Nissan Versa will not set your pulse racing the moment you fire the engine up or when you stomp on the gas pedal. However, the Versa is adept at the job of transporting people and their luggage comfortably within the city. Even on interstate trips, you will find the power to be sufficient for decent cruising speeds, and the cushy suspension will impress on bad roads.
However, don't expect anything remotely exciting. The sedan gets a 1.6L inline-4 engine developing 109 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque.
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Models
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Nissan Versa (S)
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Toyota Yaris iA (Manual)
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Chevrolet Sonic (LS Manual)
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Mitsubishi Mirage G4 (ES)
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MSRP
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$12,110
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$15,950
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$16,170
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$15,395
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Engine
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1.6 Liter Inline 4
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1.5 Liter Inline 4
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1.8 Liter Inline 4
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1.2 Liter Inline 3
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Transmission
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5-speed manual
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6-speed manual
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5-speed manual
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5-speed manual
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Drivetrain
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FWD
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FWD
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FWD
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FWD
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Power
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109 hp @ 6000rpm
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106 hp @ 6000rpm
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138 hp @ 6300rpm
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78 hp @ 6000rpm
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Torque
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107 lb-ft @ 4400rpm
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103 lb-ft @ 4000rpm
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125 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
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74 lb-ft @ 4000rpm
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Its power output is adequate for most people, and freeway overtakes can be executed with little planning. The manual transmission slaps a significant fuel efficiency penalty and does little to impart fun on a commute. The optional CVT is effortless and produces excellent fuel economy too. But again, the CVT comes at a cost and robs the value proposition of the Versa.
Acceleration
Nissan Versa is no dragster. Its humble little 1.6L engine feeds power to the front wheels exclusively via a 5-speed manual or a CVT. The manual transmission works just fine, but the CVT hesitates to put down the power as and when required.
Especially when you need instant move on. In true CVT fashion, it drones endlessly and lags the engine's performance.
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Models
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Nissan Versa (S)
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Toyota Yaris iA (Manual)
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Chevrolet Sonic (LS Manual)
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Mitsubishi Mirage G4 (ES)
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0-60 MPH
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10.0 sec
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8.7 sec
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9.7 sec
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12.8 sec
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Quarter mile
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17.6 sec
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17.1 sec
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16.7 sec
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17.8 sec
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Top Speed
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110 mph
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N/A
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108 mph
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125 mph
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The Nissan Versa is built to a price and 0-60 mph figures are the last thing Nissan engineers care about in this sedan. That said,0-60 mph time of 10 seconds is not especially bad among the compact cars here. The fastest car compared here is the Toyota Yaris iA and it can do 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds.
Handling
Nissan Versa has one thing that impresses the ride and handling department the most - the cushy suspension. The soft springs help it to absorb most of the road's imperfections with aplomb and gives the occupants a pleasant ride. Unfortunately, the soft suspension eliminates any scope of driving enjoyment.
There is a ton of body roll through corners, and the steering never inspires any confidence at high speeds as it is super light and feels vague and artificial. However, within the city, the light steering and tight turning radius make the car pleasantly manageable.
Braking Performance
Like every other bit, the brakes of the Versa are built to a price. The sedan gets basic drum brakes on the rear wheels to keep the costs in check, and the pedal response does not inspire much confidence. Still, it can stop from 60 mph to a respectable 129 feet.
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Model
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Nissan Versa (S)
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Toyota Yaris iA (Manual)
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Chevrolet Sonic (LS Manual)
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Mitsubishi Mirage G4 (ES)
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Brake Front
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10.0"
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10.2"
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10.8"
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9.0"
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Brake Rear
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8.0"
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7.9"
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9.0"
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7.0
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Curb Weight
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2404 lbs
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2385 lbs
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2773 lbs
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2106 lbs
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60-0 MPH
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129 ft.
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120 ft.
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124 ft.
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147 ft.
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Toyota Yaris felt strong and responsive under hard braking thanks to low curb weight. The sub-compact sedan felt chuckable and it changed directions cleanly. Nissan Versa's performance was strictly average in comparison. Holding the last spot on the segment is Mitsubishi Mirage with a stopping distance of 147ft.
