It's worth noting that once the rear seatbacks are folded, the bench seat cushion doesn't lift forwards and doesn't fold down into the floor. The result is a two-step cargo area that has a 30-cm offset in height. The large and high liftover height of the chassis that's exposed once you open the hatch is also a shortcoming.
For example, if you'd want to load in a lawn mower, it's impossible to do it by rolling it in. You have to lift it over the intrusive liftover and then pull your back to drop it on the load floor, which is about 15 cm lower. At least the hatch lifts high and the opening is large.
Great outward visibility!
The linear and horizontal beltline as well as the high roof and thin pillars provide the Versa with a generous glass surface. The driver benefits from excellent perimeter visibility that makes parking manoeuvres easy. It's a welcome change from the squat shapes that are the current trend, like those on the Matrix, which provide a minimalist glass surface and hampers outward visibility.
This 1.8-litre engine develops 122 horsepower and gets the car moving from 0 to 100 km/h in 10 seconds, well-suited for a typical versatile urbanite. The Yaris and the Fit are just as quick, by the way.
The Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) which our Versa SL test car was equipped with proved discreet and flexible. A CVT virtually eliminates harshness that's usually associated with gear changes. In addition, the Xtronic transmission used by Nissan is much less noisy than the one found in the Dodge Caliber during acceleration.
This CVT is found in the SL's options list, the up-level version of the line-up. The base Versa S receives a conventional 4-speed automatic instead, unless we opt for the standard-issue 5-speed manual.
For example, if you'd want to load in a lawn mower, it's impossible to do it by rolling it in. You have to lift it over the intrusive liftover and then pull your back to drop it on the load floor, which is about 15 cm lower. At least the hatch lifts high and the opening is large.
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| The Versa's multi-valve 4-cylinder gives it some good driving sensations. |
Great outward visibility!
The linear and horizontal beltline as well as the high roof and thin pillars provide the Versa with a generous glass surface. The driver benefits from excellent perimeter visibility that makes parking manoeuvres easy. It's a welcome change from the squat shapes that are the current trend, like those on the Matrix, which provide a minimalist glass surface and hampers outward visibility.
This 1.8-litre engine develops 122 horsepower and gets the car moving from 0 to 100 km/h in 10 seconds, well-suited for a typical versatile urbanite. The Yaris and the Fit are just as quick, by the way.
The Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) which our Versa SL test car was equipped with proved discreet and flexible. A CVT virtually eliminates harshness that's usually associated with gear changes. In addition, the Xtronic transmission used by Nissan is much less noisy than the one found in the Dodge Caliber during acceleration.
This CVT is found in the SL's options list, the up-level version of the line-up. The base Versa S receives a conventional 4-speed automatic instead, unless we opt for the standard-issue 5-speed manual.
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| The cockpit provides a satisfying level of comfort for four adults |