Review: 2007 Nissan Versa SL
09/12/2006
Shahed Hussain
As the new Sentra moves up in price and size, Nissan needs a subcompact model to compete in this hotly contested segment. Enter the Versa, based on the Nissan "B" Platform, and positioned below the Sentra. Nissan's lowest priced model will face off against the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, as well as the Hyundai Elantra, and Kia Spectra.
A quick glance at the Versa (Tiida in Japan) reveals styling cues that are radically different from most Nissans sold in the USA. The Versa has an unusually long wheelbase (102.4 in.), which maximizes passenger room and improves ride. Look closely at the funky 5-door Versa and one sees a strong resemblance to the European Renault Megane. For the US market, Nissan also offers a more conventionally styled 4-door sedan, which shares the same wheelbase as the 5-door, but is almost 7 inches longer.
Inside the spacious cabin, the Versa offers an expansive view of the road from its high seating position, similar to a small SUV. With plentiful headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers, the Versa is a superb example of clever packaging. Even 6-foot tall passengers will have little to complain about in the rear seats. For a subcompact sedan, the Versa accommodates passengers with no compromises.
The Versa SL offers an optional keyless start feature. As long as the driver has the key fob (which contains a removable key), the Versa will start up as if the key is in the ignition. Even though this 4-door hatchback sits at the bottom of Nissan's US lineup, the interior materials and build quality are above average. Nissan designers wisely chose contrasting plastic trim colors, so the interior does not suffer from the dull monochromatic hues so common in inexpensive cars. A titanium-colored plastic strip with a diamond textured pattern runs across the dash to add a cool, technical touch to the interior. Vents inset on the flat dashboard supply draft-free air to occupants. To stash your sunglasses, use the compartment located in the overhead console. Nissan added many practical and handy features that set the Versa apart from most other entry level vehicles.
Versa SL models come equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel which has integrated controls for audio, cruise, and optional Bluetooth(R) cellular phone (with voice recognition). A convenient steering wheel-mounted mute button silences the radio for hands-free phone calls. Other options in the tested vehicle included a superb Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with Clarion speakers (part of the Convenience Package), which complements the standard 180-watt 6-CD audio system. Sirius(TM) or XM(R) Satellite radio is optional. Also available on the Versa SL is a Power package which includes keyless entry (Intelligent Key) and power windows.
All Versa models have a standard tachometer, mounted left of the centrally located speedometer. Instead of a coolant temperature gauge, a warning light on the tachometer face glows blue when the engine is cold. We would prefer a conventional gauge to better warn of impending overheating. A lined storage compartment above the audio controls can be used to store wallets, mobile phones or other small objects. The 12V auxiliary power outlet, located on the center console for mobile phone charging or MP3 players, is too far from the windshield for convenient radar detector use. We suspect that most buyers will not care.
Although the standard textured purple/gray cloth seats are supportive, their flat bolsters cannot effectively hold the driver in place around curves. Versa SL models get a 6-way adjustable manual driver's seat, while the front passenger seat has 4-way manual controls. Door armrests, covered with soft vinyl padding, provide above average comfort. The 60/40 split rear seats fold down, but remain elevated above the load floor, which limits cargo utility. Even so, with minor disassembly, the Versa will haul a lawn mower with the rear seats folded. Just don't expect to haul sheets of plywood or drywall.
Throw the Versa around a curve and the tall, angular body feels slightly tippy, with noticeable roll from the softly sprung suspension. In compensation, the Versa rides serenely over uneven road surfaces, with minimal road noise or impacts intruding into the cabin. A relatively long 99.8" wheelbase (identical to the outgoing 2006 Sentra) helps smooth out the ride. With its relatively balanced 53:47 front/rear weight distribution, the Versa mostly exhibits mild understeer. Despite the beam axle rear suspension, its presence is only noticeable over speed bumps, where it "thunks" audibly. In most normal driving conditions the rear axle rarely reveals its semi-independent design.
With its light, communicative steering, the Versa is nimble and easy to maneuver around town. At highway speeds, reduced steering assist would enhance straight-line stability. Torque steer, felt as a slight steering wheel tug, is mildly noticeable at low speeds, but disappears above 20 mph. Our tested Versa SL was shod with Continental P185/65HR15 M+S tires, which were quiet and unobtrusive on the highway. These tires were prone to some tread squirm which led to slightly nervous steering at 70-80 mph. Crosswinds will cause the Versa to wander slightly, a consequence of the tall body. Around high speed curves, the Versa required small steering corrections to maintain its heading. Performance tires would probably cure the slightly twitchy steering, but at the cost of winter snow traction.
Nissan offers a choice of three transmissions for the Versa. A 6-speed manual is standard, with an optional 4-speed automatic or Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). We tested a Versa SL equipped with the CVT. Although the standard 6-speed manual may be slightly quicker, the CVT offers better fuel economy on the highway (est. 30/36 city/hwy. MPG). Nissan tuned their CVT to closely emulate a conventional automatic. Ease off the brake with the transmission in "D", and the Versa creeps forward as expected. For moderate acceleration, the CVT keeps the engine at 3-4,000 RPM. Floor the throttle, and the CVT bumps up engine RPM just past 5,000 for maximum acceleration. With the CVT handling shifting duties, acceleration is smooth, but not especially quick as the Versa oozes up to speed. Lightly loaded, the Versa has reasonable throttle response at 70-80 mph. The CVT does such a superb job, there is really no reason to consider the conventional 4-speed automatic unless price is paramount.
Unlike some other entry-level cars with anemic powerplants, Nissan equips the Versa with a responsive 122-bhp/127 lb.-ft. 1.8L engine. At part throttle, the DOHC I-4 is smooth and refined, but like most inline fours, engine noise and vibration become intrusive above 5,000 RPM. At 80 mph, the engine turns at a relaxed 2,800 rpm, so the Versa cruises quietly and comfortably at typical freeway speeds.
All Versa models share front disc/rear drum brakes. Pedal feel is slightly spongy, but the brakes are adequate for the relatively light Versa SL (2779 lbs.). Our test vehicle was equipped with optional ABS ($250), which includes Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD). We consider ABS to be a mandatory option, especially considering the low price.
Enthusiasts should look at the 6-speed manual Versa SL, then add the optional ABS. Oddly enough, the Audio, Convenience, and Sunroof packages are not available in combination with ABS according to Nissan's website. We hope that Nissan reshuffles the option package availability to allow ABS to be ordered with the other packages.
The Versa enters an expanding subcompact segment dominated by the Koreans, and recently re-entered by the Japanese automakers. To be completely accurate, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have always been in this market outside the USA, but had abandoned it to Hyundai and Kia in America. In a fortunate coincidence for Nissan, the new Versa debuts just in time to take advantage of uncertain gas prices and resurgent interest in fuel-efficient cars.
Buyers in search of a sophisticated subcompact car should consider the Versa, which offers a spacious, high quality interior, responsive engine, and a choice of 6-speed manual or CVT for excellent fuel economy. With Nissan's aggressive pricing strategy, Versa customers get a well-equipped economy car that offers unsurpassed engineering and superb value. More importantly, the Versa doesn't make its owner suffer for his or her frugal vehicle choice.
