Picture Gallery: 2008 Nissan Versa 1.8S | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
 Click Image to Enlarge |
I tested a 2007 Nissan Versa back in 2006 so this 2008 model seemed very familiar when I stepped inside — especially considering it is the same body style and colour. This got me thinking: “Have they changed the car any from 2007?”. The vehicle seemed pretty much identical to me. It turns out the only changes for 2008 are a Sport Package, now available on the 2008 Versa Sedan 1.8 SL model (previously offered on Versa Hatchback 1.8 SL).
 Click Image to Enlarge |
The Sport Package adds a higher level of performance styling with a rear spoiler (roof-mounted for hatchback, decklid-mounted for sedan), lower body side sill extensions, power glass moonroof, unique front and rear fascia (hatchback) and chin spoiler (sedan) and fog lights.
My tester has none of those, being a hatchback 1.8S version, which starts at $14,598 — a bargain from what I can see. My tester adds a few goodies: a four-speed automatic transmission for $1,000, the ABS package which adds ABS (4-sensor, 4-channel), electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, all for $500.
|
|
Also added to my tester is the value option package ($1,400) which consists of: air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, door armrest pad, glove compartment light and door map pockets for the rear.
Add all those lovely little numbers up — don’t forget the freight and pdi — and you are still well under $20,000 at $18,673 — not bad!
2008 Nissan Versa 1.8S
MSRP as tested (including destination): $18,637
For more information on Nissan and the Versa visit Nissan Canada
 Click Image to Enlarge |
Let’s start with cargo capacity: the hatchback Versa that I am testing provides 504L / 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 1427L / 50.4 cubic feet with rear seats down. The sedan is not nearly as roomy, providing only 391L / 13.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. To give you an idea how large the Versa is — let me take you back to my evening at the local big box store.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
So we know the cargo capacity is impressive for such a small car, but what about the seating? Front leg, head and shoulder room are extremely generous, but what has impressed me more is rear-seat space. With my seat in my preferred driving position, I can sit in the rear seat and have nearly six inches of space between my knees and the front seat — wow!
The interior is not only spacious, but it is extremely comfortable. Missing in my tester is an armrest between the seats but this is available in other trims and I’m sure it is available at the parts counter. The door panel arm rests are the most comfortable in any car; the padding is excellent: it has to be an inch thick.
The rest of the interior’s fit and finish and attention to detail are exceptional as well. The sunvisors are one item I like to look at. Many manufacturers cheap out here to save a few pennies but Nissan uses very solid ones that ooze build quality and they are even covered in fabric to match the headliner — something not often seen in this class.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
When I drove the Versa last time, my tester was equipped with the CVT. I that car to be rather sluggish and uninspiring because of this but I did find it was quite and smooth without the typical loud grumbling small engine sounds compact cars tend to suffer from.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
The Versa also feels light and nimble. Although my tester is wearing winter tires which squeal and understeer around sharp corners, the Versa is fun to toss around due to its small and lightweight build.
The Versa’s steering is electric-assisted, which not only helps by making the car feel lighter and more nimble but it helps save fuel as there is no fluid or pump to draw on engine power. Some people critique electric steering for not having very much road feel, but I tend to enjoy it as I find I can feel the tires just as well as a pump-driven system, with the bonus of gained horsepower and no chance of steering pressure degradation during quick transitions.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
The less-than-full tank combined with what seems like a triangle-shaped fuel tank had me worried for most of the week. I travelled 300km on more than half a tank of fuel (it was closer to 3/4). A rough estimate had me using fuel in the 10L/100km range based on the size of the tank and needle position.
Lucky for me, the gauge was just that: a gauge and not very accurate at all. I filled up the Versa and drove it some more and have come to a rough fuel consumption estimate of 7.8L/100km over the course of my week. This is half city and half highway driving, so indeed, not a bad result.
To top it off, today I witnessed a fellow with a compact car at the local big box store today attempting to fit a rather small barbecue into his trunk. It was a no-go, so he started to remove the parts one at a time and fill his car. I love hatches and wagons; to think I fit this store’s largest barbecue in a subcompact-classed vehicle while this poor guy had to unpack the box at the store to fit their smallest barbecue into his small car.
Practical and fuel efficient, with enough space for five adults, such as when I fit four co-workers in the car on Friday — I love the Versa; it is an excellent package.
*Rating out of 5:
| 2009 Nissan Versa 1.8S | |
| Acceleration | 
|
| Handling |
|
| Comfort |  |
| Interior |
|
| Audio System | |
| Gas Mileage | |
*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2008 Nissan Versa 1.8S
MSRP as tested (including destination): $18,637
For more information on Nissan and the Versa visit Nissan Canada
to our site.
April 30, 2008, 01:44:42 am A hatch Versa is probably compared to a Matrix.
Versa S auto w/ABS/Conv = 17498 before fees and taxes
Matrix base auto w/B package = $19190
So quite a jump to get to the Toyota.
