Used 2017 Nissan Versa SL for sale 

The Nissan Versa falls in a price range that starts at $11,990 and goes all the way up to $17,280. The Nissan Versa is offered in four different variants that share the same engine platform. Additionally, the performance of each variant depends on the transmission one chooses. All trims except the base-level variant are backed by a CVT transmission. The base variant, the Versa S, has the option of both an automatic and a manual transmission. The choice of gear determines the trim one will buy. As one moves up the ladder, features like keyless entry, cruise control, and a touch screen act as key-value addition.

Each trim has some distinctive features to offer and these features act as a unique selling proposition. Some salient features of each variant include the rear spoiler for the base trim, the S Plus, SV, and SL include features like integrated roof antenna, power rear windows, and fog lights respectively

What do we recommend?

While the higher trims have a lot of features on offer, there is a considerable price gap when compared with the base trim and prices become awfully close to much better products in the segment. The base Versa S is a bang for the buck and provides essential features at a reasonable price. The availability of features like cloth upholstery, remote trunk release, and electronic stability control make the Versa S a practical offering. To add to the options list, Nissan provides the base trim with an option of either manual or automatic transmission. 

Also Read:

• Find the best deals on the 2017 Nissan Versa
• Here's a look at the all-new 2021 Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa makes use of a 1.6L inline-4 engine as a standard that churns out 109hp of power and 107lb.-ft of torque. It has not been idealized to be a serious performer, rather it's an apt choice for the daily commutes. Depending on the trim one opts for, the Versa makes use of either a 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, or CVT transmission; the former two being available with the base trim only. As standard, the Nissan Versa is available as an FWD variant only.

In the segment, all sedans make use of a four-cylinder engine as standard. While the Toyota Yaris is the least powerful, the Kia Rio that produces 138hp and 123lb.-ft of torque is the most powerful.  While all cars make use of a manual transmission setup, each vehicle except the Ford Fiesta provides an option of an automatic unit. 

2017 Nissan Versa Acceleration

The gutless engine on the Nissan bounds its speed and acceleration, making it sluggish and slow-moving. It takes the Versa a total of 9.2 seconds to reach from 0-60 MPH, and 17.5 seconds to cover a quarter-mile. The engine is comparatively slower than most cars in the segment and becomes noisy and loud as one tries to push hard to reach higher speeds.

All three cars the Toyota, Ford, and Kia perform better in the realm of quarter-mile timings. The Kia Rio is the quickest on the block followed closely by the Toyota Yaris and the Ford Fiesta with a total time of 16.6, 17.1, and 17.2 seconds respectively. In the 0-60 MPH, the Kia and Toyota retain top two positions while the Ford slips to the last position and Nissan ends up third.

2017 Nissan Versa Ride and Handling

The Versa’s handling is not compelling but generates a great sense of comfort. The engine gets loud and noisy at higher RPMs. Even though the city ride is smooth and rough patches can be covered without much difficulty, the ride and handling do not match the precision that one gets with the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris.

The softer suspension system causes a lot of body roll. The steering has a synthetic response and feels super light. It lacks luster and is not suitable for high-speed cruising and cornering.

2017 Nissan Versa Braking

The Versa shows a similar grey performance in the braking dynamics. To keep the costs in check, the Versa sports a set of drum brakes at the back which results in an average braking performance. The Nissan is capable of coming down from 60 MPH to a still at a distance of 129ft.

The Ford Fiesta has the best stopping distance of 118ft. The Toyota Yaris and Kia Rio both have similar braking stats and come to a standstill at a distance of 127ft.

In the class of affordable cars fuel economy always takes the center stage and the Versa doesn't disappoint. It delivers what it was designed for, both the manual and CVT trims are efficient like other cars in the class. The manual transmission delivers 27 MPG of city and 36 MPG of highway mileage, on the other hand, the CVT enhances the fuel economy with its 31 MPG city and 39 MPG of highway mileage.

Even with a combined mileage of 30 MPG, the Versa isn’t the best performer. The Toyota Yaris sports 34 MPG while the Kia Rio is capable of 31 MPG. The Ford Fiesta is similar in performance to the Nissan Versa, however, can hold a higher amount of fuel and covers a considerably longer distance in a single refill. In terms of range and fuel capacity, the 2017 Nissan Versa remains at the bottom of the table. 

Also Read:

• Check out the fuel economy of the 2017 Kia Rio
• Here's a look at the 2017 Nissa Versa Note

The Nissan Versa might be roomy but it is not comfortable. Like other cars in the segment, the Nissan seats 5 passengers and has ample space to offer for both the front and rear seat occupants. The interior on the Versa looks outdated and can displease buyers with empty spaces on the dash, ancient push-button stereo, and a miniature screen. Though features like an adjustable steering wheel, steering mounted controls, and intermittent wipers are practical standard inclusions

The ride quality feels disappointing, considering that there is a lot of noise that seeps into the cabin. The engine noise is irksome and further reduces likability. With the higher trims, however, features like a rearview camera. keyless entry, and power windows, do provide a sense of respite. It feels that the Nissan Versa does attempts at upholding usability and practicality, but foregoes luxury to make it possible. 

