What Is It?
2007 Nissan Versa
What's Special About It?
Scion proved small cars can be cool. Profitable, too. So now everyone's building them. Honda unveiled its Fit five-door hatch on Sunday. Monday it was Nissan's turn.
Scheduled to go on sale in late June, the 2007 Nissan Versa five-door hatchback will be built alongside the Sentra in Nissan's Aguascaliente, Mexico, assembly plant. A sedan version will arrive at dealers six months later. Look for a starting price of about $12,000, with loaded models running over $15,000.
Measuring 169.4 inches from bumper to bumper, with a wheelbase of 102.4 inches, the Versa hatch is larger than its competition. "I think the size of the vehicle will be a distinct advantage versus the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris," said John Weiner, director of product planning for Nissan cars. "I'm over 6 feet and I can ride comfortably in any seat." Plus, you can carry luggage for four in the 16.9-cubic-foot space behind the rear seats.
Nissan also holds the high card when it comes to power. Spinning the Versa's front wheels is a 1.8-liter, double-overhead-cam inline four-cylinder, which is the largest engine in the segment. With output estimates of 120 hp and "over 125" lb-ft of torque, the Versa should be quicker than any peer.
Transmission choices are a standard six-speed manual, highly unusual in this class, an optional four-speed automatic or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Get the CVT and you're looking at a combined 38 mpg.
As in the Fit, steering is electric and the suspension consists of struts in front and a torsion-beam setup in back. Vented front discs and rear drums handle the braking duties. ABS is optional.
In addition to being roomy, the Versa has one of the sharper interior designs in this class. Our favorite elements include the pod-style gauges, three-spoke steering wheel and portable MP3 player jack. Keyless startup, Bluetooth and a Rockford-Fosgate sound system are optional. Front-seat side airbags are standard, with full-length side curtain airbags available as an option.
What's Edmunds' Take?
With so much competition among low-priced compacts, there's no danger of getting stuck with your next car. If power and space are priorities, the Versa is the one to get. — Erin Riches
2007 Nissan Versa
What's Special About It?
Scion proved small cars can be cool. Profitable, too. So now everyone's building them. Honda unveiled its Fit five-door hatch on Sunday. Monday it was Nissan's turn.
Scheduled to go on sale in late June, the 2007 Nissan Versa five-door hatchback will be built alongside the Sentra in Nissan's Aguascaliente, Mexico, assembly plant. A sedan version will arrive at dealers six months later. Look for a starting price of about $12,000, with loaded models running over $15,000.
Measuring 169.4 inches from bumper to bumper, with a wheelbase of 102.4 inches, the Versa hatch is larger than its competition. "I think the size of the vehicle will be a distinct advantage versus the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris," said John Weiner, director of product planning for Nissan cars. "I'm over 6 feet and I can ride comfortably in any seat." Plus, you can carry luggage for four in the 16.9-cubic-foot space behind the rear seats.
Nissan also holds the high card when it comes to power. Spinning the Versa's front wheels is a 1.8-liter, double-overhead-cam inline four-cylinder, which is the largest engine in the segment. With output estimates of 120 hp and "over 125" lb-ft of torque, the Versa should be quicker than any peer.
Transmission choices are a standard six-speed manual, highly unusual in this class, an optional four-speed automatic or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Get the CVT and you're looking at a combined 38 mpg.
As in the Fit, steering is electric and the suspension consists of struts in front and a torsion-beam setup in back. Vented front discs and rear drums handle the braking duties. ABS is optional.
In addition to being roomy, the Versa has one of the sharper interior designs in this class. Our favorite elements include the pod-style gauges, three-spoke steering wheel and portable MP3 player jack. Keyless startup, Bluetooth and a Rockford-Fosgate sound system are optional. Front-seat side airbags are standard, with full-length side curtain airbags available as an option.
What's Edmunds' Take?
With so much competition among low-priced compacts, there's no danger of getting stuck with your next car. If power and space are priorities, the Versa is the one to get. — Erin Riches
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