And if you are financing then the Nissan's advantage grows with 0.9% for 60 vs Toyota's 5.9%.
April 30, 2008, 06:10:23 am
As we are selling our old Echo to our son I test drove 4 cars yesterday, Sentra, Civic, Elantra, Corolla. The Corolla in my book finished dead last, my wife who knows nothing about cars was quick to point out things like noisy engine under accelaration, wind noise, a rattle in the dash, rough over bumps. I used exactly the same route for the test drives, yesterday was very windy and the Corolla required the most steering correction to keep it straight, pretty tiring after a while. To sum it up the Corolla is nothing special except the fact that they now offer an XRS with a 2.4. Anyhow I'll come up with a report on all 4 test drive later as we are busy shopping right now.
April 30, 2008, 07:41:49 am
As we are selling our old Echo to our son I test drove 4 cars yesterday, Sentra, Civic, Elantra, Corolla. The Corolla in my book finished dead last, my wife who knows nothing about cars was quick to point out things like noisy engine under accelaration, wind noise, a rattle in the dash, rough over bumps. I used exactly the same route for the test drives, yesterday was very windy and the Corolla required the most steering correction to keep it straight, pretty tiring after a while. To sum it up the Corolla is nothing special except the fact that they now offer an XRS with a 2.4. Anyhow I'll come up with a report on all 4 test drive later as we are busy shopping right now.
Out of interest, what did you think of the Sentra?
April 30, 2008, 08:06:53 am
As we are selling our old Echo to our son I test drove 4 cars yesterday, Sentra, Civic, Elantra, Corolla. The Corolla in my book finished dead last, my wife who knows nothing about cars was quick to point out things like noisy engine under accelaration, wind noise, a rattle in the dash, rough over bumps. I used exactly the same route for the test drives, yesterday was very windy and the Corolla required the most steering correction to keep it straight, pretty tiring after a while. To sum it up the Corolla is nothing special except the fact that they now offer an XRS with a 2.4. Anyhow I'll come up with a report on all 4 test drive later as we are busy shopping right now.
I would have thought the Toyota Yaris would have been the one to test as its more direct competition to the Sentra. What was your evaluation on the other vehicles you tested as compared to the Sentra?
April 30, 2008, 09:36:43 am Nissan should release a hot hatch version of the Versa. Right now it looks like any other Renault on the streets of Paris.
April 30, 2008, 11:13:43 am It is a good little car the Versa. If you price the Versa right. The Trouble is when you start hitting near the 20. There are a lots other cars in that price range. But still you get a lot of kit for the money. That is the big plus. I should imagine the versa would drive soft and reno-e.
Last Reno. I drove was a 18.
April 30, 2008, 12:22:56 pm conwelpic : Sentra relates to Corolla, Versa relates to Yaris.
April 30, 2008, 02:10:40 pm
although this is what the manufactures set their model against each other, if u compare engine spec and interior space, Versa is very closely compare with Corolla; at least imo.
April 30, 2008, 02:25:36 pm Hi,
Just bought a new Versa SL hatch for a bit less than 20K (before taxes, with CVT auto transmission and not much else). Too difficult finding a Yaris with ABS and side air bags. Loved the magic seat of the Fit, can't stand Honda dealers. Looked for a Focus hatch or wagon 2007 (I'm a Ford guy, one Fairmont, four Escorts, two Mustangs, even one Windstar over the years) in excellent condition at no more than 10% above the Black Book value but found no sellers. The Versa had what I wanted/needed: hatch, ABS, side air bags, cruise (unavailable in the S), fair reliability (real or predicted) and a price I could live with.
I believe the Versa "fits" between a Yaris and a Corolla, but "hatchback-wise" it must be between a Yaris and a Matrix, and the Matrix is more expensive (and uglier, but that's just me).
April 30, 2008, 07:48:16 pm
As we are selling our old Echo to our son I test drove 4 cars yesterday, Sentra, Civic, Elantra, Corolla. The Corolla in my book finished dead last, my wife who knows nothing about cars was quick to point out things like noisy engine under accelaration, wind noise, a rattle in the dash, rough over bumps. I used exactly the same route for the test drives, yesterday was very windy and the Corolla required the most steering correction to keep it straight, pretty tiring after a while. To sum it up the Corolla is nothing special except the fact that they now offer an XRS with a 2.4. Anyhow I'll come up with a report on all 4 test drive later as we are busy shopping right now.
Out of interest, what did you think of the Sentra?
Smooth, deceptively fast, quiet, top notch fit and finish. For those who like to pick on Nissan for hard plastics, fyi Corolla and Civic = hard plastics. The Elantra impressed me big time, yes LAS you read correctly!! The only problem is that there are no advantages in pricing with the Elantra, but can't beat the interest rates at 0% In the end it looks like my wife will pick the Sentra, it's her car, we like the feel of the cvt it's different and cool, the technology and luxury package gives us everything we want. If they sharpen the pencil and give us a couple of free add ons, we sign tomorrow.
