Versa combines room, economy and value

Last year, Nissan introduced its smallest vehicle to the lineup, joining Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris in the segment of small but tall subcompacts vehicles. Of this crowd, Versa offers the most interior room for rear-seat passengers and is among the leaders in engine power. The name itself, Versa, refers to the vehicle’s versatile space. For 2008, Versa remains unchanged with only a slight increase to the base price.

Versa is available as either a hatchback or sedan, in S and SL trim levels. Both come equipped with a 1.8-liter 122-horsepower four-cylinder. Transmission selection is both tricky and confusing. First, whether selecting a Versa S model in either the sedan or hatchback model the 6-speed manual shifter is standard. A four speed automatic transmission is an additional $800 in either the S sedan or S hatchback.

If you choose the upgraded SL sedan the only transmission available is the CVT (continuous variable transmission with a base price $1,000 more than the S sedan 6-speed manual shifter. The four-speed automatic is not available.

The Versa SL hatchback comes standard with a 6-speed manual shifter or the CVT automatic transmission for an additional $1,000. Again, the four-speed automatic is not available on this model.

To me, the quirky looking hatchback has more outward personality than the rather generic-looking sedan. Both come similarly equipped, so it’s all a matter of taste when making a buying choice.

The base S model is fairly bare bones in terms of standard equipment, featuring air conditioning and split folding rear seats. Power accessories are available as part of an option package ($700) that is standard on the SL. Cruise control is another $200 option on the S, but is standard on the SL. While several different option packages are available for both models, you can’t get some without buying others. For example, getting the anti-lock brake package ($250) requires purchasing the cruise control option and power package on the S, but is a stand-alone option on the SL. The convenience package on the SL ($650) adds keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth® capability, steering-wheel audio controls and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. An appearance-minded sport package ($700) is also available on the SL and requires bundling with the convenience package. XM satellite radio is an option ($150) on the SL, but not on the S.
Inside, the Versa is class-leading roomy. Rear-seat passengers were surprisingly comfortable, although I’d limit the number of adults back there to two, even on short jaunts. If you do have to squeeze three adults into the back, I’d recommend they mimic the Versa’s dimensions — they can be tall, but not too wide.

On the road, Versa starts off pretty well, accelerating quickly through the lower gears. The engine gets a little buzzy as the rpm climbs and at higher speeds. And though the increased height does wonders for interior room, it creates body roll on curves. Another annoyance is that the car seems to jump over speed bumps and rough surfaces rather than absorbing them. Brakes are adequate, but braking distance seems a little long. I’d recommend upgrading to the ABS. Fifteen-inch steel wheels are standard, with 15-inch alloy wheel included on both SL models.

Safety wise, front-seat side and side-curtain airbags are standard, but as mentioned previously, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution are an option ($250). In government crash tests, the Versa received four out of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it the highest rating, Good, for vehicles manufactured after November 2006 (when Nissan added front and rear head-curtain and front-seat-mounted torso airbags). I was surprised and disappointed to know that you can’t get stability control either standard or an option on any Versa model.
While I’m discussing “not available” you can add a navigation system and rear-seat DVD entertainment system to the list.

For an entry-level car, the Versa deserves a look. With lots of available options, a roomy and attractive interior, and excellent gas mileage, it would work well as a daily commuter for someone more concerned with practicality than luxury.

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