The 2011 Nissan Versa is the best car for you if driving a good small car now is more important than waiting for a replacement you hope is as capable, efficient, and affordable.
The 2011 Nissan Versa is largely a carryover from the 2010 Nissan Versa, though the important safety advantage of an antilock braking system (ABS) becomes standard instead of optional on more models. The 2011 Versa will continue as a cleverly packaged five-passenger auto that competes with smaller subcompact cars on price but with larger compact cars for passenger and cargo room. Versa was introduced for model-year 2007, supplanting the Sentra as Nissan’s entry-level car. Nicer to look at and better to drive than the Sentra, it’s gone on to outsell its more established sibling, and now Nissan is preparing to introduce the second-generation Versa. The company is mum on details, but it appears the redesigned Versa will go on sale during 2011 as a 2012 model.
More changes are light for the 2011 Nissan Versa: antilock brakes are now included with the upgraded 1.6 sedan trim, while the 1.8 S sedan gains a six-disc CD changer.
Nissan Versa is available in four-door sedan and hatchback body styles and its most basic models offer little in the way of convenience features. If you opt for the cheapest trim level, you'll be cranking your own windows, climbing across seats to unlock doors and humming to your own tunes because there are neither power accessories nor even a radio. But you still get enough space for four 6-footers, comfy seats, a soft ride, a nicely crafted interior and a large trunk.
Stepping up to the higher trim levels gets you common features like power accessories, air-conditioning and a radio. But the Versa is one of the few cars in its price range to offer such items as keyless ignition/entry, a navigation system, an iPod interface and Bluetooth. In other words, depending on your preference, the Versa can be either bare-bones transportation or one of the best-equipped small cars on the market.
Buy a 2011 Versa if your immediate transportation needs call for a small car that’ll won’t bust your budget but will surprise you with its all-around competence. Wait for the 2012 Versa if you hanker for the next-generation model and want to gamble that Nissan won’t dally until model-year 2013 to introduce it. In any event, Nissan dealers will discount outgoing first-generation Versas to clear inventory for the redesigned replacement – be it a 2012 or 2013 model.
The 2011 Nissan Versa is a subcompact car available in sedan and hatchback styles. The two lowest trims -- 1.6 Base and 1.6 -- are sedan only, while the 1.8 S and 1.8 SL can be had as a hatchback as well.
The 1.6 Base lives up to its name with scarcely any convenience equipment, providing only 14-inch steel wheels, a tilt steering wheel, intermittent wipers and four audio speakers (but no stereo to go along with them). The 1.6 adds air-conditioning, antilock brakes (optional on Base) and the option to get an automatic transmission.
The 1.8 S trim adds 15-inch steel wheels, power mirrors, cushier front seats and a stereo with a six-disc CD changer and an auxiliary audio jack. The Power Plus package adds power windows and locks, keyless entry, cruise control and padded door armrests.
The 1.8 SL adds 15-inch alloy wheels, a height-adjustable driver seat, upgraded cloth upholstery, front and rear center armrests, 60/40 split rear seatbacks (sedan) and a six-speaker stereo. The sedan's Convenience package adds keyless ignition/entry, Bluetooth and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. The Hatchback's Premium package is basically the same thing, but adds 16-inch alloy wheels. An auto-dimming rearview mirror and interior ambient lighting are optional on the 1.8 S (sedan only) and 1.8 SL; the hatchback can also be equipped with a sunroof. Finally, the 1.8 SL can be equipped with a navigation system that includes a small touchscreen, real-time traffic, an iPod interface and satellite radio.
The 2011 Nissan Versa has a remarkably roomy cabin. Headroom is plentiful thanks to the car's tall roof, and generous legroom allows 6-foot passengers in both the front and rear seats to sit comfortably. Looks-wise, the car's interior is quite bland, but overall interior quality is high. The controls are simple and easy to use, and optional items like keyless ignition/entry, Bluetooth and satellite radio are welcome goodies in this budget-friendly car.
Base-price range for the 2011 Nissan Versa is $10,740-$17,650. This range is in line with subcompact cars physically smaller than the Versa, such as the 2011 Ford Fiesta subcompact. Compact cars similar in size to the Versa – the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla, for example – start around $16,000. (Base prices sited in this review do not include options but do factor in the manufacturer’s destination fee; Nissan’s fee for the 2011 Versa is $750.)
At $9,990 without the destination charge, Nissan is justified in touting the 2011 Versa 1.6 Base sedan as one of the lowest-priced new cars sold in the U.S.; only the least expensive Hyundai Accent two-door hatchback rivals it for the title. The starting price of the 2011 Versa 1.6 Base sedan in fact hasn’t changed since the car was introduced for model year 2009, though the destination fee has climbed slightly.
The 2011 Nissan Versa 1.6 sedan starts at $11,990 with manual transmission and $12,990 with automatic. Moving up the sedan line, the 2011 Versa 1.8 S sedan has a base price of $14,320 with manual transmission, $15,320 with automatic. The 2011 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL sedan comes only with the four-speed automatic transmission and has a base price of $17,220.
Thanks to its softly tuned suspension, the 2011 Nissan Versa offers the sort of pillow-like ride that's usually reserved for much larger cars. It handles with enough agility to suit most drivers, but those seeking a more engaging driving experience will be better served by the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit or Mazda 2.
Both the Versa's engine choices pack a solid midrange punch, making them capable performers around town and on the freeway. We're not huge fans of the six-speed manual transmission that comes with the 1.8 S -- the low-effort clutch can be difficult to modulate -- and the four-speed automatic is similarly uninspiring. We'd recommend going with either the 1.6's five-speed manual or the SL's hatchback's CVT.
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