Nissan Versa Review

2009 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 a relatively peppy engine, making it a great choice for buyers looking for an entry-level vehicle with a little more spunk.

Current Nissan Versa

Although the Nissan Versa was new to America for 2007, it had been available in Japan under the Tiida name, and in Europe as the Renault Clio. It 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 two well-equipped trim levels, the base 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 S trim features upscale-texture suede tricot upholstery and above-average plastics. Standard features include air-conditioning, a stereo with CD player and a tilt steering column. The SL trim adds a 180-watt stereo; 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 from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine good for 122 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is available as an option in the S trim. The SL offers an optional Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), which 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 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.

SELECT A SPECIFIC NISSAN VERSA MODEL YEAR*

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