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Hatchbacks Nissan Versa Nissan Versa Test Drive reports
74 messages, Last post on Oct 23, 2009 at 2:26 PM
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Replying to: carfanatic007 (Jun 30, 2006 9:14 pm) Looks are subjective. Reviews give Fit the nod in handling but typically state that the Versa has an excellent blend of ride and handling. |
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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+"?
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Replying to: stickguy (Jun 30, 2006 9:56 am) 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. |
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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. |
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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.
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Replying to: pdxtaurus (Jul 05, 2006 5:56 pm) |
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Just got back from my dealer, where they had taken their first two Versas off the truck about an hour before. Going to take a test drive in a day or so, but finally got to crawl around inside one. I'm VERY impressed with the interior size. With the driver's seat all the way back, I'd estimate I have at least 3" more legroom behind the wheel than I do in my current Sentra, and my 6' tall daughter still had more room in the rear seat behind me than she does inthe Sentra. The tradeoff is in trunk space, but I expected that. The doors and access to the interior are huge. Thre are certainly some boxes that would not fit in through the rear door of my Sentra that will slip into the rear seat of the Versa. Everything sounded very solid as well. I'm interested in the 6 speed (actually, the wife and daughter INSIST on a stick). The one I looked at had the power package, but not the ABS and the sticker was around $13,800. My only other look at the car had been at the Philly Auto Show, but that was up on a rotating platform, so we couldn't get especially close. I'm liking what I see, and I think the price point is going to help sell a fair number of them. |
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Hi all. I'm new here and am taking my time looking for a new car. I went to my local dealership yesterday and saw/sat in both the S and the SL. I drove the SL w/ CVT since it was actually outside and not on the showroom. My initial impressions: 1. It defies logic how large the rear passenger area is. 2. I'm finding it hard to justify the SL over the S (w/ the Power package) for an extra $1300. 3. The interior of the SL looks nicer but is VERY soft and foam-like. It made me wonder how well it would hold up. 4. The interior of the S was like a matted down suede but felt more durable than the SL. 5. The door mounted arm rest was very soft in both and made me wonder about durability. Driving is where it impressed me most. 1. Not too much road noise 2. Brakes were very responsive (no ABS) 3. Never felt underpowered. 4. CVT was a bit odd to listen to in stop and go traffic but performed well 5. A/C blew well in 95 degree heat (for all those Mazda3 guys) 6. Down a entrance ramp to the interstate I never heard the CVT and the Versa was completely capable of merging and driving with 70MPH traffic. Final impression was I liked it a lot. I'm not real sure if I can justify the SL though. I might as well spend less and accept that it is in fact an economy car. The biggest problem I have with paying for the SL is that for about $1500 more than the SL I can get a Civic LX (Buying price) and not feel like I'm in an economy car. I think I would rather buy the S w/ power package, buy aftermarket wheels for $500 and call it good. Gotta go but if I remember more I'll put it down for you. J |
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Replying to: bsbc (Jul 14, 2006 5:12 am) BTW, a good set of rims and tires for the S will run more then $500, more like $700... Yes the CVT does get some getting use to, but I really like it.. Tony 
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Replying to: flightnurse (Jul 14, 2006 6:58 pm) That being said, I still don't really see much reason (for me) to spring for the SL. That is more of a compliment to the S than a knock on the SL. Yes, I will readily admit that the SL looks nicer and has obvious upgrades but my point was that the S is a solid, budget-minded choice. 6 disc changer isn't a big deal when you use an ipod and a radio transmitter. The only thing on the upgraded radio that intrests me is the aux jack and there are ways around that. Cruise isn't a big deal for my commute (especially with a stick). Wheels are nice but not necessary and easily replaced aftermarket. To be honest, the thing I miss most is the center arm rest and that sure isn't worth $1300. I haven't quite decided yet as I am still waiting on my '95 Mercury Mystique to die (but it's real close). I think the Nissan is priced to sell and both the S and the SL are great. BTW Be sure to update us on your mileage. Thanks! J |
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