The Weekly Driver - http://www.theweeklydriver.com
Nissan Versa, 2008: Weidel on Wheels
http://www.theweeklydriver.com/articles/431/1/Nissan-Versa-2008-Weidel-on-Wheels/Page1.html
By Jeffrey Weidel
Published on 02/9/2008
 
Gas prices continue to rise, and can $4 a gallon be far off? No wonder going small is becoming more popular and buyers focus more toward economy cars and away from often gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles.

Making a memorable debut in the sub-compact class a year ago was the Nissan Versa. Available  hatchback or sedan, the Versa sales were more than 60,000 for 2007, a solid number in the entry level category. Nissan became an immediate competitor in the subcompact category when it beefed up the Sentra, previously its entry-level vehicle in the U.S. market. Versa stepped into the Sentra’s previous spot and received immediate notice, getting favorable recommendations when compared to primary rivals — Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra.
Gas prices continue to rise, and can $4 a gallon be far off? No wonder going small is becoming more popular and buyers focus more toward economy cars and away from often gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles.

Making a memorable debut in the sub-compact class a year ago was the Nissan Versa. Available  hatchback or sedan, the Versa sales were more than 60,000 for 2007, a solid number in the entry level category. Nissan became an immediate competitor in the subcompact category when it beefed up the Sentra, previously its entry-level vehicle in the U.S. market. Versa stepped into the Sentra’s previous spot and received immediate notice, getting favorable recommendations when compared to primary rivals — Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra.

 

Available in sedan and hatchback, the 2008 Versa might be new to American buyers, but it has abeen around a bit longer. Developed in a partnership between Nissan and Renault, the Versa was unveile in Europe and is sold under the Renault name. The Versa is also sold in Mexico as the Tiida.

 

Whatever the name, this Nissan owns its popularity to being a roomy small car that also gains notoriety for its affordable price and enviable gas mileage. Those characteristics make Versa a budget-friendly option for cost conscious individuals or young families. Vehicles like the Versa look better as our economy drifts into recession.

 

Because of its styling, the Versa provides more interior room and comfort than most sub-compacts. It has a tall roof that allows for excellent head room, while the leg room will satisfy the 6-foot and over crowd in front and back seats. Back seats are roomy enough to squeeze in a third person. (Note, ee did say squeeze; Most sub-compacts will absolutely not accommodate three passengers.) Trunk space is also solid.

 

The Versa also packs more power than many of its rivals, featuring a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder with 122 horsepower. However, the downside here is the Versa weighs more than most of its rivals, which negates that extra power and reduces what should be more quickness. Another knock on the Versa is the handling and agility is merely average for the class.

 

Despite the handling issues, the Versa test driven here for a week was a rather fun ride due to the six-speed manual transmission, which is naturally peppier than the automatic transmission. The test model handled itself well on one trip into the foothills and showed enough power to allow for passing on some hilly stretches.

 

The state sheet says the Versa gets between 24-32 mph, and the test model registered much closer to the higher figure. The gas mileage will result in savings for a vehicle that can be purchased fairly cheaply at $12,630 for the base model and $15,630 for the top of the line Versa. Outside of a few tweaks, the Versa is mostly unchanged from the 2007 model.

 

Fast Facts

 

Power: 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, horsepower.

 

Gas Mileage estimates: 24-32 mpg.                                           

 

Standard Features Include: 4-way adjustable front seat; center console; rear defogger; tilt steering; 4-speaker, audio system with CD.