Used 2016 Nissan Versa S PLUS for sale 

The 2016 Nissan Versa comes available in four trims- S, S Plus, SV, and SL. The most basic trim, S includes a four-speaker audio system with auxiliary input, air-conditioning, roll-up windows, and steel wheels. Only this model comes with an option of a five-speed manual ($11,990) or a four-speed automatic ($13,540). Here is a list of the key features available with the trims of the Nissan Versa.

The S Plus trim adds cruise control and a rear spoiler. The SV trim is the one that will give you power windows and door locks, keyless entry, and cruise control. The luxury-oriented SL doesn’t give you leather, but it does give you a push-button start, backup camera, satellite radio, etc. 

Buying Advice

The base S trim is like a bare bone. It just adds limited standard features, but the SV trim comes with several design upgrades. It starts with an asking price of $15,580 and adds a six-way manual driver’s seat, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, and premium cloth upholstery. Hence, we recommend you go for the SV trim.

Powering the 2016 Nissan Versa is a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that generates 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual comes on the base trim, but all the other models feature a continuously variable transmission that delivers smooth-free acceleration. With low lateral limits and steering that offers little feedback to the driver, there isn’t much fun to be expected when pushing hard in the turns.

But as a commuter, the car works fine delivering predictable handling. Similarly, a 109 horsepower engine won’t produce much adrenaline, but it does produce an adequate acceleration of 0-60 mph in 9.7 seconds. On the open road, you may notice a good deal of road and noise but ride comfort remains generally good. One nitpicky complaint, the vehicle's strong inclination to creep forward makes it hard to come to a smooth stop. 

The Chevy Sonic and the Hyundai Accent boasts almost similar power and torque figures. The 120-hp Ford Fiesta gives a tough challenge to the Accent and stars ahead of it with 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.6 seconds. Meanwhile, the Nissan Versa stays at the last dues to its underpowered engine. Also, except for the Accent, the rest of the rivals use their traditional 5-speed manual.

There is nothing to worry about fuel economy as it is the best with the 2016 Nissan Versa. Fuel economy with manual transmission ranges from 27 mpg in the city to 36 mpg on the highway. Cars equipped with the CVT see a pump in fuel economy to around 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. 

All the rivals bear excellent fuel efficiency but the Nissan Versa beats its rivals with the highest fuel economy. With a small fuel tank of 10.8 gallons, it delivers a combined range of 340 miles. Due to its larger fuel tank, the Chevy Sonic offers an incredible fuel economy of 36 mpg in the cities but the Hyundai Accent offers the best highway estimates in this segment.

The interior of the 2016 Nissan Versa features a clean uncluttered design. Hard plastics abound but that’s to be expected in a car with a sub $12,000 base price. All five seats are covered with cloth as standard. These seats remain comfortable for short-distance travels but are not suitable for long-distance travel due to lack of proper thigh support. We appreciate the simple use of climate and audio controls, though a telescopic steering wheel or front center armrest would make things more hospitable for the driver. 

While smaller in measurements than most of the rivals, the Nissan Versa remains a standout in its class with abundant interior space. Most notably in the back, the rear seat legroom rivals that of many mid-sized sedans. Even the headroom is more than sufficient for adults. The trunk is also impressively sized for a subcompact with 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space available. 

In the front row, the Chevy Sonic offers the least headroom while the best legroom is offered by the Ford Fiesta. Things are different in the rear row for the Nissan versa. Only 36.6 inches of headroom is available but it offers the class-leading legroom of 37 inches while the rest of the rivals stick to the low 30s. The Versa and the Sonic share equal cargo capacities while the Hyundai Accent offers 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space. But the Fiesta is the lowest practical sedan in this competition. Some of the interior features include:

• Keyless start
• Power steering
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Remote trunk release
• Adjustable steering wheel

How intuitive is the 2016 Nissan versa’s infotainment system?

The base S and S Plus trims don’t offer much in the infotainment department. The only standard features are AM/FM stereo, CD player, and Bluetooth connectivity. These models get a two-speaker stereo system. The trims SV and SL get the NissanConnect infotainment system. It comprises a 5.8-inch touchscreen display that features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The top variant adds a voice recognition and navigation system with a four-speaker stereo system. The screen lags while navigating through menus, but surprisingly, the visibility is pretty good. Some of the other features include:

• Navigation system
• Auxiliary audio input
• Four-speaker stereo
• Voice recognition
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto

Throughout the model lineup, while dimensionally smaller than the previous car, the 2016 Nissan Versa is still longer and taller than most of its competitors. The exterior design of the Nissan Versa is simple and inoffensive. While light on stylistic risks, the body shape enhances efficiency thanks to its low 0.31 drag coefficient.

The Nissan Versa has a kind of baby Nissan Altima central look to it. The tall roof and droopy edges of the Versa are not sporty or elegant but must be reached into the spacious interior of the vehicle. The higher trims of the Nissan Versa boast nicer wheel designs and chrome highlights that make the Versa look interesting. 

The wide wheelbase of the Nissan Versa is proof of its spacious interior room. Despite housing heavy curb weight, the Chevy Sonic displays excellent acceleration. The Hyundai Accent is the shortest in length, measuring just 172 inches. When comparing curb weight, Nissan is the lightest with 2,421 lbs. Some of the exterior highlights include:

• Fog lamps
• Rear spoiler
• 15-inch steel and aluminum wheels
• Power mirrors 
• Foglights
• Side mirrors with integrated turn signals (Optional)

In terms of safety ratings, the 2016 Nissan Versa scored average scores. NHTSA gave four out of five stars for the Nissan Versa, while the IIHS gave ‘Good’ ratings on all categories except for the driver's side crash test, this category earned ’Poor’ ratings. Five airbags are standard on the Versa. The safety features on the Versa are very limited. Some of them include:

• Rearview camera
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Traction Control
• Antilock brakes
• Airbags
• Rearview camera

The 2016 Nissan Versa continues to bring value to the category offering plenty of interior space, new features, and a sub $12,000 starting price. You’ll like the Versa if you want a capable and surprisingly roomy small car at a bargain-basement price. You may not like it if driving fun is high among your priorities. Some of the sporty competitors including the Ford Fiesta and the Hyundai Accent are worth looking into.