CTC Review: 2007 Nissan Versa

[CD_Editor]

Picture Gallery:  2007 Nissan Versa SL


Day 1:

Click Image to Enlarge

It's larger than life, it's so darn big....... actually it's not very big at all! It's a sub-compact competitor to the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Accent.  It is the Nissan Versa, Nissan's newest entry level vehicle, which starts at $14,498.  More ...

[nowcar]

Very interested in the review! This is basically the Versa I would buy - maybe minus the CVT. When I drove it for 10 min. I was too busy noticing the CVT to actually judge the car, take it on an onramp for me and see how it does!

Looking forward to more reviews!

[mdxtasy]

Of the competition...the Versa has one of the cleanest exterior designs.  I really like the way this car looks.  But James, where did the $5K in options come from?  You mention a $1K tech package....but $4K....what did that buy?

[gallopinggoat]

Actually, it IS rather large.  The Versa is larger and heavier than a Ford Focus ZX5, which is a compact hatchback, not a subcompact.  The Versa is competing with vehicles below its size classification, which should be taken into account when cargo capacity, engine power and fuel economy figures are taken into account.

[wing]

$5k in options is SL vs base as mentioned.

[D70]

I test drove a similar vehicle several wks ago and did not notice the CVT in general driving conditions. My daughter owned a new Justy many yrs ago. I have also driven Civic hybrids, and a Munaro as well as owning Honda Elite 150 and 250s.

  The Versa with the CVT transmission is the way to go for an mostly urban driven car. I ride a 6 spd 650 motorcycle and drive a 5 spd Miata as well as an Intrigue which has auto everything and is in storage for the summer.
 
  The Versa is a keenly priced and  equiped modern car that drives very well.

[jww]

I think that the Versa has excellent potential in the sub-class, and expect that it might even win over some compact shoppers as well. I have always been a fan of the Megane, and appreciate it's styling cues in this new vehicle from Renault-owned Nissan. I would opt for the SL without CVT as I personally prefer standard transmissions in small cars.

I especially like the euro-influenced packaging with the technology package. Bluetooth is 'old news' in the UK and Europe, and only now showing up in high-end cars. You can get most cars in the UK with Bluetooth now - it's becoming a way of life over there. Which, actually is kinda funny, since it's illegal to drive and talk on a mobile phone there - I guess bluetooth users could be confused with those of us who sing along with our CDs all the time. 

[AVToller]

Actually, it IS rather large.  The Versa is larger and heavier than a Ford Focus ZX5, which is a compact hatchback, not a subcompact.  The Versa is competing with vehicles below its size classification, which should be taken into account when cargo capacity, engine power and fuel economy figures are taken into account.

  In terms of SIZE, the proper comparison is with the Matrix, not the Yaris or Fit. The Versa's numbers are:

169.1"x66.7"x60.4"

the Matrix

171.3"x69.5"x60.6"

the Fit

157.4"x66.2"x60.0"

and the Yaris is smaller yet.

[wing]

I'll agree it is a large sub-compact, the sentra is a compact, altima mid, maxima full in the Nissan line-up.  Cars are growing....

[sirAQUAMAN64]

You must feel like a shrimp in the wide seat and piloting a bus with the oodles of headroom.

The Tech Pkg is a great option I'd go for.

[jww]

I'll agree it is a large sub-compact, the sentra is a compact, altima mid, maxima full in the Nissan line-up.  Cars are growing....

With the generous cabin, the introduction of the Versa provokes thought about why Nissan is revising the Sentra. The Versa is one large vehicle for its class, and will challenge in the compact space which makes me wonder where the Sentra is really going to fit in their lineup 

My advice to Nissan is to bring back the Micra to North America to show a true Nissan sub-compact, sell the Versa as a 'tweener' model between sub and compact (don't want teenie-weenie, don't need compact), and please reintroduce the Sentra wagon.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I'll agree it is a large sub-compact, the sentra is a compact, altima mid, maxima full in the Nissan line-up.  Cars are growing....

Which continues to provoke thought about why Nissan is revising the Sentra. Where is it going to fit in their lineup?

It's not quite as dorky looking as the Versa sedan will be 

[jww]

I'll agree it is a large sub-compact, the sentra is a compact, altima mid, maxima full in the Nissan line-up.  Cars are growing....

Which continues to provoke thought about why Nissan is revising the Sentra. Where is it going to fit in their lineup?

It's not quite as dorky looking as the Versa sedan will be 

True enough. Further advice to Nissan - don't build the Versa sedan!

[curls]

Only thing that I don't like about the car from what I've seen of it so far:  That gear selector is FREAKIN' HUGE.  Looks like a... well... you get the idea.

[UmroAyyar]

This is a rather nice looking car, look at the segment, it needs to be quirky looking.

It has nice room inside, I didn't drive one, a friend of mine has a silver.

[mrthompson]

I went for a walk yesterday morning, and saw what I thought were 2 Mazda3 Sports at the end of the street.  Well, there was a Mazda3 Sport and a Nissan Versa.    

[Gwendly]

I'll agree it is a large sub-compact, the sentra is a compact, altima mid, maxima full in the Nissan line-up.  Cars are growing....

Which continues to provoke thought about why Nissan is revising the Sentra. Where is it going to fit in their lineup?

It's not quite as dorky looking as the Versa sedan will be 

True enough. Further advice to Nissan - don't build the Versa sedan!

or can the sentra

[Wolfe]

Only thing that I don't like about the car from what I've seen of it so far:  That gear selector is FREAKIN' HUGE.  Looks like a... well... you get the idea.

What exactly do you mean by that?



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6HKItR0JCE

[Alec Munro]

One comment regarding Tuesday's entry. While the Versa may be smaller then the Mazda 3 in terms of the exterior, the interior is much, much more roomy. Having spent a little time in both of them, the Versa is much more spacious, and I would say the materials are definately better. The 3 is definately the driver's car, but the Versa is a much better passenger's car.

[jww]

I am a little surprised that the technology package doesn't include a keyless smart-key ingition.