With all the emphasis on fuel economy, more and more drivers are turning to small cars. In addition to the always-reliable Honda Fit, the cute Hyundai Accent and the high-tech Ford Fiesta, they will now have a number of new alternatives to choose from, including the 2012 Nissan Versa unveiled today at the New York International Auto Show.
Just don't expect the redesigned model to be as striking as some of the aforementioned competitors.
Built on the global front-wheel drive “V” platform (“V” as in Versatile), the new Versa retains the same 102.4-inch wheelbase and 66.7-inch width as the previous generation while standing 1.2 inches lower in height (59.6) and 0.6 inches shorter in overall length (175.4). Meanwhile, the drag coefficient is rated at 0.31, right between the Fiesta hatchback (0.32) and Honda Fit (0.30).
Featuring low rolling resistance P185/65R15 all-season tires, a new 1.6-litre engine producing 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque as well as a next-generation Xtronic CVT, the 2012 Versa sedan's projected fuel consumption is 7.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.35 L/100 km on the highway.
Available in beige or grey, the cabin looks awfully similar to the Cube's. It can sit five and offers 90 cubic feet of interior room. Add the trunk's 14.8 cubic feet and you get a total of 104.8 cubic feet. Nissan claims the Versa provides more legroom in the back than a Lexus LS460, BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
A trip computer, electric power steering, ABS brakes and power windows and door locks all come standard, while cruise control and a navigation system with 5-inch colour touch-screen display are listed among the optional amenities.
No doubt the most attractive feature of the 2012 Nissan Versa will be its cheap price. In the U.S., it will arrive in showrooms this summer carrying a sticker of $10,990. The Canadian launch will likely follow soon after with a slightly higher MSRP.
Just don't expect the redesigned model to be as striking as some of the aforementioned competitors.
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| Photo: Nissan |
Built on the global front-wheel drive “V” platform (“V” as in Versatile), the new Versa retains the same 102.4-inch wheelbase and 66.7-inch width as the previous generation while standing 1.2 inches lower in height (59.6) and 0.6 inches shorter in overall length (175.4). Meanwhile, the drag coefficient is rated at 0.31, right between the Fiesta hatchback (0.32) and Honda Fit (0.30).
Featuring low rolling resistance P185/65R15 all-season tires, a new 1.6-litre engine producing 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque as well as a next-generation Xtronic CVT, the 2012 Versa sedan's projected fuel consumption is 7.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.35 L/100 km on the highway.
Available in beige or grey, the cabin looks awfully similar to the Cube's. It can sit five and offers 90 cubic feet of interior room. Add the trunk's 14.8 cubic feet and you get a total of 104.8 cubic feet. Nissan claims the Versa provides more legroom in the back than a Lexus LS460, BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
A trip computer, electric power steering, ABS brakes and power windows and door locks all come standard, while cruise control and a navigation system with 5-inch colour touch-screen display are listed among the optional amenities.
No doubt the most attractive feature of the 2012 Nissan Versa will be its cheap price. In the U.S., it will arrive in showrooms this summer carrying a sticker of $10,990. The Canadian launch will likely follow soon after with a slightly higher MSRP.
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| Photo: Nissan |
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