Let’s face it, some car shoppers just have to shop at the lowest price vehicles on the market and it’s important that these vehicles still offer some comforts and driving dynamics that make them more enjoyable than a stripped out car used to be. The Nissan Versa is a fantastic example of a car that doesn’t have a lot to offer, especially at the base price, but has what you need to be able to drive, get where you need to go and still bring you the comfort you want to enjoy even when you know you’ve paid the least on the market.
Yes, the Versa is the least expensive car on the market today with a base starting price of $12,825 you can certainly get inside the Versa S and have a ride in a car that does give you a few items you’ll enjoy. Moving up to the next trim level with an automatic transmission and you’ll pay $14,400 and even if you choose the top of the line, loaded up SL model you won’t break the bank as this model comes in at less than $18,000 to give you even more to enjoy and a car that’s still easily affordable.
No matter which Versa you choose you’ll only have one engine to power the vehicle, so let’s get the engine discussion out of the way now. The Versa uses a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine that gives you 109 horsepower and 107 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine can be attached to any one of three different transmissions. The first is a five-speed manual which will deliver 27 city/36 hwy mpg of fuel efficiency, the second is a four-speed automatic to give you 26 city/35 hwy mpg and finally, the most efficient is a CVT automatic that delivers 31 city/39 hwy mpg of fuel mileage for you.
To figure out what the features are of the Versa you will find the base model is extremely basic as it gives you air conditioning, power mirrors, a four-speaker audio system, a tilt steering wheel, a trip computer, Bluetooth connectivity and a rear window defroster. That’s about it for this basic car, but as you can see, most of what you need for driving is included. If you want power windows, door locks, cruise control or a remote trunk release you have to move up and purchase the S Plus or the SV models.
Moving up the trim ladder is a great way to have the Versa equipped how you want it to be. The SV trim adds a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, split folding rear seats, upgraded interior fabric, an improved audio system and a USB port. The SV Special Edition is the only option package you’ll find for this car and it gives you audio streaming with Bluetooth, a leather wrapped steering wheel, a 5.0-inch color display screen for the infotainment system, variable speed windshield wipers, fog lights and Sirius satellite radio. The SL model offers you push button starting, NissanConnect with navigation and mobile apps and 16-inch alloy wheels.
When you have a car that is this basic from top to bottom is difficult to choose the favorite features at times. The Vera offers you the rear leg room you won’t get in cars that are much more expensive but are part of this class. This allows your passengers to enjoy riding with you even after they’ve made fun of your car. Another item that’s easy to love is the CVT which gives you that best fuel mileage you’re going to find on this car and an efficiency rating that doesn’t often come on cars of this price.
Don’t fool yourself, the Versa isn’t going to give you that luxury sports car ride on the highway or zip around town like a tiny hatchback, but the Versa does give you a great ride as a commuter car or when you want a car you can give as a gift to a college student. This is even a car you will want to choose when you no longer have kids at home and just need an inexpensive way to drive when you want to head out for the day.
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