Nissan used its state-of the-art test center and proving grounds in Farmington Hills, Mich., as the location to unveil its all-new entry level model, the 2007 Nissan Versa. Designed to be a showcase for versatility, thus the name Versa, this is the first joint-platform effort to be used by Nissan and its corporate parent, Renault, worldwide. The Versa will be badged the Tiida in all other markets, including Mexico, and will be revealed to the public at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.
Attractively designed with cues that mirror Nissan’s popular Murano SUV, the 2007 Versa has a large interior with more than six feet of length inside the cockpit, raised seating for added comfort and visibility, and impressive leg and knee room. Powered by a newly developed, environmentally-friendly, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, the Versa is available with a choice of three transmissions, including a fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT). Also of note is the Versa’s .31 co-efficient of aerodynamic drag and Nissan’s use of premium materials in this value-priced model.
Two versions of the 2007 Nissan Versa have been crafted for the U.S. and Canadian markets. A hatchback will lead the charge in May, 2006, starting at approximately $12,000, perfectly priced to attract sales in the entry-level swath of the market. A sedan version will follow. Both are quite roomy, beating rivals in the entry-compact class, and when combined with cutting-edge design and what appear to be quality materials in a package that gets a combined 38 mpg, the Versa hatch and sedan should prove popular entries when they arrive next year.
What it isThe 2007 Nissan Versa is this Asian automaker’s newest entry-level compact model. It replaces the Sentra 1.8 at the bottom of the Nissan lineup, as the Sentra gets larger with its next-generation makeover. Both a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback, each on a 102.4-inch wheelbase, will be built alongside U.S.-bound Sentras in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The Versa, a name coined for its “versatile space,” seeks to combine interior roominess with good performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency, plus provide high build quality in an affordable compact package.
Why it matters Nissan’s Sentra has long stood as this automaker’s no-frills entry model, but that car moves up in size with its next redesign. With significant growth forecast in the small-car segment over the next four years, especially in the face of rising fuel costs, Nissan thinks the time is right for a car like the Versa and expects it to raise customers’ expectations of what a capable and safe compact can be.
What’s under the hood All 2007 Nissan Versas arrive with a 1.8-liter, inline four-cylinder expected to put out 120 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque. These are solid numbers in the compact class, as most econoboxes are just pennies over the horsepower and torque century marks. Chevy’s Aveo rates at 103 hp. and 107 lb.-ft., while Kia’s Rio delivers 110/107, and Toyota’s upcoming Yaris (the Echo replacement for 2007) yields 106/103. Versa also shines in the transmission department, offering a standard six-speed manual, an optional four-speed automatic, and an available CVT. A CVT eliminates gear steps in favor of an infinitely variable gear ratio, thus keeping the engine at its best speed for a variety of power needs. Nissan says Versas equipped with the CVT should achieve 38 mpg on a combined city/highway cycle. Other highlights include independent MacPherson-style front suspension, torsion beam rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, electric power steering, front disc and rear drum brakes with available ABS, standard 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65HR15 tires, and optional six-spoke alloy wheels.
What’s inside Special attention has been paid to the 2007 Nissan Versa’s interior, with the interest that rear seat passengers can ride in comfort without sacrificing front seat space. The Versa boasts 38 inches of rear legroom, 3.7 inches better than the Kia Rio, 2.7 inches more than the Chevrolet Aveo, and 1.7 inches greater than the Mazda 3. The Versa sedan’s cargo capacity stands at 13.8 cubic feet, while the hatchback delivers 16.9 cubic feet with the rear seat up. (Nissan has not yet provided a maximum cargo capacity with the hatchback’s seats folded down.) Occupants are protected by dual-stage front airbags and standard front side-impact units. Optional curtain airbags for both rows and active head restraints provide further supplemental support. Tire pressure monitoring is standard. High-end available features include Bluetooth hands-free communications technology, satellite radio, a Rockford Fosgate-powered subwoofer, and an Intelligent Key system.
What it looks likeThe 2007 Versa clearly originates from Nissan’s current design template. The front clip features a Murano-inspired full-length grille that curves upward from the center and cues outward. Large headlights slide rearward along the tops of the fenders, referencing the Maxima, Murano, Quest and even 350Z. Hatchback and sedan models look very similar in profile, as they share the same robust C-pillar. With so much effort exerted in creating a vast interior, it’s not surprising that the sedan’s extra 6.8 inches of length was added primarily behind the rear axle. Fans of avant-garde, rear end styling should opt for the hatchback, as the sedan makes do with everyday taillights and conventional creases and shut-lines. Hatchbacks get eye-catching triangular rear lamps that slide around the quarter panels and help define the beltline.
Interior materials are pleasant looking and soft to the touch, and in no way imply this vehicle is a bottom-of-the-line compact. The dashboard is substantial in volume and includes an intuitively designed symmetrical center stack. A three-gauge cluster peaks out behind a three-spoke steering wheel with Nissan’s signature aluminum accenting. Small triangular windows ahead of the side-view mirrors are attractive and break up the mass of the A-pillars.
What Nissan says Nissan hopes that the 2007 Versa will appeal to a class of customers who formerly could not afford something brand new off the showroom floor. Versa also allows price-conscious customers, regardless of their financial pocketbook, to acquire a vehicle that makes few sacrifices in terms of performance, capacity and quality. Fuel efficiency is a hot topic today, and the Versa’s anticipated 38-mpg rating, combined with great interior room, and small car simplicity and maneuverability, make this a tempting choice.
What we thinkThe 2007 Nissan Versa caught our eye, particularly in its hatchback version, with its strong engine and a best-in-segment CVT. This is a terrific example of small car packaging thanks to nice cabin materials and a roomy interior that nearly equals the much larger Maxima for rear knee room. Unfortunately, the Versa sedan’s looks a bit bland, but the Nissan Versa should prove a good buy nonetheless, especially with its standard side airbags and upscale amenities.
When can you buy it Hatchback versions of the 2007 Nissan Versa are scheduled to go on sale in early summer 2006, while sedans will arrive later in the year. Nissan says pricing will start at around $12,000, most likely for a manual-shifted model with no options. Figure close to $15,000 for a hatchback equipped with the desirable CVT, along with a few options. Despite being undercut by the Chevrolet Aveo (starting at $9,995) and the Kia Rio ($11,000) the Nissan Versa is clearly competitive, given the extra power, refinement and potential higher resale value associated with this brand name.
Key specificationsVehicle: 2007 Nissan Versa
Base Price: $12,000 (estimated)
Engine Size and Type: 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder
Engine Horsepower: 120 at 6,000 rpm (estimated)
Engine Torque: 125 lb.-ft. at 4,800 rpm (estimated)
Transmission: Six-speed manual (standard); four-speed automatic (available); continuously variable transmission (available)
Estimated EPA Fuel Economy (combined city/highway): 38 mpg (with CVT)
Wheelbase: 102.4 inches
Length: 169.1 inches (hatchback); 175.9 inches (sedan)
Width: 66.7 inches
Height: 60.4 inches
Head room: 40.6 inches (front); 38.3 inches (hatchback rear); 37.9 inches (sedan rear)
Leg room (front/rear): 41.4 inches (front); 38 inches (rear)
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Cargo volume: 16.9 cubic feet (hatchback with rear seat up); 13.8 cubic feet (sedan)
Competitors: Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Scion xA, Scion xB, Suzuki Reno, Toyota Yaris
Photos courtesy of Nissan
