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Nissan Versa Test Drive reports

74 messages,  Last post on Oct 23, 2009 at 2:26 PM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Versa, Hatchback


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#1 of 74
Nissan Versa Test Drive reports by Sylvia STAFF
Jul 17, 2006 (10:34 am)
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Did you test drive the Versa? What did you think?
#2 of 74
Test Drove It by mpyoung
Jun 29, 2006 (6:23 pm)
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Test drove the CVT SL with convenience package tonight at the dealer! Very impressed overall. We like better than the FIT we recently test drove for the following reasons: bigger interior and more comfortable seats, seating position is better (feels taller), visibility is better, quieter ride, exterior is better looking (instead of the smaller wedge shaped Fit). Handles bumps better. Handling is close to the FIT, the Fit may handle turns a little better. Keyless entry option is cool, not offered on the FIT. So, overall we like it better than the FIT and will plan on purchasing one soon!
#3 of 74
Re: Test Drove It [mpyoung] by kc7
Jun 29, 2006 (7:03 pm)
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Replying to: mpyoung (Jun 29, 2006 6:23 pm)

If ONLY I got paid $50 for each person here that decided to buy a Versa ! Too bad it ain't happening !
 
But I feel good that somebody feels the same way as I do about the Versa. I think this car will bring a lot of smiles to many people ! Versa buyers will realize they got so much BANG for their buck ! No, not bang, but a BIG BANG ! for their buck.
 
Enjoy your car !
#4 of 74
Re: Test Drove It [mpyoung] by carfanatic007
Jun 30, 2006 (9:14 pm)
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Replying to: mpyoung (Jun 29, 2006 6:23 pm)

Quieter? Don't think so. Exterior better looking? No way, the Fit looks way better. Handling not even close to Fits according to reviews and my personal experience. Also number one reason to buy Fit: "Made in Japan".
#5 of 74
Re: Test Drove It [carfanatic007] by backy
Jul 01, 2006 (5:45 am)
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Replying to: carfanatic007 (Jun 30, 2006 9:14 pm)

According to C/D's instrumented tests, the Versa (stick) is quieter than the Fit at full throttle and also at 70 mph cruise, and the same noise level at idle.
 
Looks are subjective.
 
Reviews give Fit the nod in handling but typically state that the Versa has an excellent blend of ride and handling.
#6 of 74
test sit by stickguy
Jun 30, 2006 (9:56 am)
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got to sit in a Versa today at the local dealer. Found it in the back lot where they come off the truck. It happened to be unlocked so I played with it in private. It was an S model with only the power package added (guess that's about the only option anyway with a 6 speed.
 
MSRP, incl splash guards and something else small, was ~14.1K. Lot of car for the money.
 
As to the room question, yes, the leg room is fantastic. I had the front seat pushed back as far as I could and still reach the clutch and steering wheel (I would probably drive with it a little forward of that point, and I am 6'), and I couldn't come close to hitting the seatback with my knees when I sat behind myself.
 
Actually, there was enough room for me to easily cross my legs, and lots of toe room, so overall a great place for adults. I also had enough head room to lease out the air rights.
 
I happened to sit in a Lexus GS300 yesterday, and the Versa put it to shame room wise (head and leg).
 
random notes:
 
- you really need to get to the SL to get some key features, including height adjustible seat (although the fixed height was OK for me) and more importantly the big center armrest. Not to mentio the goody options like a sunroof and bluetooth.
 
- seats were comfortable and quite wide, but the foam padding is a bit odd at first. I would really need to try an SL (height adjust and different fabric) on a drive to see how they worked out.
 
- the cushion could be a little longer under the thighs, but I guess this is personal preference. I happen to have longish legs, and am very sensitive to thigh support, but I think it was probly acceptable.
 
- Hatch areas is a decent size, and yes there is a step up when the back seat is folded, but it didn't look like a big deal to me, but YMMV.
 