.In terms of competition, the Nissan Versa does remain streets ahead of its competitors and gains ascendancy by providing maximum space to both front and rear-seat occupants. While the Toyota Yaris' space does feel comparable, the Kia Rio and Ford Fiesta lose out on essential space for the rear-seat passengers. 

Some interior features include:

• Interior Cargo Shade (Optional)
• Adjustable Steering Wheel
• Steering Wheel Controls
• Trip Computer
• Universal Garage Door Opener (Optional)
• Intermittent Wipers
• Electrochromic rearview mirror (Optional)
• Power Mirrors

2017 Nissan Versa Infotainment system

The infotainment system on duty in the Nissan Versa lacks sheen, brilliance, and vitality. With all trim options, the Versa features quirky infotainment elements but they never feel up to the mark. While the base variant lacks even the standard amenities, one can opt for the SV Special Edition Package for improved features like a 5-inch touchscreen system, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM Satellite radio. 

The base trim comes standard with a 4-speaker system and features Bluetooth and CD connectivity options. As one moves higher, a better display screen, rearview camera monitor, and a USB Port. Some other salient infotainment features include:

• AM/FM Stereo
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• CD Player
• MP3 Player
• Bluetooth connectivity

2017 Nissan Versa Cargo Capacity

The Nissan might not have designing elements that catch the eye, but it is quite practical with the space it has on offer. The Nissan Versa offers 14.9 cubic feet of space which is the highest on offer in the segment. This space can also be increased in the higher SV and SL trims by folding the rear seat. The Nissan’s trunk is easy to access with its low-loading lip and square opening.

The Kia Rio has the second-best trunk volume at 13.7 cubic feet followed by the Toyota Yaris at 12.5 cubic feet and the Ford Fiesta at 12.8 cubic feet of space. With all contemporary cars as well, the availability of split-folding rear seats adds to the amount of cargo space. 

The new Nissan Versa looks pretty much the same since the time it was first introduced in 2015. It borrows designing elements from higher segment models like the Nissan Altima and Sentra. It might not be the best in its class but it is definitely the largest entry-level sedan in the market today. With its subtle design and the way in which the curves are gracefully handled, the Versa looks like a proper family sedan.

The Nissan Versa might be the shortest car when it comes to an overall length (163.7 in) but has the longest wheelbase on offer at 102.4-inch. It stands tall at 60.5 inches and has the highest ground clearance at 6.8 inch that gives the car a commanding look and allows for easy movement over uneven surfaces. The Versa has a total curb weight of 2363 lbs and is the lightest car in the segment.

In comparison, the Ford Fiesta is the heaviest car at 2578 lbs. It is also the longest and widest car in the segment at 173.6 and 67.8 inches respectively, but it sports the shortest wheelbase. Each sedan in the segment bears an innocent and subtle design and differs from one another only diminutively in terms of dimensions. Some of the salient exterior features of the Nissan Versa include:

• 15/16-inch All Season Tires
• Rear Spoiler 
• Splash Guards 
• Fog Lights (available with the SV Special Edition Package and SL trim)
• Chrome Trunk Accent (available with the SL trim only)

Safety is not one of Versa's strong suits, the car gained a 4 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA's rollover and front crash test rating. It makes use of rear drum brakes which do cause a bearing on its performance increasing its halting distance in the deceleration test. It also misses out on Nissan’s active features but it still has quite a lot to offer like the vehicle dynamic control, traction control system, and passenger seat belt system. Some of the other safety features include -

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Easy-Fill Tire Alert
• LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
• 3-point ELR passenger seat belt system
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
• Roof-mounted curtain supplemental airbags with rollover sensor for side-impact head protection for front and rear-seat outboard occupants
• Driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental airbags
• Nissan Advanced Airbag System with dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat belt and occupant-classification sensors

Also Read:

• How reliable is the 2017 Nissan Versa?
• Here's a look at some buyer reviews of the Nissan Versa

Nissan Versa vs Kia Rio

The Kia Rio is priced at $14,165 and its 1.6 L engine produces 138hp of power and 123lb.-ft. of torque, and has the best acceleration capabilities as compared to any car in the segment.

Nissan Versa vs Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa are often compared in the subcompact segment. Both cars offer similar power and fuel economy, the major difference between the two is the series of active safety features present on the Toyota Yaris and the peace of mind of owning a Toyota. Where the base Versa is offered with an obsolete push-button stereo, Bluetooth, and auxiliary input the Yaris is a star in providing high infotainment features.

Nissan Versa vs Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta has more power on offer courtesy of its 1.6 L engine that produces 120 hp of power and 112lb.-ft of torque. It performs better than the Nissan in the quarter-mile run and acceleration test. The Ford comes loaded with better infotainment features, has better emission values, and best in class braking stats. The Versa outshines the Fiesta with its better cargo capacity and spacious cabin.

With the Versa, Nissan overcomes the problems of the CVT transmission that earlier restricted its performance. Its 1.6L engine produces a decent amount of power and torque at 109hp and 107lb.-ft respectively. The Nissan Versa boasts of a spacious cabin and its affordable price of $11,990 is the lowest in the segment and will be its major selling point. It lacks infotainment and safety but the Versa makes sense for a buyer who is looking for a comfortable and cheap daily runner as a fleet car.