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SV 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
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SV 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
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Overall Rating
The Nissan Versa gets powered by a 1.6L engine that produces 109hp of power and 107lb.-ft. of torque.
The subcompact sedan segment has grown exponentially over the last few years and garnered massive attention for its affordability. Amongst the brands available, Nissan pioneered the segment in a new direction. The new Nissan Versa at $11,990 is the cheapest car in its segment and promises to provide the buyer with the basic amenities that one looks for in a car. The Versa is offered in 4 trims, all of which share the same engine. Each trim is differentiated from the other by the number of features it has.
The 2017 Nissan Versa is a mixed bag of opinions. While we feel that its commodious cabin alongside its decent fuel economy makes it an alluring choice, the absence of a standard infotainment system and lack of refinement both in performance and engine noise cause a blemish in the Versa's likability. With the current iteration, the sedan carries on unchanged with the exception of the introduction of the SV Special Edition Package. In its segment, the Nissan Versa competes head-on with the likes of the Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, and Kia Rio.
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.
SV 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
SV 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) w/Prod. End 04/18
SV 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) w/Prod. End 04/18
SV 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
SV 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
SV 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
The Nissan Versa gets powered by a 1.6L engine that produces 109hp of power and 107lb.-ft. of torque.
The subcompact sedan segment has grown exponentially over the last few years and garnered massive attention for its affordability. Amongst the brands available, Nissan pioneered the segment in a new direction. The new Nissan Versa at $11,990 is the cheapest car in its segment and promises to provide the buyer with the basic amenities that one looks for in a car. The Versa is offered in 4 trims, all of which share the same engine. Each trim is differentiated from the other by the number of features it has.
The 2017 Nissan Versa is a mixed bag of opinions. While we feel that its commodious cabin alongside its decent fuel economy makes it an alluring choice, the absence of a standard infotainment system and lack of refinement both in performance and engine noise cause a blemish in the Versa's likability. With the current iteration, the sedan carries on unchanged with the exception of the introduction of the SV Special Edition Package. In its segment, the Nissan Versa competes head-on with the likes of the Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, and Kia Rio.
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.
Trim |
S |
S Plus |
SV |
SL |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (manual) |
$11,990 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
MSRP (automatic) |
$13,680 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
MSRP (CVT) |
N/A |
$14,130 |
$15,720 |
$17,280 |
Key Features |
Dual power body-color remote-controlled outside mirrors |
Adds or replaces features from S |
Adds or replaces features from S plus |
Adds or replaces features from SL |
Chrome-accented multi-reflector halogen headlights |
Integrated roof antenna |
Power rear windows |
Fog lights |
|
Rear spoiler |
Rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light |
Remote keyless entry |
16" silver aluminum Wheels |
|
AM/FM/CD audio system |
4-way manually adjustable front seats |
Cruise control |
NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps |
|
MP3/WMA CD playback capability |
Steering tilt settings |
Chrome interior accents |
AM/FM/CD audio system with 5.8" color touchscreen monitor |
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.
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.
Models |
Nissan Versa |
Toyota Yaris iA |
Ford Fiesta |
Kia Rio |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$11,990 |
$15,950 |
$13,660 |
$14,165 |
Engine |
HR16DE 1.6L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder |
1.5L 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve |
1.6L Ti-VCT I-4 |
1.6L GDI 16-Valve 4-Cylinder |
Transmission |
5-Speed Manual |
6-Speed Manual |
5-Speed Manual |
6-Speed Manual |
Horsepower |
109 hp @ 6000rpm |
106 hp @ 6000rpm |
120 hp @ 6350rpm |
138 hp @ 6300rpm |
Torque |
107 lb-ft @ 4400rpm |
103 lb-ft @ 4200rpm |
112 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
123 lb-ft @ 4850rpm |
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.
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.
Models |
Nissan Versa |
Toyota Yaris iA |
Ford Fiesta |
Kia Rio |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
9.2 sec |
8.7 sec |
9.5 sec |
8.4 sec |
Quarter mile |
17.5 sec |
17.1 sec |
17.2 sec |
16.6 sec |
Engine |
1.6L |
1.5L |
1.6L |
1.6L |
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.
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.
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.
Model |
Nissan Versa |
Toyota Yaris iA |
Ford Fiesta |
Kia Rio |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front |
10.0" |
10.2" |
10.2" |
10.1" |
Brake Rear |
8.0" |
7.9" |
7.9" |
10.3" |
Curb Weight |
2363 lbs |
2385 lbs |
2578 lbs |
2494 lbs |
60-0 MPH |
129 ft. |
127 ft. |
118 ft. |
127 ft. |
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.
Model |
Nissan Versa |
Toyota Yaris iA |
Ford Fiesta |
Kia Rio |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
27 |
30 |
27 |
27 |
MPG (highway) |
36 |
39 |
35 |
36 |
MPG (combined) |
30 |
34 |
30 |
31 |
Fuel Capacity (gallons) | 10.8 gallons | 11.6 gallons | 12.4 gallons | 11.4 gallons |
Range (City/highway)(Miles) | 292/389 mi | 348/452 mi | 335/434 mi | 308/410 mi |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year ) |
5.9 |
5.2 |
5.8 |
5.6 |
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.
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.
Model |
Nissan Versa |
Toyota Yaris iA |
Ford Fiesta |
Kia Rio |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
39.8/51.7/41.8 |
38.2/53.1/41.9 |
39.1/52.7/42.2 |
40.0/53.1/43.8 |
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
36.6/51.9/37.0 |
36.8/50.0/34.4 |
37.1/49/31.2 |
37.6/5.1/31.1 |
.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:
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:
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.
Model |
Nissan Versa |
Toyota Yaris |
Ford Fiesta |
Kia Rio |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume |
14.9 cu.ft. |
13.5 cu.ft. |
12.8 cu.ft. |
13.7 cu.ft. |
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.
Model |
Nissan Versa |
Toyota Yaris iA |
Ford Fiesta |
Kia Rio |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight |
2363 lbs |
2385 lbs |
2578 lbs |
2494 lbs |
Length |
163.7 |
171.7 |
173.6 |
172.0 |
Width |
66.7 |
66.7 |
67.8 |
67.7 |
Height |
60.5 |
58.5 |
58 |
57.3 |
Ground clearance |
6.8 |
5.5 |
6.1 |
5.5 |
Wheelbase |
102.4 |
101.2 |
98.0" |
101.2 |
Track width (in) F/R |
58.3/58.5 |
58.9/58.5 |
57.7/.57.7 |
57.3/59.8 |
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:
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 -
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.
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.