- 30/34 mpg ratings. Odd that the highway is so low, but it wouldn't surprise me if real world results beat that. My Accord is rated 34 highway also, and will do better if I behave.
 
- it looks real cheesy in silver with black steel wheels (the hubcaps weren't on it yet). Good thing the SL comes with alloys!
 
So, overall, an impressive package that should sell well. Of course, I would have to drive one to know if I could live with it.
 
Oh, and it definitely seemed bigger than a Fit or Yaris. The Versa seems more like a Civic class car. Maybe the Faris is a "B' class, and the Veriber is a "B+"?
#7 of 74
Re: test sit [stickguy] by backy
Jun 30, 2006 (10:41 am)
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Replying to: stickguy (Jun 30, 2006 9:56 am)

Another option available on the S is ABS. Did this car have it? I am wondering how easy it will be to get an S model with ABS. It's pretty hard to do on the Yaris.
 
I am encouraged that you are 6' and found the driver's seat to be OK even without the height adjuster. Frequently I find lack of thigh support in cars w/o the height adjuster.
 
It does seem odd that a 6-speed with a 1.8L engine is rated only 34 mpg on the highway.
 
I agree the Versa is more a compact-class car. There are compact hatchbacks, e.g. the Reno, that are about the same size as the Versa. The Versa is about a foot longer than the Fit and the Yaris hatch. In fact I wonder how many Sentras Nissa will sell, given the Versa is so roomy (and versatile, with the hatch) for less money.
#8 of 74
JUST TEST DROVE ONE. by mschmal
Jul 01, 2006 (5:16 am)
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My dealership just got a S with power package and stick.
 
Just a few quick notes, I totally disagree with some of the reviews that bash the power steering. I felt plenty of feedback but the effort is a little light for my taste. Not unacceptable by any means.
 
I also disagree with the "rubbery feel" of the stick. I found it to be quite the opposite and on the notchy side.
 
The thing that impressed me most was the engine. How quiet it is even when you are at full throttle. It just loves to rev and didn't get thrashy at all.
 
Visability was just great.
 
Seats were definately way more comfortable than you would expect in this type of car.
 
Ride quality was good. Handling was slightly on the mushy side/comfort side. Not sure if the alloys would correct this.
 
The main thing is that when you sit in the car you feel that you are in a REAL car and not a toy.
 
I find the FIT to be really off putting visually. The wheels are just way to small compared to the profile of the car.
 
I hope lots of people who are considering a used car will give the Versa a look.
 
Mark.
#9 of 74
Test drove a Versa by pdxtaurus
Jul 05, 2006 (5:56 pm)
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So I just test-drove a Versa, and it was NICE. But I'll be buying a different car.
 
It's big inside...you need to sit in it to feel the difference between it and, say, a Fit or Sentra. Very comfortable.
 
On the test drive, I noticed a sporty feel and smooth drivetrain. The manual shifted nicely. Not too much road noise.
 
My only complaint is the cargo area...yes, I do carry large objects on a semi-regular basis (current car: Taurus wagon...don't need quite that much car, but it does come in handy). IMHO, the car should come with a removable box or something to make the cargo area flat. It would create a convenient storage area for whatever you want to keep out-of-sight as well.
 
The reason I'm getting a different car is price. Like the Fit, the Versa is new enough and desired enough that the dealerships aren't going to cut a big price break. In fact, their attitude was "if you're willing to wait, we'll cut you a deal at only $1000 OVER MSRP." I can't say I blame them, but it does direct me to other, 2006, alternatives.
#10 of 74
Re: Test drove a Versa [pdxtaurus] by backy
Jul 05, 2006 (7:09 pm)
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Replying to: pdxtaurus (Jul 05, 2006 5:56 pm)

$1000+ over MSRP is hilarious. That puts a Versa S with stick, power package and ABS over $15k. That's more than the Fit with similar equipment and only a few hundred less than a Rabbit 3-door. I think you will see prices come down to reality once the Versa starts arriving at dealers en masse.

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