Unlike the Versa sedan that gets a 1.6-litre engine, the hatchback model benefits from a 1.8-litre inline-4 that develops 122 horses and 127 pound-feet of torque. And although the 1.8 SL offers an optional CVT gearbox, the S trim must make do with a 4-speed automatic. Still, 0 to 100 km/h takes 9.8 seconds, pretty much the same as with the CVT or the 6-speed manual.
Actually, the 4-speed automatic isn’t all that bad compared to the CVT. It makes the engine spin a few hundred revs per minute higher on the highway, and uses a little more fuel around town. Our average of 9.4 L/100 km could be better, as the manual and the CVT are more efficient by about a litre for every 100 km.
Dynamically, the Versa isn’t as sporty as the Ford and Mazda newcomers, as its steering is slower and its suspension is not as tight. But that’s okay, since the Nissan’s ride is comfortable and feels like you’re driving something bigger like a compact.
The Versa isn’t perfect, however, but our complaints are limited to minor details. When the windshield wipers are on, you can feel a vibration right down to the pedals. In certain corners of the rear bench cushion, you can see the yellow foam padding. In addition, there’s no front center armrest, so our inboard arms get bored of just hanging in thin air.
The base 1.8 S starts at a reasonable $14,195, and our test car includes the aforementioned option packages, the $1,000 automatic transmission and a $135 charge for metallic paint. The total climbs to $16,733, which is a good deal.
In comparison with similarly-equipped subcompacts, the Versa is cheaper than the Chevrolet Aveo5 LT, the Honda Fit DX-A, the Toyota Yaris LE with Enhanced Convenience Package, the Kia Rio5 EX Convenience, the Mazda2 GX with Convenience Package as well as the Ford Fiesta SE. The Hyundai Accent GL is less expensive, but only by about 200 bucks.
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| The Versa hatchback model benefits from a 1.8-litre inline-4 that develops 122 horses and 127 pound-feet of torque. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |
Actually, the 4-speed automatic isn’t all that bad compared to the CVT. It makes the engine spin a few hundred revs per minute higher on the highway, and uses a little more fuel around town. Our average of 9.4 L/100 km could be better, as the manual and the CVT are more efficient by about a litre for every 100 km.
Dynamically, the Versa isn’t as sporty as the Ford and Mazda newcomers, as its steering is slower and its suspension is not as tight. But that’s okay, since the Nissan’s ride is comfortable and feels like you’re driving something bigger like a compact.
The Versa isn’t perfect, however, but our complaints are limited to minor details. When the windshield wipers are on, you can feel a vibration right down to the pedals. In certain corners of the rear bench cushion, you can see the yellow foam padding. In addition, there’s no front center armrest, so our inboard arms get bored of just hanging in thin air.
The base 1.8 S starts at a reasonable $14,195, and our test car includes the aforementioned option packages, the $1,000 automatic transmission and a $135 charge for metallic paint. The total climbs to $16,733, which is a good deal.
In comparison with similarly-equipped subcompacts, the Versa is cheaper than the Chevrolet Aveo5 LT, the Honda Fit DX-A, the Toyota Yaris LE with Enhanced Convenience Package, the Kia Rio5 EX Convenience, the Mazda2 GX with Convenience Package as well as the Ford Fiesta SE. The Hyundai Accent GL is less expensive, but only by about 200 bucks.
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| The base 1.8 S starts at a reasonable $14,195. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |