2015 Nissan Versa Note Now Starts at $14,180

Photo by Megan Green

The 2015 Nissan Versa Note—which is the subcompact hatchback sold alongside the similarly sized Nissan Versa sedan—is arriving at dealerships now with an MSRP of $14,180. That makes for a $300 price adjustment over the cost of the 2014 model, but does include a newly standard Bluetooth system for hands-free calling as well as restyled outside mirrors and, for the 2014 Nissan Versa Note SV, the debut "3-dial Fine Vision Meter" instrumentation.

Nissan also has added two entirely new trim levels to the lineup: The 2015 Nissan Versa Note SR offers a jolt of hot-hatch style, thanks to an aero-style body kit that includes exclusive front and rear fascias, a distinctive grille treatment and a rear spoiler; premium illumination cues, courtesy of fog lights and dark headlight surrounds; and both "suede-like" seats and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The 2015 Nissan Versa Note SL is the new range topper, kitted out with standard content like NissanConnect technology with a 5-inch color display and heated front seats.

Motivation comes from a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 109 hp and 107 lb.-ft. of torque, with the entry-level 2015 Nissan Versa Note S offered with a standard five-speed manual transmission and all other models packing Nissan's latest Xtronic CVT. Per the EPA, the former delivers fuel-economy ratings of 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while the latter enables grades of 31 mpg city/40 mpg highway/35 mpg combined.

It's further worth noting that, even with the $300 price premium, the 2015 Nissan Versa Note continues as the second-most-affordable subcompact hatch in the country. The current top-10 low-price leaders are:

1. 2014 Kia Rio—$13,800
2. 2015 Nissan Versa Note—$14,180
3. 2014 Toyota Yaris 3-Door—$14,430
4. 2014 Ford Fiesta—$14,600
5. 2014 Mazda Mazda2—$14,720
6. 2014 Chevy Sonic—$14,770
7. 2014 Hyundai Accent—$14,895
8. 2013 Honda Fit—$15,425*
9. 2014 Toyota Yaris 5-Door—$15,455
10. 2015 Honda Fit—$15,525*

(*Note: The automaker planned on jumping straight from the 2013 Fit to the all-new 2015 model, but due to unforeseen, uncommented-upon-by-Honda circumstances, the redesigned version has yet to reach dealerships and the previous one remains available.)