2012 Nissan Versa for Sale Nationwide

Although the Nissan Versa, and particularly the Hatchback, continues to outsell its competitors in the subcompact automotive class, some observers feel there are more affordable and better-equipped options in the class, including the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Elantra. Therefore, prospective buyers will be doing themselves a favor by looking carefully at a wide range of competitive vehicles before opting for the Versa. On the plus side, with a new Versa Hatchback due in 2013, Nissan might be offering great deals on the 2012 version, which could improve the Versa's overall value.

For 2012, the Nissan Versa continues to come in 4-door sedan and 5-door Hatchback versions, and starting with the new 2012 Versa sedan, Nissan launches a 2-year redo of its entry-level subcompact, which currently leads its automotive segment in sales. The automaker will follow in 2013 with a redesign of the Versa Hatchback, but for '12, the Hatchback retains the first-generation design. While few details of the Hatchback's redesign have been released, the automaker has said that it will draw on the design of the Nissan Note, an international subcompact vehicle sold in Asia and Europe. For 2012, then, Versa buyers have a choice of a new sedan or the same-old Hatchback.

The new Versa Sedan, available at 1.6 S, 1.6 SV, and 1.6 SL trim levels, retains the old 102.4-inch wheelbase, but sits 1.2 inches lower and measures 0.6 inches shorter than the previous generation. A new, lighter and more compact engine and transmission provides better overall balance and allowed the automaker to shift the body on the frame. As a result, Nissan was able to push the sedan's rear overhang outward by 2.7 inches, maximizing trunk space, which now measures 14.8 cubic feet. Although interior space decreases slightly, the Versa sedan still manages to offer class-leading rear-seat legroom and plenty of head and shoulder room in both the first and second rows.

Outside, the Versa sedan displays a more fluid shape and receives Nissan's new signature V-shaped black grille, as well as jewel-like headlights and available foglights out front. Wide shoulders and a tall, sloping roof lead to a large trunk designed to easily accommodate cargo. The new aerodynamic shape results in a low coefficient of drag of just 0.31. Inside, the Versa Sedan provides all the expected standard features, as well as such upscale options as a navigation system with a 5-inch touchscreen display.

The Versa Hatchback, available in 1.8 S and 1.8 SL trims levels, retains its original design and powerplant, but receives some new standard equipment and a few new options packages for 2012.

For power, the Versa Sedan receives a new 1.6-liter HR16DE 4-cylinder engine. To improve the engine's performance and efficiency, Nissan used such cutting-edge technologies as dual injectors for each cylinder and a twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC) system, based on a similar setup used in the Maxima. The engine produces 109 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque, and links to 5-speed manual transmission in the 1.6 S trim or an Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) in the 1.6 SV and 1.6 SL trims (optional in the 1.6 S). The CVT has a broad transmission ratio, comparable to a 7-speed automatic transmission, which helps deliver smooth acceleration and good responsiveness, according to Nissan.

Around town and during daily driving, the small 4-cylinder delivers good performance, but it can struggle at times under heavy acceleration or when passing at highway speeds. However, testers note that the engine and transmission are fairly quiet during typical operation. Fuel economy numbers for the engine check in at a respectable 30/38 mpg with the CVT and 27/36 with the manual shifter. The Versa Sedan is the first vehicle from Nissan to receive the PUREDRIVE designation, awarded to vehicles that promote eco-friendly driving and lower CO2 emissions.

The Versa Hatchback retains its larger 1.8-liter engine, which generates 122 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. The engine links to a 6-speed manual transmission in the 1.8 S trim, although owners can opt for a 4-speed automatic. The CVT comes standard in the 1.8 SL Hatchback trim. Fuel economy numbers range from 26/31 for the 6-speed manual to 24/32 with the 4-speed automatic and 28/34 with the CVT.

The 2012 Versa Sedan sits on the automaker's new front-wheel-drive "V" global platform, which replaces the old B platform. The new platform uses 20 percent fewer components than the previous version, and weighs in at 150 fewer pounds, according to the automaker. Both the Versa Sedan and the Hatchback feature a MacPherson independent front suspension and a torsion-beam rear suspension, with stabilizer bars in both the front and rear. The Hatchback also includes ripple-control shock absorbers. Both receive vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering.

