2020 BMW 2 Series vs 2020 Nissan Versa

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a departure from the traditional two-door coupe design, adopting a four-door layout with a sloping roofline. This change aligned with a broader trend among German automakers, where the term "coupe" was used more liberally. The Gran Coupe shared its platform with the BMW X1, X2, and Mini models, featuring a front-wheel-drive bias, unlike the rear-wheel-drive setup of the 2 Series Coupe and Convertible. The exterior design echoed the larger 8 Series, with modern and athletic styling at the front, but the rear design struggled to maintain the same aesthetic appeal. Inside, the Gran Coupe offered a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though it lacked the elegance of some competitors. The 2 Series lineup included various trims and powertrains, with the Gran Coupe available in 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive forms. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe came with a range of standard features, including power-folding heated side mirrors, dual-zone climate control, and a digital instrument panel, with options for premium packages enhancing the interior experience.

The 2020 Nissan Versa, on the other hand, presented a more refined design compared to its predecessor, shedding the "big car" styling for a look inspired by its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima. The Versa's cabin shared similarities with the Nissan Kicks, offering ample interior space for a subcompact sedan. The straightforward yet stylish interior featured a two-tone theme with unique seat designs. The Versa was available in three trims: S, SV, and SR, each offering varying levels of features. The mid-range SV trim, which was recommended by CarGurus, provided a good balance of price and content, with upgrades like 16-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, and an enhanced infotainment system. Despite some cost-cutting measures, such as the use of harsh plastics and manual seat adjustments, the Versa made significant improvements over its predecessor, offering a more competitive option in the subcompact segment.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 228i xDrive, was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or xDrive all-wheel drive. While the engine was refined and provided adequate power for city and backroad driving, it suffered from noticeable turbo lag, making initial acceleration less thrilling. The Gran Coupe featured a Drive Mode selector with Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode enhancing the driving experience. For those seeking more power, the M235i variant offered a tuned version of the same engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. However, the true driving enthusiasts were likely to prefer the Coupe and Convertible models, which offered rear-wheel-drive dynamics and more powerful engine options, including a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the M240i.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Versa retained its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine from the previous generation but with improvements, now producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine powered the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The manual transmission was standard on the base S trim, while the CVT was available across all trims. The Versa's acceleration improved, making it more capable of merging onto highways and navigating city traffic. The CVT, particularly in the SV trim, managed power effectively and offered a Sport mode for a livelier driving experience. Despite the engine's noise under hard acceleration, the Versa provided a fun driving experience, with responsive steering and decent handling. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the CVT-equipped Versa achieving 32 mpg city, 40 highway, and 35 combined, making it an economical choice for daily commuting.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered supportive and comfortable front seats, with ample legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, this came at the expense of rear-seat legroom, which was significantly limited once the front seats were adjusted for average-height occupants. The Gran Coupe's cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls, though the cupholders and center console were on the smaller side. The Gran Coupe provided 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing competitors like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Coupe and Convertible variants offered slightly less cargo space, with the Convertible's capacity further reduced when the top was lowered.

The 2020 Nissan Versa maintained the previous generation's trunk size, offering 15 cubic feet of cargo space, which was among the largest in its class. However, the new Versa lost 6 inches of rear legroom compared to its predecessor, making the backseat less accommodating for adult passengers. Despite this reduction, the front seats provided ample legroom, even for taller drivers. The Versa's interior was well-suited for personal commuting, though the reduced rear space might be a drawback for those planning to use it for carpooling or ridesharing.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen featuring touch functionality and Android Auto, along with wireless Apple CarPlay. The test model included a fully-digital instrument panel, which displayed navigation information and allowed for personalization. The available head-up display (HUD) added another layer of customization. BMW's infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch functionality and center console buttons for easy navigation through menus.

The 2020 Nissan Versa made significant strides in cabin technology, with even the base model featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant. The Versa included three USB ports, with the SV trim offering the upgraded NissanConnect system, which added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV trim also featured an upgraded instrument panel with a digital screen, providing access to various menus and displays, similar to systems like Audi's Virtual Cockpit. This integration of technology made the Versa's cabin more modern and user-friendly.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series came equipped with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and a backup camera. Additional available features included adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were designed to alert the driver without being intrusive, with customization options accessible via a central dashboard button.

The 2020 Nissan Versa introduced a range of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. These features were part of a broader trend of making advanced safety technologies available across all trims. However, the inclusion of these systems could lead to higher insurance rates due to the increased cost of repairs. Other standard safety features included a reversing camera, a full array of airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert, which provided feedback when tires were properly inflated.