The interest in small cars is on the upswing, but many compact-car buyers don’t want to feel as if they have to sacrifice comfort for size.
Nissan’s front-wheel-drive Versa is a good example of a small car that doesn’t compromise comfort. It is available as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback, and each has class-leading headroom and rear legroom. The car’s 102.4-inch wheelbase is one reason that the interior is large in relation to the car’s relatively compact overall size. The longish wheelbase not only creates interior space, but it also provides a comfortable ride.
The sedan’s trunk is large enough for two suitcases and a couple of overnight bags. Folks with an active lifestyle will like the hauling flexibility of the hatchback and the 60/40 split fold-down rear bench that allows for a variety of passenger and cargo space combinations.
The front seats are almost as large as those in the Maxima. The lever that adjusts the driver’s seat height is on the right side of the seat, and while this location is unusual, an owner would get used to it quickly.
The Versa’s instrument panel has elegantly simple gauges, easy-to-use climate controls and an audio system operated by a single large knob and wide, flat buttons. The SL model has cruise control and audio buttons on the steering wheel.
The Versa comes with either a 107-horsepower, 1.6-liter engine or a 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine. Prices start at $9,990 for the base 1.6 sedan with a manual transmission. The 1.8 sedan begins at $13,100, and the top 1.8 SL hatchback starts at $16,530.
I drove a 1.8 S and it had a base price of $14,100.
The Versa’s options include keyless ignition, Bluetooth hands-free phone technology and XM satellite radio, and the top SL can be equipped with a navigation system.
The 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers 122 horsepower that moves the car along quite nicely. The engine can be a bit loud above 4,000 rpm. The test car had a four-speed automatic transmission, whereas many competitors have a five-speed automatic. The top SL has a continuously variable transmission option.
The 1.8-liter engine with the automatic is rated at 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway. The CVT is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.
While Nissans typically have a sporty character, the Versa’s ride was tuned more for comfort than handling. Even though the softer ride reduces handling prowess a little, it makes the car easier to live on a daily basis.
Safety equipment on the S includes standard anti-lock brakes, front airbags and seat-mounted side airbags.
Price
The base price of the test car was $14,100. Options included keyless ignition, power door locks, power windows, cruise control and floor mats. The sticker price was $16,085.
Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
2010 Nissan Versa SL
Engine: 1.8-liter, 122-hp 4-cyl.
Transmission: Automatic
Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 102.4 inches
Curb weight: 2,722 lbs.
Base price: $14,100
As driven: $16,085
MPG rating: 24 city, 32 hwy.
Tom Strongman’s e-mail address is tom@tomstrongman.com.