May 01, 2008, 01:35:36 am
I believe the Versa "fits" between a Yaris and a Corolla, but "hatchback-wise" it must be between a Yaris and a Matrix, and the Matrix is more expensive (and uglier, but that's just me).
If you look at them side-by-side and ignore the price, the Versa is much closer to the Matrix than the Yaris, in fact the differences in dimensions and capacities are so minimal they're meaningless. The Matrix is heavier and has more horsepower, but the Versa's lower weight actually gives it a better power-to-weight ratio. The Matrix has more cargo capacity while the Versa has more passenger room. Price-wise the Versa has a huge advantage. If Toyota offered the Matrix at the same price as the Yaris, which one would you buy? That's essentially what Nissan's doing with the Versa.
Compared to the Yaris, well, there is no comparison. The Versa is bigger, more comfortable and just seems to be in a different class. It looks, drives and feels bigger than it is: in the Yaris, you KNOW you're in a small car. The Versa also has a better safety rating.
May 01, 2008, 08:51:42 am The Versa is a great car... I shopped Yaris, Fit, Accent, SX4, etc... The Yaris was a great car, but after giving the Versa closer look, It was much more car for the price, and I could get it for a much better price too, so thats what I went with...
May 02, 2008, 09:12:39 am The only problem at Nissan is that the Versa is better than the Sentra.
May 02, 2008, 01:05:22 pm
May 03, 2008, 09:07:39 am When I popped into see check out the Sentra and Versa, the salesman notes that the Versa has the similar interior space....just checked - Versa 94 cu' and 97 cu' for the Sentra. That was giving them some problems moving the Sentras.
Given the Versa hatch, Versa sedan, and Sentra are all effectively the same size, it comes down to appearance and desired utility. Bigger fan of the Sentra as a sedan appearance wise than the Versa. Can't beat the utility of a hatch - only problem is trunk size on them with the rear seats up relative to a trunk.
May 03, 2008, 07:27:24 pm
I think the sales are reflecting your thinking.
for April 2008: Yaris 2739, Versa 2795
I think this is the first time that Versa has past the Yaris in sales for a single month.
May 05, 2008, 01:42:21 am i really need to think very hard, when was the last time i saw a Sentra on the road...
talking the size similarity, i suddenly remember, in some other market in this world, Versa (Tiida) is the direct competitor against Corolla, Civic, Mazda3 which replaced the model like Sunny, Bluebird Sylphy used to occupy
May 05, 2008, 01:34:41 pm
I think a Versa with the 2.5 and paddle shifting CVT from the Rogue and a nice pair of shoes would be a hoot.
May 05, 2008, 05:48:15 pm
I think a Versa with the 2.5 and paddle shifting CVT from the Rogue and a nice pair of shoes would be a hoot.
Versa SE-R V Spec
May 06, 2008, 10:26:29 am What are you doing right or what am I doing wrong? I have a 2007 SL and the best mileage I get is 9.5 L/100; a far cry from 8. My other major complaint is the power windows stop working at -26C. I choose the Versa over Fit for the low wind noise and more civilized drivetrain. I'll watch the 2009 Fit with interest...
May 06, 2008, 10:35:28 am Light throttle application, take corners fast to reduce the need to accelerate
It depends greatly on conditions.
May 06, 2008, 12:33:23 pm How does the Versa compare with the Saturn Astra?
On my admittedly superficial first impression on seeing the Astra at the Mtl Auto Show, I thought "Cool, a better built Versa!"
May 06, 2008, 12:46:14 pm Touch question, but personally I rather like the Versa more than the Astra at least in terms of driving. Now in terms of interior -- hmmmm I didn't particularly like the Astra either, but it's different, more Euro feeling.
May 08, 2008, 10:08:40 am We decided to get a hatchback last summer, so we tried out the Versa, Fit, and Rabbit. I liked the Versa and how they fit so much space into such a small car. But I did not like some of the fit & finish. I also did not like how I had to stretch out my arms to drive it. It is in desperate need of a telescopic steering wheel.
I know that a lot of people really like the Fit, but I hated it. Let me first say that I have been a Honda fan/owner for years. But the Fit just felt cheap. It drove like my old 1983 Civic. Combine that with the price, and it was a no go. Too much money for too little car.
We ended up going with the Rabbit. It cost more than the others, but we felt it was worth the extra. The fit & finish/equipment levels are not far off from the last Mercedes we owned. I love the torque in the 5 cylinder (but we do pay for that at the pump). Overall, it just feels like a much more solid car than the other two. It was great to drive this past winter, and the amount of cargo we can carry always impresses.
May 12, 2008, 05:35:54 am Rabbits are indeed very nice and solid etc but the reliability is what keeps me away.