2007 Motor Trend Car of the Year: Testing and Finalists
Low-budget load leveler a formidable rival
By Angus MacKenzie
Curious car, the Versa. Nissan's aim is to give its dealers an entry-level model below the all-new Sentra. But the roomier, better-value Versa might just end up being the new Sentra's deadliest rival.
Originally launched in Japan as the Tiida in late 2004, the Versa rolls on the first shared platform to emanate from the Renault-Nissan alliance (in Europe the same basic structure underpins small Renaults such as the Clio and Modus). There's a hint of the avant-garde Renault Megane in the Versa's angular hatchback styling, too (a sedan is coming), but only a hint: With its small wheels, tall roofline, and odd mixture of curves and creases, the Versa looks awkward from some angles.
You won't notice from behind the wheel, however: The impressive interior package is this car's strong suit. The Versa's rear-seat leg- and headroom beats more than a few regular midsize cars, and you get the versatility of an easy-loading hatchback and split-fold rear seats as a bonus. The interior looks better finished than the supposedly more upscale Sentra, though you can't have goodies such as sat/nav or leather.
Starting at $13,165, there's no doubt the Versa's base price is right, though it doesn't take much time ticking the options boxes to get one above $16,000. The 122-horse, 1.8-liter four under the hood is a willing worker and propels the Versa along briskly enough with the standard six-speed manual. Nissan's optional CVT offers the ease of use of a traditional automatic without the usual penalty at the fuel pump.
Standard front, side, and curtain airbags are good news. But, inexplicably, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution--the very things that might mean you won't need all those airbags--are only available as an option. For a car that'll be invariably driven by young drivers, that's simply not good enough.
| 2007 Nissan Versa |
| Base price range | $13,165-$16,165 |
| Price as tested | $14,165 (1.8S) |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, FWD, 5-pass, 5-door hatchback |
| Engine | 1.8L/122-hp/127-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Curb weight | (f/r dist) 2692 lb (60/40%) |
| Wheelbase | 99.8 in |
| Length x width x height | 177.5 x 67.3 x 55.5 in |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Quarter mile | 17.1 sec @ 80.6 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 mph | 137 ft |
| 600-foot slalom | 61.6 mph, avg |
| Lateral acceleration | 0.74 g, avg |
| MT figure eight | 29.0 sec @ 0.54 g, avg |
| EPA city/hwy fuel econ | 30/34 mpg |
| Sum Up | A car you'll appreciate most from the inside. |
| Bet you didn't know | While the hatch and sedan versions have different names in other markets, in the U.S. they'll both be called Versa. |
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