2007 Nissan Versa Preview

After all this, the big question is how much? While official pricing has

Pricing for the Versa should start at around $14,000. Yes, you read that properly. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

yet to be released, the Versa is slated to start in the mid $14,000 range, and yes, that's Canadian dollars. Of course, to maintain such a low price tag, the new entry-level Nissan does without many creature comforts, such as ABS brakes, the CVT transmission and more. But not all Versas will be bread and butter, as the options list includes Bluetooth cellphone connectivity, keyless ignition and a Rockford Fosgate stereo system. As far as the base model goes, mind you, no other car on the market should provide as much new metal for the money - not Hyundai, not Kia, not Chevrolet - and if the estimated price holds up, that's worth plenty of free publicity, as word of mouth quickly promotes a value leader.

Specifications (Versa):

• Base Price (est. MSRP): $14,500 - $26,500
• Body Type: 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine (est): 120-hp, 125 lb-ft of torque, 1.8L, DOHC 16-valve I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd manual
  
• Opt. Trans: CVT
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum (opt. ABS)
• Dimensions (est. sedan L/W/H/WB): 4,395 / 1,695 / 1,535 / 2,600 mm (173.0 / 66.7 / 60.4 / 102.4 in)
• Dimensions (est. hatchback L/W/H/WB): 4,205 / 1,695 / 1,535 / 2,600 mm (165.6 / 66.7 / 60.4 / 102.4 in)
• Curb Weight (est.): 1,140 kg (2,513 lbs)
• Trunk (est. sedan trunk): 467 L (16.5 cu-ft)
• Trunk (est. hatchback min/max): 289 / 463 L (10.2/16.3 cu-ft)
• Fuel Economy (est.): 6.2 L/100 km
  
• Competitors: Acura CSX, Chevrolet Cobalt / Optra / Optra5, Ford Focus ZX4/ZX5, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra / Elantra 5-dr, Kia Spectra / Spectra5, Mazda3 / 3 Sport, Mitsubishi Lancer, Pontiac Pursuit / Vibe, Subaru Impreza / Impreza Wagon, Suzuki Aerio, Toyota Corolla / Matrix, VW Golf / Jetta
• Website: www.nissan.ca