The engine is rated at 109 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque.
The five-speed manual transmission is carryover, but Versa’s CVT is all-new. According to Nissan, the CVT adds a “world first” — an auxiliary gearbox using planetary gearing. This allows the CVT to have a transmission ratio of 7:3, which is broader than most CVTs and even most 7-speed automatics. Friction, weight and overall size are all reduced.
The more compact CVT allowed engineers to create a more compact front end. Overall length was retained, so this newfound space was added to the rear seating and cargo areas. While this new Versa is only about 15 mm (0.6 inches) shorter than the 2011 model, with the same wheelbase, rear seat legroom is substantially enhanced. According to Tavares, there is more legroom back there than in a 5 Series BMW.
We sat back there for a spell, and it seems as roomy as advertised. The interior is well finished, with high quality materials. But this is a class of vehicle where they use a lot of big plastic pieces in the interior to keep costs down, and the new Versa is no exception.
But also increasingly important in this class is connectivity. As such the Versa features stuff like navigation, Bluetooth, hands-free phone, satellite radio and USB/iPod interface.
The New Versa will be the first Nissan model in Canada branded with the PURE DRIVE designation, the automaker’s new eco brand, for models equipped with Nissan’s most advanced green technologies.
The 2012 Versa Sedan will go on sale in Canada in late summer, in three models — 1.6 S (offered in manual tranny only), 1.6 SV, and 1.6 SL (CVT only).
One of the cost-saving aspects of the new platform appears to be rear-drum brakes. But otherwise the new Versa is laden with standard safety systems, such as Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control, ABS with Electronic Brake force Distribution, and Brake Assist, dual stage front air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags.
Preliminary fuel economy numbers for CVT-equipped Versa Sedan models are 6.7 L/100 km City, 5.3 L/100 km Highway, and combined at 6.1 L/100 km. Corresponding L/100 km numbers for manual-equipped models are 7.5/5.4/6.6.
As with the previous Versa models, the 2012 units will be built at Nissan’s Aguascalientes (Mexico) assembly plant.
If you’re wondering about a hatchback Versa, it’s in the pipeline. Nissan didn’t say when it would be revealed, but there is speculation that we could see it as early as the LA show in November.
The five-speed manual transmission is carryover, but Versa’s CVT is all-new. According to Nissan, the CVT adds a “world first” — an auxiliary gearbox using planetary gearing. This allows the CVT to have a transmission ratio of 7:3, which is broader than most CVTs and even most 7-speed automatics. Friction, weight and overall size are all reduced.
The more compact CVT allowed engineers to create a more compact front end. Overall length was retained, so this newfound space was added to the rear seating and cargo areas. While this new Versa is only about 15 mm (0.6 inches) shorter than the 2011 model, with the same wheelbase, rear seat legroom is substantially enhanced. According to Tavares, there is more legroom back there than in a 5 Series BMW.
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| Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com |
We sat back there for a spell, and it seems as roomy as advertised. The interior is well finished, with high quality materials. But this is a class of vehicle where they use a lot of big plastic pieces in the interior to keep costs down, and the new Versa is no exception.
But also increasingly important in this class is connectivity. As such the Versa features stuff like navigation, Bluetooth, hands-free phone, satellite radio and USB/iPod interface.
The New Versa will be the first Nissan model in Canada branded with the PURE DRIVE designation, the automaker’s new eco brand, for models equipped with Nissan’s most advanced green technologies.
The 2012 Versa Sedan will go on sale in Canada in late summer, in three models — 1.6 S (offered in manual tranny only), 1.6 SV, and 1.6 SL (CVT only).
One of the cost-saving aspects of the new platform appears to be rear-drum brakes. But otherwise the new Versa is laden with standard safety systems, such as Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control, ABS with Electronic Brake force Distribution, and Brake Assist, dual stage front air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags.
Preliminary fuel economy numbers for CVT-equipped Versa Sedan models are 6.7 L/100 km City, 5.3 L/100 km Highway, and combined at 6.1 L/100 km. Corresponding L/100 km numbers for manual-equipped models are 7.5/5.4/6.6.
As with the previous Versa models, the 2012 units will be built at Nissan’s Aguascalientes (Mexico) assembly plant.
If you’re wondering about a hatchback Versa, it’s in the pipeline. Nissan didn’t say when it would be revealed, but there is speculation that we could see it as early as the LA show in November.
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