Despite its new platform, the Versa sedan's ride and handling get mixed reviews from testers. Some would like to see better feedback from the steering system, although most find the steering adequate for a subcompact car and an improvement over the electric power systems in some competitive vehicles. Other testers note some body lean in corners. Although the Versa comes with drum brakes in the rear instead of disc brakes all around, most reviewers are satisfied with the Versa's braking system. Overall, owners and reviewers say they like driving the Versa, keeping in mind that it's an inexpensive, entry-level subcompact vehicle, and not a midsize or luxury sedan.

All Versa trims ride on 15-inch wheels except the Hatchback 1.8 SL, which gets 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels for 2012. In addition, all trims receive all-season tires.

In redesigning the Versa sedan's cabin, Nissan sought to create an open, airy look and feel, and in that the automaker has succeeded. Nissan calls the new Versa sedan a "big little car," and notes that it has class-leading legroom in both rows, easily accommodating 5 adult passengers. In fact, the Versa sedan has more second-row legroom than such midsize luxury cars as the Lexus LS 460, the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, according to the automaker.

Nissan also notes that it upgraded the Versa sedan's cloth upholstery and interior materials, although some reviewers say the cabin still displays too much plastic and inferior-grade materials. However, they add, the Versa's cabin is appropriate for its subcompact class.

Such features as air conditioning, a tilt steering column, and an AM/FM/CD audio system come standard across the line. All Versa sedan trims also include such standard features as a 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat and front door pockets with bottle holders. The midlevel 1.6 SV Versa sedan trim adds such features as remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks, a trip computer, cruise control and upgraded cloth upholstery, while the 1.6 SL sedan also includes Bluetooth, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat and front map lights.

Standard features for both Hatchback trims include power door locks and windows, upper dash storage and a 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback. The upper-end Hatchback 1.8 SL receives a Premium Package as standard equipment for 2012, which includes Nissan's Intelligent Key entry and ignition system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, cruise control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a cargo area cover and wood-tone trim accents. Entry-level Versa trims get a 4-speaker audio system, while upper-end trims receive an upgraded 6-speaker audio system with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

In addition, Nissan offers several new options packages for the Versa Hatchback for 2012, all available on the base 1.8 S trim. A Plus Package adds remote keyless entry and cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls, while a Convenience Package also adds Bluetooth, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a premium audio system with speed-sensitive volume control. In addition, a Special Edition Package includes all the optional features plus unique 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Other options for both the Versa sedan and Hatchback include SiriusXM satellite radio and a Nissan navigation system with a 5-inch color touchscreen.

Trunk space is one of the Versa sedan's big selling points. At 14.8 cubic feet, the Sedan offers more cargo space than many competitors. Trunk space in the Ford Fiesta Sedan, for instance, measures 12.8 cubic feet. However, the Hyundai Elantra also offers 14.8 cubic feet, and both the Honda Fit (20.6) and Chevy Cruze (15.4) offer more cargo space than the Versa Sedan. The Hatchback improves on the Sedan, offering 17.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 50.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. But again, the Fit trumps that with 57.3 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

The Versa sedan earns slightly better marks for its safety features than the Versa Hatchback. The IIHS named the Versa Sedan a Top Safety Pick for 2012, due to its top rating of Good for protecting passengers during front, side and rollover crashes. The Hatchback earned a Good rating for protecting passengers during frontal crashes, but only an Acceptable rating for side and rollover crashes. The NHTSA gave the Versa Sedan 4 out of 5 stars overall, which breaks down to 4 stars for side and rollover crashes, and 3 out of 5 stars for front crashes. The Hatchback received 4 stars for rollover crashes and 3 stars for front crashes, but has not yet been rated for side crashes.

All Versas come equipped with Nissan's Advanced Air Bag System, which includes dual-stage front, front seat-mounted side-impact and roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags. Other standard safety features for the Versa include Vehicle Dynamic Control, traction control and a tire pressure monitoring system.

As a daily commuter and basic transportation, the Versa gets decent overall marks from owners, who like the vehicle's value and functionality. The roomy cabin and rear-seat legroom, for instance, are particularly appreciated by owners, and the Versa delivers good gas mileage, with some owners reporting their vehicles achieve over 40 mpg at highway speeds.

The Versa travels fairly smoothly over pavement, owners say, and interior ergonomics are generally good, though some owners complain about the quality of the Versa's cloth upholstery and interior materials. In addition, the Versa's CVT gets mixed reviews. Some owners like its smooth shifting, but others have difficulty getting used to the CVT's operation, and some note a droning sound from the transmission. A number of owners also like the manual shifter. Overall, owners find the Versa fun to drive for a subcompact car, and like its value, practicality and "big little car" nature.