The redesigned 2012 Nissan Versa is now the most affordable car in America, now that Hyundai is charging more for its more upscale Accent and GM has replaced its Chevrolet Aveo for the sportier Sonic. That’s certainly a benefit for cash-conscious shoppers, and so is the Versa’s superb fuel economy. Still, you get what you pay for when you buy the Versa, according to Cars.com Industry Analyst Kelsey Mays, who says the car’s cheap price isn’t as enticing as it would seem.
What one driver finds comfortable in a front seat, another may deride as sitting on lumpy coal. Seat comfort is different for everybody, though features like center armrests and tilt/telescoping steering wheels help drivers dial into the comfort zone. We’d like to see those features in every car, but we’re not there yet.
More Naughty or Nice Picks
Driving the redesigned 2012 Nissan Versa sedan on Chicago's streets was at times an annoying experience. On the highway, it was downright nerve-racking. As a 2009 Nissan Versa hatchback owner, I was surprised by how much this inexpensive car's driving experience had changed with its redesign.
Along with a new look, the redesigned sedan has a continuously variable automatic transmission. Generally, I don't mind CVTs, but the Versa's transmission made a loud droning noise that was grating. When zipping around Chicago's neighborhoods, which are littered with four-way stops, the CVT whined and complained as I motored away from every stop sign. My 2009 hatchback has a four-speed automatic that keeps the noise to a minimum.
With a starting price of $10,990, the 2012 Nissan Versa sedan is the most affordable new car on the market. Its low price point could have parents eyeing it for their teen drivers, but it can work for families with kids in child-safety seats. The five-seat sedan was redesigned for 2012, and it has ample room in the backseat, but installation wasn't trouble-free. Research the 2012 Versa here.
For the Car Seat Check, we use a Graco SnugRide 30 rear-facing infant-safety seat, a Britax Roundabout convertible child-safety seat and Graco high-back TurboBooster seat.
“John” from Maine recently bought a 2012 Nissan Versa sedan and is not very impressed so far. Although the small car is perfectly fine around town, it is downright dangerous on the highway, he says. Other drivetrain characteristics bug him, too. Continue reading the full review to find out more. Once you’re done, write a review about your own car here.
If editor Kelsey Mays’ review of the all-new Nissan Versa wasn’t unvarnished enough for you then this podcast is a must-listen. Fellow editors David Thomas and Joe Wiesenfelder grill him over the least expensive car in the country. The trio also discusses the convertible version of Chevy’s Camaro and the updated 2012 Nissan GT-R, the company’s most expensive car.
Most automakers with subcompact offerings strive to make their entry-level cars look and feel more upscale — think Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic and Hyundai Accent. Nissan, however, has stuck to its guns of offering just the bare essentials with its redesigned 2012 Versa, according to Cars.com editor Kelsey Mays.
When Nissan unveiled the all-new 2012 Versa in April, it promised to keep the subcompact affordable, with a starting price of $10,990.
Today, we received full pricing details on the three trims: the 1.6 S ($10,990), 1.6 SV ($14,560) and 1.6 SL ($15,560). All prices exclude a $760 destination charge.
Nissan hasn’t detailed what comes with each trim, though we know all models come with air conditioning, electronic stability control and a new 109-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The 1.6 S is the only trim with an available five-speed manual transmission; upgrading to a continuously variable automatic transmission puts the base trim at $12,760. Models with the CVT are rated at 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway – that’s 1 mpg better on the highway from Nissan’s last reporting.
Cruise control will be a $350 option on the 1.6 S, while a Convenience Package will be available on the 1.6 SV for $350. A Tech Package is available only on the 1.6 SL for $700. Nissan hasn’t revealed what features come with the packages.
The 2012 Versa is also available as a four-door hatchback, though that model is technically a carryover of the last generation. The 2012 Versa sedan goes on sale in early August.
For the 2012 model year, Nissan will refresh the Maxima, add a Special Edition Package to the Rogue and increase the standard features on the Leaf. The automaker released the planned model-year changes for its lineup this week.
Nissan also plans to continue to sell the old Versa hatchback alongside the completely redesigned Versa sedan, which was first shown at the 2011 New York International Auto Show.
Continue reading below for more detailed information.
While automakers like Ford and Hyundai are offering more refined subcompact vehicles, Nissan has stayed true to form with its redesigned 2012 Versa. The car doesn’t offer very exciting styling or a particularly luxurious interior, but that’s not the point, according to Cars.com editor Mike Hanley. Nissan's aim is to offer a roomy, fuel-efficient and affordable car. From the looks of it, those goals have been met.
Subscribe to our feed
Email us your tips!