2012 Nissan Versa Sedan Review
2012 Nissan Versa Sedan
From The Auto Channel – Nissan has launched the all new 2012 model of its best selling Versa family sedan that represents more than just a good value. This is a real car, a true family sedan not one of those little boxes on wheels that pass for a car, much less a sedan that can hold four adults.
This is an all new and improved Versa that will, I predict, again set the standards in a category where competition is very strong. It has a good looking design, the biggest-roomiest interior, a larger trunk area, a redefined and smooth automatic (CVT) transmission coupled with a new 1.6 liter engine for better efficiency along with vastly improved gas mileage and the price?
The new Versa sedan starts at just $10,990! And that’s more than just a low price, that’s an exceptional value.
During the recent road test ride and drive in Seattle, Washington, my drive partner and I were able to do a lot of interesting driving on one of the nicest, sunny days of the summer. From downtown I drove through the older residential areas with narrow roads, lots of traffic, nice views, frequent stops and the summer time favorite, orange barrels. The Versa was response, easy to drive and very comfortable with minimal body sway on the twisty hillside roads.
Hitting the freeways to gander at the Microsoft campus that Bill Gates built, the Versa was not the most powerful or fastest car on the road, but kept pace with the traffic, was quiet even on some not-so-nice road surfaces, steering and handling was responsive when passing another car or changing lanes. One abrupt stop on an access road was good and certainly effortless and smooth so the brakes are good too.
I’m an about 5’10” and was very comfortable in the driver’s seat, which has a nice feature of being height adjustable as well as the usual movement. Lots of good visibility front, back and to the sides. My colleague who is about 6’4” said, when he was behind the wheel, “I’ve got more than enough room and am comfortable.” He opted not to try the rear seat, but I did and found it adequate and acceptable which is more than I’ve said about cars costing four to eight times what the Versa costs. The usual knobs, dials and buttons along with the standard instruments were clear and easy-to-read and reach. Ergonomically efficient and effective.
At 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway for a combined 33 mpg rating the Versa is not the best, but is near the top in fuel economy ratings among its competitors. Three versions of the Versa are available the S, SV and SL. The S is plain-Jane-manual shift and with hand crank windows but does include mainstream driving features like a/c, trip computer and 15-inch wheels. Moving up to the SV – probably the most popular model — adds more features and amenities and price is $14,560. There’s a top of the line SL version which is still a fine value at grand more. Lots of optional accessories can be added.
Thinking family sedan with lots of rooms and creature feature comforts combined with a techno enhanced vehicle? Say hello to a good buy at Nissan dealer near you.
!
