below the MSRP.
We are showing 4 1.6 S Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) 2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 S Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $19050. The average price paid for a new 2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is trending $3462 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3462 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $15588.
The average savings for the 2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is 18.2% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 1.6 SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) 2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Is the 2017 Nissan Versa Note a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Nissan Versa Note and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Versa Note featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What do people think of the 2017 Nissan Versa Note? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Nissan Versa Note and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Versa Note a 4.2 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Versa Note.
Vehicle 1.6 SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
Review This is now the second Nissan Versa Note we purchased. No base model for us the SV wirh appearance package for him and the SR with tech and navigation for me. What I like is quiet and smooth ride without feeling like I am in a small car. I like good vision all around the car and ample head room. Has a roomy feel unlike others that I tested.I tested all cars in the same category and choose the versa note. The gas mileage made up for the suv ride I previously had. It has pick up for interstate driving and it handles the rode great. I had to give up the old thinking big is better and safer and try something different.
2017 Nissan Versa Note inventory listings Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Nissan Versa Note for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 136 new and 201 used and CPO 2017 Versa Notes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 11072 and mileage as low as 0. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Nissan Versa Note. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 5825 on a new, used, or CPO 2017 Versa Note available from one of 2630 dealerships in your area.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
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