Since its launch in the summer of 2006, the Nissan Versa has been a popular choice in Canada. The subcompact category was lukewarm a few years ago, but things are heating up now that the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 have been delivered into their respective showrooms. Expect the Mitsubishi Colt and VW Polo to follow, although neither one have been officially announced yet.
Through the first half of 2010, the Versa stands in third place among subcompact sales, right behind the Toyota Yaris and way behind the Hyundai Accent.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, the Versa’s biggest virtue is interior space. Inside, whether you’re sitting in front or in back, you’ll get the feeling that you’re riding in a bigger car; there’s ample headroom, and the front seats are pushed against the doors, so occupants don’t rub shoulders.
In fact, in terms of passenger space, no other subcompact is roomier. As for cargo space with the rear seat in place or folded, the Versa falls short of the Honda Fit, but beats every other one of its rivals. Folding down the rear seat doesn’t create a flat load floor as in the Fit, though.
In 1.8 S trim, you get mouse-fur-style seat coverings, a tilt steering column, silver-painted trim, a 60/40-split rear seatback, a CD player that unfortunately doesn’t read MP3 files, four speakers as well as six airbags. There are very few details inside that reveal a certain level of cheapness.
Our tester is equipped with the Value Option Package, which we strongly recommend. It adds A/C, keyless entry, power windows and rear door pockets, and only adds $1,600 to the price of the car. We'd also get the $800 VDC Package, which adds ABS brakes as well as traction and stability control systems; a good deal for those who want extra assurance behind the wheel.
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| Since its launch in the summer of 2006, the Nissan Versa has been a popular choice in Canada. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |
Through the first half of 2010, the Versa stands in third place among subcompact sales, right behind the Toyota Yaris and way behind the Hyundai Accent.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, the Versa’s biggest virtue is interior space. Inside, whether you’re sitting in front or in back, you’ll get the feeling that you’re riding in a bigger car; there’s ample headroom, and the front seats are pushed against the doors, so occupants don’t rub shoulders.
In fact, in terms of passenger space, no other subcompact is roomier. As for cargo space with the rear seat in place or folded, the Versa falls short of the Honda Fit, but beats every other one of its rivals. Folding down the rear seat doesn’t create a flat load floor as in the Fit, though.
In 1.8 S trim, you get mouse-fur-style seat coverings, a tilt steering column, silver-painted trim, a 60/40-split rear seatback, a CD player that unfortunately doesn’t read MP3 files, four speakers as well as six airbags. There are very few details inside that reveal a certain level of cheapness.
Our tester is equipped with the Value Option Package, which we strongly recommend. It adds A/C, keyless entry, power windows and rear door pockets, and only adds $1,600 to the price of the car. We'd also get the $800 VDC Package, which adds ABS brakes as well as traction and stability control systems; a good deal for those who want extra assurance behind the wheel.
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| There are very few details inside the cabin that reveal a certain level of cheapness. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |