First Drive: 2007 Nissan Versa SL
05/02/2006
Shahed Hussain
As the new Sentra moves up in price and size, Nissan needs a subcompact model to compete in this hotly contested segment. Enter the Versa, based on the Nissan "B" Platform, and positioned below the Sentra. Nissan's lowest priced model will face off against the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, as well as the Hyundai Elantra, and Kia Spectra.
A quick glance at the Versa (Tiida in Japan) reveals styling cues that are radically different from most Nissans sold in the USA. The Versa has an unusually long wheelbase (102.4 in.), which maximizes passenger room and improves ride. Look closely at the funky 5-door Versa and one sees a strong resemblance to the European Renault Megane. For the US market, Nissan also offers a more conventionally styled 4-door sedan, which shares the same wheelbase as the 5-door, but is almost 7 inches longer.
Inside the spacious cabin, the Versa offers an expansive view of the road from its high seating position, similar to a small SUV. An optional keyless start feature (Intelligent Key) is a surprising extra in an entry-level vehicle. As long as the driver has the key fob, the Versa will start up as if the key is in the ignition. Even though the Versa sits at the bottom of Nissan's US lineup, the interior materials and build quality are above average. Nissan designers wisely chose contrasting plastic trim colors, so the interior does not suffer from the dull monochromatic hues that are so common in inexpensive cars. A metallic strip runs across the dash to add a cool, technical touch to the interior. Although the textured cloth seats are comfortable, their bolsters are too flat to hold the driver in place around curves. This may not matter for the target customers, since Nissan emphasizes comfort and spaciousness as the Versa's strengths.
Around corners, the tall, angular body feels slightly tippy, with noticeable roll from the softly sprung suspension. In compensation, the Versa rides very comfortably over uneven road surfaces, with minimal road noise or impacts intruding into the cabin. The long wheelbase means that that the body pitches less than expected, which contributes to the serene ride. Steering is light and communicative, so the Versa is nimble and easy to maneuver around town. At highway speeds, reduced steering assist would enhance straight-line stability.
Nissan offers a choice of three transmissions for the Versa. A 6-speed manual is standard, with an optional 4-speed automatic or Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). We tested a Versa SL equipped with the CVT. Although the 6-speed manual may be slightly quicker, the CVT should offer better fuel economy on the highway (est. 30/36 city/hwy. MPG).
Unlike some other entry-level cars with anemic powerplants, Nissan equips the Versa with a responsive 122-bhp 1.8L engine. Floor the gas pedal and the engine revs to 5,500 RPM as the Versa accelerates smoothly, if not especially quickly. Unlike a conventional manual or even most automatics, the CVT-equipped Versa seems to ooze up to speed. For shiftless types, there is really no reason to consider the conventional 4-speed automatic, unless price is paramount. At part throttle, the DOHC I-4 is smooth and refined, but becomes noticeably noisy near redline. On the highway at 70 mph, chassis stability is above average, with low wind and engine noise. Crosswinds will cause the Versa to wander slightly at speed.
The Versa enters an expanding subcompact segment dominated by Hyundai and Kia, and recently re-entered by the Japanese automakers. To be completely accurate, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have always been in this market, but had abandoned it to the Koreans in the USA. Perhaps it is a coincidence, but the new Versa debuts just in time to take advantage of recent gas price hikes and resurgent interest in fuel-efficient cars.
Buyers in search of a sophisticated subcompact car should consider the Versa, which offers a spacious, high quality interior, responsive engine, and a choice of 6-speed manual or CVT for excellent fuel economy. With Nissan's aggressive pricing strategy, Versa customers get a well-equipped economy car that offers unsurpassed engineering and superb value.