Biggest engine in a subcompact
While its rivals count on 1.5- and 1.6-litre engines, the Versa Hatchback gets a 1.8-litre unit that develops 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than enough to get the car at a decent pace, although its output is offset by the Nissan’s curb weight, the highest in its category. In case you haven’t noticed, the Versa sedan gets a 1.6-litre engine for 2009.
With the standard-equipment, smooth-shifting 6-speed manual, the Versa scoots to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds. On the highway at 100 km/h, the engine spins at 2,600 rpm, which isn’t bad. As for fuel economy, our average of 9.2 L/100 km is higher than expected, although we honestly could’ve done better.
On the road, the Versa offers a quiet and comfortable ride, and actually feels like you’re driving a bigger car. On the other hand, its handling characteristics aren’t as sporty as the Fit’s or Ford’s upcoming Fiesta.
Interior furnishings
The Versa’s cockpit is assembled with good-quality materials, and its switchgear is well laid out. The steering wheel’s audio and cruise controls are right where your thumb can reach them, which isn’t the case in all Nissans.
Unlike the base model, the SL gets front and rear centre armrests, which doesn’t sound very important until you drive a car that doesn’t have any. The uplevel Versa also gets grippy woven cloth seats, although the mouse-fur fabric in the base versions feels just as good.
The 6-CD changer can also read MP3 and WMA files, which is the norm today. Our test car also includes the Technology Package that adds 6 speakers and a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, XM radio, a leather-wrapped wheel and Bluetooth connectivity for your cell phone.
The whole system sounds pretty good, although people talking with me over the phone say they have trouble hearing me. Oh, and when the phone rings through the speakers, it’s really, really loud and scares the hell out of you.
While its rivals count on 1.5- and 1.6-litre engines, the Versa Hatchback gets a 1.8-litre unit that develops 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than enough to get the car at a decent pace, although its output is offset by the Nissan’s curb weight, the highest in its category. In case you haven’t noticed, the Versa sedan gets a 1.6-litre engine for 2009.
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| The Versa’s cockpit is assembled with good-quality materials, and its switchgear is well laid out. |
With the standard-equipment, smooth-shifting 6-speed manual, the Versa scoots to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds. On the highway at 100 km/h, the engine spins at 2,600 rpm, which isn’t bad. As for fuel economy, our average of 9.2 L/100 km is higher than expected, although we honestly could’ve done better.
On the road, the Versa offers a quiet and comfortable ride, and actually feels like you’re driving a bigger car. On the other hand, its handling characteristics aren’t as sporty as the Fit’s or Ford’s upcoming Fiesta.
Interior furnishings
The Versa’s cockpit is assembled with good-quality materials, and its switchgear is well laid out. The steering wheel’s audio and cruise controls are right where your thumb can reach them, which isn’t the case in all Nissans.
Unlike the base model, the SL gets front and rear centre armrests, which doesn’t sound very important until you drive a car that doesn’t have any. The uplevel Versa also gets grippy woven cloth seats, although the mouse-fur fabric in the base versions feels just as good.
The 6-CD changer can also read MP3 and WMA files, which is the norm today. Our test car also includes the Technology Package that adds 6 speakers and a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, XM radio, a leather-wrapped wheel and Bluetooth connectivity for your cell phone.
The whole system sounds pretty good, although people talking with me over the phone say they have trouble hearing me. Oh, and when the phone rings through the speakers, it’s really, really loud and scares the hell out of you.
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| The Versa Hatchback gets a 1.8-litre unit that develops 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. |