Call us now at (928) 627-0117 and ask for Rebate or Deductible waiver.
Call us now at (928) 627-0117 and ask for Rebate or Deductible waiver.
First appearing as a five-door hatchback, the first-generation Versa models were the S and better-equipped SL. Both models used a 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder — powerful for this class of car at the time. A six-speed manual was the standard transmission, and a four-speed automatic was optional for the base S. The SL offered a CVT.
S models were very basic with manual windows and locks but also included six airbags. Power amenities, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and air conditioning were options. SL models received all of these features, along with alloy wheels, but also offered unusual features for the class, like Bluetooth.
A Nissan Versa sedan arrived in 2007, mirroring the hatchback's equipment. For 2009, the Versa sedan came standard with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 107 horsepower and either a manual or automatic transmission. This budget model included a few frills, as air conditioning and an audio system were options, but it became the least-expensive new car in the US at less than $11,000 MSRP to start. Other models continued with the 1.8-liter and either a manual or CVT.
Nissan made the already roomy Versa sedan even more cavernous inside, with more headroom and rear-seat space that rivaled the larger Sentra.
Prices also stayed low, with the base Versa S becoming the least-expensive new car in the US, for a base price of less than $12,000. But it came with a tradeoff, as it offered very sparse accommodations. The Versa had new competitors among very small cars, with new models such as the Chevy Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Mazda2, and Honda Fit.
All Versas used a 109-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 13 horsepower less than the previous model. But it was significantly more fuel-efficient, with up to 39 mpg highway. A five-speed manual was standard on S and SV models, while a CVT was standard on the top SL and optional elsewhere.
New features available on the Versa, depending on the model, included keyless start and entry, Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in navigation. For 2013, Nissan added the S Plus trim. This version added to the base S model the CVT, a rear spoiler, a four-speaker sound system, and cruise control. The base S model became available with a four-speed automatic transmission instead of the CVT.
Following years of criticism over its mundane styling and dull driving dynamics, the Versa received a significant overhaul. Even though it was based on heavily reworked mechanicals from the outgoing car, the new Versa looked substantially different, borrowing liberally from the 2019 Altima and 2020 Sentra sedans, both of which received heavy inspiration from the Nissan Maxima.
The lower and wider look outside was also joined inside by a more modern dashboard design, updated infotainment systems, and more advanced driver assistance technology. That said, the new Versa sedan was smaller inside than its predecessor.
A 122-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is the only choice of motivation. While a five-speed manual transmission remained standard on the base S model, most Versas continued to be equipped with an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Still, the more potent engine was a considerable improvement over the previous model's.