That trend probably began in earnest when GM of Canada started bringing in small vehicles from the company's Daewoo sibling in Korea a couple of years back and is now picking up pace across the industry. Think of the Yaris at Toyota, the B-Class from Mercedes-Benz, probably the 1-Series from BMW, and many others.
Nissan hopes to make its move into this market quite clear using its
model's name as a jumping off point, since Versa is supposed to make us think of "versatility," and that's probably not a great leap.
Nissan's also quick to point out that this isn't your older sister's entry-level Nissan, or Datsun. "The Versa hatchback and sedan are slotted below Sentra in price," says Ian Forsyth, director of marketing for Nissan Canada Inc., "but not execution. They are 'entry-level' in their affordability, but they make no excuses -- zero -- in terms of quality, design, performance, safety, technology and, especially, roominess."
Not sure what kind of connection the car's global name -- Tiida -- makes with consumers in China, Japan, Mexico and other markets.
While Versa-Tiida may have a "global footprint" called the B-platform, says Forsyth, "the design, specifications and equipment offerings are customized for each major market."
The interior space may be common across the world, but Forsyth promises Versa will offer "a high quality interior design and craftsmanship" befitting Canadian tastes.
"The front seats are nearly as large as Maxima's," Forsyth says, "and comfort is a priority for all passengers. The interior features a clean, simple design and layout that accentuates its surprising roominess. The wide, laterally oriented instrument panel underscores Versa's width, while the low center console flows freely toward the rear, giving a sense of the interior's length."
Forsyth maintains that Versa's styling exceeds "the usual expectations in class, with a touch of sophistication and definitely quality."
All Versa models will be powered by all-new 1.8-liter DOHC inline-four that
Forsyth says "satisfies both performance and environmental requirements." Precise power numbers are unknown at this time, but Nissan Canada is expecting about 120 hp at 6,000 rpm and 125-plus lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.
Three transmissions will be available with the 2007 Versa, starting with a six-speed manual and going up to a four-speed automatic. But the shifter choice also includes Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is like an automatic with endless speeds that should deliver the best fuel economy levels.
This powertrain combination should deliver what Forsyth calls "excellent fuel economy," estimated at a combined 6.2L/100km on the Transport Canada test with the CVT transmission. As always, real world fuel economy levels will vary by driver and car.
Though the primary focus of Versa will be on versatility and fuel economy, its basic platform also allows for a little lively driving. There's an independent MacPherson strut front suspension, and a torsion beam rear suspension with stabilizer bars at both ends.
The standard wheels are 15-inches, surrounded by P185/65HR15 tires, and there's also 15-inch, six-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels.
Unfortunately, the basic brakes will be pretty uninspiring, using discs at the front and drums at the back without any of the worthwhile additional systems now available. Consumers will have to pay extra for anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist.
In all, the 2007 Versa is light years away from the entry-level subcompacts that Nissan used to make, and should find many interested buyers across Canada.
photo:Nissan Canada
Nissan hopes to make its move into this market quite clear using its
 |
| (Photo: Nissan) |
Nissan's also quick to point out that this isn't your older sister's entry-level Nissan, or Datsun. "The Versa hatchback and sedan are slotted below Sentra in price," says Ian Forsyth, director of marketing for Nissan Canada Inc., "but not execution. They are 'entry-level' in their affordability, but they make no excuses -- zero -- in terms of quality, design, performance, safety, technology and, especially, roominess."
Not sure what kind of connection the car's global name -- Tiida -- makes with consumers in China, Japan, Mexico and other markets.
While Versa-Tiida may have a "global footprint" called the B-platform, says Forsyth, "the design, specifications and equipment offerings are customized for each major market."
The interior space may be common across the world, but Forsyth promises Versa will offer "a high quality interior design and craftsmanship" befitting Canadian tastes.
"The front seats are nearly as large as Maxima's," Forsyth says, "and comfort is a priority for all passengers. The interior features a clean, simple design and layout that accentuates its surprising roominess. The wide, laterally oriented instrument panel underscores Versa's width, while the low center console flows freely toward the rear, giving a sense of the interior's length."
Forsyth maintains that Versa's styling exceeds "the usual expectations in class, with a touch of sophistication and definitely quality."
All Versa models will be powered by all-new 1.8-liter DOHC inline-four that
 |
| (Photo: Nissan) |
Three transmissions will be available with the 2007 Versa, starting with a six-speed manual and going up to a four-speed automatic. But the shifter choice also includes Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is like an automatic with endless speeds that should deliver the best fuel economy levels.
This powertrain combination should deliver what Forsyth calls "excellent fuel economy," estimated at a combined 6.2L/100km on the Transport Canada test with the CVT transmission. As always, real world fuel economy levels will vary by driver and car.
Though the primary focus of Versa will be on versatility and fuel economy, its basic platform also allows for a little lively driving. There's an independent MacPherson strut front suspension, and a torsion beam rear suspension with stabilizer bars at both ends.
The standard wheels are 15-inches, surrounded by P185/65HR15 tires, and there's also 15-inch, six-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels.
Unfortunately, the basic brakes will be pretty uninspiring, using discs at the front and drums at the back without any of the worthwhile additional systems now available. Consumers will have to pay extra for anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist.
In all, the 2007 Versa is light years away from the entry-level subcompacts that Nissan used to make, and should find many interested buyers across Canada.
photo:Nissan Canada
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