Want a radio? That’ll be $1,800 please
The Versa 1.6 comes without a radio. And for this reason, it’s easy to figure out that unless you buy an aftermarket stereo, you’ll have to opt for the Value Option Package. But you also get A/C, power windows and heated mirrors, keyless entry, a CD player that isn’t MP3-file compatible, door pockets and—calm down, folks—a glovebox light.
Our fearless prediction: if you really want a base, radioless Versa sedan, good luck finding one on dealer lots; they probably won’t keep any in stock.
Besides the lack of audio entertainment, there isn’t much difference inside with a base Versa Hatchback. The suede-like seat cloth is nice and interior space is very generous, front and back. You still get a 60/40-split folding rear bench, tilt steering and 6 airbags.
Competition
As mentioned earlier, the Versa 1.6 Sedan starts at $12,498. Our test car also includes the $1,800 Value Option Package, the $500 anti-lock brakes and the $1,000 automatic transmission. Total is $15,798, which is pretty good for a nicely-equipped car. A similarly-equipped Versa Hatchback is $17,098.
Other subcompact sedans are:
Chevrolet Aveo LS, $14,150
Hyundai Accent L, $14,295
Kia Rio EX, $13,595
Toyota Yaris, $14,750
Let’s not forget the Ford Fiesta, which should offer a sedan version when it arrives next year.
Conclusion
Let’s put marketing aside and forget about the low base price; the Versa 1.6 Sedan with the option package is a very good deal. With A/C, power goodies and an automatic transmission, it undercuts its rivals by $750 to $2,800, if we’re not excluding rebates and promotions, of course.
And for that amount, you get one of the most refined and spacious subcompacts on the Canadian market. It may not be as quick or as practical as the Versa Hatchback, but the lower monthly payment might be a good trade-off for some, and a very good reason to buy new instead of used.
photo:Philippe Champoux
The Versa 1.6 comes without a radio. And for this reason, it’s easy to figure out that unless you buy an aftermarket stereo, you’ll have to opt for the Value Option Package. But you also get A/C, power windows and heated mirrors, keyless entry, a CD player that isn’t MP3-file compatible, door pockets and—calm down, folks—a glovebox light.
Our fearless prediction: if you really want a base, radioless Versa sedan, good luck finding one on dealer lots; they probably won’t keep any in stock.
Besides the lack of audio entertainment, there isn’t much difference inside with a base Versa Hatchback. The suede-like seat cloth is nice and interior space is very generous, front and back. You still get a 60/40-split folding rear bench, tilt steering and 6 airbags.
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| The suede-like seat cloth is nice and interior space is very generous. |
Competition
As mentioned earlier, the Versa 1.6 Sedan starts at $12,498. Our test car also includes the $1,800 Value Option Package, the $500 anti-lock brakes and the $1,000 automatic transmission. Total is $15,798, which is pretty good for a nicely-equipped car. A similarly-equipped Versa Hatchback is $17,098.
Other subcompact sedans are:
Chevrolet Aveo LS, $14,150
Hyundai Accent L, $14,295
Kia Rio EX, $13,595
Toyota Yaris, $14,750
Let’s not forget the Ford Fiesta, which should offer a sedan version when it arrives next year.
Conclusion
Let’s put marketing aside and forget about the low base price; the Versa 1.6 Sedan with the option package is a very good deal. With A/C, power goodies and an automatic transmission, it undercuts its rivals by $750 to $2,800, if we’re not excluding rebates and promotions, of course.
And for that amount, you get one of the most refined and spacious subcompacts on the Canadian market. It may not be as quick or as practical as the Versa Hatchback, but the lower monthly payment might be a good trade-off for some, and a very good reason to buy new instead of used.
photo:Philippe Champoux
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