Overview:
This week I looked at the 2015 Nissan Versa SV Sedan. This is a great commuter for young families interested in economy and on a modest budget for transportation. It provides everything you need in a general transportation car. It only has 109 horsepower but it is surprising agile. It will keep up with traffic but not with great ease. But it will do it at 40 mpg and at a purchase price of about $12-15,000 that’s what I’m talking about. I can’t complain about what it doesn’t have but rather brag about what it does have. It has a great personality would scare some away, but don’t let that distract you. It may be just the right one for you.
Opinion:
Would someone tell me what it is with Honda drivers? Really, I am on the road a lot and since I write about cars I’m interested in trends and behavior of drivers. Without the driver the car is pretty sterile.
So I have observed before and revisit the fact that people who drive Honda cars are the fastest drivers on the highway. I suggest you watch for the phenomenon yourself. When a car zips around you look at the badge and you will see what I mean. Yep it’s another Honda.
Perhaps there is a CHP officer out there who can shed some light on my assertion since Honda drivers must account for up to 80% of all citations written based on what cars are speeding. Psychologists can add more to explain why they drive as they do. Ok, to remain balanced, Ford is a close second followed by Chevy and BMW. Next week I’ll be talking about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and it too gets a lot of attention from the CHP. It’s a kid’s car and is way too fast for the uninitiated. It is nearly impossible to keep your speed down with turbocharged power and I had to rely on my cruise control as I would find myself going too fast.
General Information: It is assembled in // n/a. Classification is Compact. Cars from Nissan: Altima, Maxima, Versa, Sentra, Cube, Leaf, Pathfinder Hybrid, Z Coupe, roadster and GT-R, Murano, Juke, Rogue, Xterra, Armada, Quest, NV Passenger, Frontier and Titan.
Handling & Performance:
Great commuter and around town ease of handling. It won’t burn the tires off but it will get you there as efficiently as 40 mpg without the complexity and expense of Hybrid equipment. That to me makes more sense when you consider that same performance in a Hybrid will cost two to three times as much to purchase.
Styling:
Plain Jane styling might describe it adequately, but nice looking all the same. I always did prefer the girl next door.
Fit and Finish:
Very good for a car at this price point.
Cost:
Outstanding value to buy and to operate.
Conveniences and comfort:
I’ve tested cars at twice the money that didn’t have any more features found in this Versa.
Consumer Recommendations:
I’ve noted some close competitors and you owe it to yourself to test drive them all. My choices are Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Sonic in that order. I’d be interested in how you rank them after testing.
Recognized Competition:
Nissan Versa $16,000, Chevrolet Sonic $16,000, Ford Fiesta $16,000, Hyundai Accent $16,000, Kia Rio $14,000.
Good News:
Very well priced, outstanding fuel economy, decent interior room and good sized trunk.
Bad News:
Some will be turned off with 109 horsepower performance.
Standard Equipment:
1.6 liter 109 horsepower 4-cylinder engine, CVT auto transmission, front wheel drive, 4-wheel ABS front disc and rear drum brakes with EBD Electronic Brake force distribution and brake assist, 15” steeel wheels, front, side and curtain airbags, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), traction control, dynamic control, tire pressure monitor, 6-way manual adjustable driver seat and 4-way adjustable passenger seat, AM/FM/CD/Aux audio system with 4-speakers and USB/ iPod control, Bluetooth hands free phone system, Cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, 60/40 split fold down rear seat, power door locks, trip computer, remote keyless entry with trunk release.
Gas Stats:
$3.55/ Gal avg. October 8, 2014
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
31 City and 40 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $15,530