A real four-seater
The cockpit provides a satisfying level of comfort for four adults--a virtue that the Matrix can't quite match. Front or rear, there is a lot of headroom, legroom and foot space. Travelling in a Versa can be great!
The bucket seats have large cushions, and in the SL version, they benefit from a 6-way adjustment (4-way for S versions), and their controls are on the inboard sides of the seats. The door openings are as high as they are large, which makes entering the car easier. When getting out, one must be careful with the front doors that have pointy lower extremities at leg-height.
The Versa offers six standard-equipment airbags. Its steering wheel can tilt but not telescope, and heated front seats are not available. However, the Versa SL offers power windows, keyless entry, air conditioning and cruise control, all as standard equipment. Most of these elements are optional on the S model.
Pleasant drive
The electric power steering is light, which is good for downtown low-speed manoeuvres. We'd like it to be a little heavier at higher speeds, however.
The front disc/rear drum brakes are easy to modulate and an anti-lock system is standard on the SL and optional on the S.
Finally, all Versas are fitted with 15-inch wheels. Compared to 16- or 17-inchers, this is an advantage for those who buy winter tires, since they'll pay less.
Looking at the Versa's big picture, its success isn't surprising. Its price rounds it up with the subcompacts, even though it's bigger than certain compacts. That's why the Versa can be considered as a paradox.
photo:Luc Gagné
The cockpit provides a satisfying level of comfort for four adults--a virtue that the Matrix can't quite match. Front or rear, there is a lot of headroom, legroom and foot space. Travelling in a Versa can be great!
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| All Versas are equipped with 15-inch wheels. |
The bucket seats have large cushions, and in the SL version, they benefit from a 6-way adjustment (4-way for S versions), and their controls are on the inboard sides of the seats. The door openings are as high as they are large, which makes entering the car easier. When getting out, one must be careful with the front doors that have pointy lower extremities at leg-height.
The Versa offers six standard-equipment airbags. Its steering wheel can tilt but not telescope, and heated front seats are not available. However, the Versa SL offers power windows, keyless entry, air conditioning and cruise control, all as standard equipment. Most of these elements are optional on the S model.
Pleasant drive
The electric power steering is light, which is good for downtown low-speed manoeuvres. We'd like it to be a little heavier at higher speeds, however.
The front disc/rear drum brakes are easy to modulate and an anti-lock system is standard on the SL and optional on the S.
Finally, all Versas are fitted with 15-inch wheels. Compared to 16- or 17-inchers, this is an advantage for those who buy winter tires, since they'll pay less.
Looking at the Versa's big picture, its success isn't surprising. Its price rounds it up with the subcompacts, even though it's bigger than certain compacts. That's why the Versa can be considered as a paradox.
 |
| On the road, we discover a supple suspension that's tuned for comfort, not sporty driving. |
photo:Luc Gagné
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