The 2012 Nissan Versa, the second generation of the entry level sub-compact, will have its North American debut April 20-21 at the New York Auto Show.
The recent increases in gas prices will likely add to what is already expected to be substantial attention for the Versa. The sub-compact segment is among the most competitive with Versa’s challengers including the Chevrolet Sonic, redesigned Hyundai Accent and Ford Fiesta as well as the updated Toyota Yaris and Mazda2.
With the exception of “spy shots,” few details of the 2012 Versa are available, but the design has been described as “edgier.”
The Versa was introduced in the United States and in Canada in July 2006 as a 2007 model. The hatchback model was introduced first, with the sedan debuting at the end of the year, both as 2007 models.
It’s the only car in its class to offer a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. Trim levels include the S and SL, with the SL offering air conditioning, power accessories and ABS, all of which are options on the S.
The 2011 Versa, the second-cheapest car in the United States ($10,740) is rated at an estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Article Last Updated: September 8, 2021.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
