2011 Versa Remodel

[VersaMG08]

Here are my thoughts & speculations of the remodeled Versa

- More color selections including the current ones, such as Green or Orange- Add in body matching color bezels for the headlights- Telescoping steering wheel- The A-pillar in the back is a big blind spot, make is narrower- Widen the car a few inches - ABS should be standard on the S and SL models- Built in GPS Navigation- Have seat configurations similar to the Fit(magic seats)- Sedan should look like the hatchback except for the door

What speculations do you think Nissan should change/improve on for the next remodel of the Versa?

[bladesbravo]

The Japanese Tiida had a built in navigation for about $3,000and the Australian Tiida has ABS standard on all models.

...kinda makes the Versa look sad

[Andrews Chalmers]

Adding orange and green? Might be good for color orientated folks... but this is an entry market segment so I'll rather see the productions costs put to other more practical things... like standard ABS & traction control; both of which will help knock those insurance premiums lower.

Telescoping steering wheel is nice - also add in sideview mirror signal lights.

I wouldn't widen the car - it is big enough for non-US markets; and changing the platform width for just the North America market just adds costs and development issues.

As for the built in navigation... I actually rather see them partner up with Garmin like Suzuki and get an indash mount that works with existing Nuvis. Portable ones are so much easier to obtain map upgrades & work so much better than most in-dash systems.

A big leap would be getting rid of the torsion bar suspension in the back and adding rear disc brakes...
Modified by Andrews Chalmers at 4:59 PM 12/6/2008

[Slither]

ESC (may come sooner)

heated seats

illuminated ignition

better front end protection.

[sarahp]

I like all of the above ideas...

but...

I'd be happy if in 2011 you could get the Sl model with a manual transmission!!! My '09 5spd S has absolutely no frills and it bugs me out sometimes. Guess I'll have to work on that!

... and heated seats really would be nice!

[longo]

I hate to get everyone all twisted here, but if you look at the specs' of the new 09 Hyundai Touring, you will find all the features you want on a new Versa and much much more.

Fold flat rear seats, 4 wheel independent suspension, i-pod in the center arm rest, connected to the steering wheel radio controls, 2 lt 140 hp engine, heated seats , 4-wheel disc Brakes, ABS, traction control, stability control.[IMG]<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From My Pictures</td></tr></table>[/IMG]

..it just goes on and on.......have a look.. http://www.caranddriver.com/re..._news

And then of course that damn 10 year Hyundai warranty would be nice.


Modified by longo at 7:32 AM 12/7/2008

[blindsnyper]

My '09 5spd

5 sp???not 6 sp???

[SuperTurbo]

5 sp???not 6 sp???

Properly the 1.6L one!

[blindsnyper]

Properly the 1.6L one!

but it says he lives in springfield MA

[VersaMG08]

There's just something I don't like about the Hyundai's, mainly the style in their vehicles. They never keep it simple, yet stylish at the same time. Also, their quality lack compared to the Japanese Big 3.

[clarkemode]

1) I would like to see wider factory tires. 185's are a bit too narrow for proper handling in this tall car (hatchback anyway). My hatch tends to lose grip on slightly damp roads during turns and I have plenty of tread left on the stock 185 tires. Of course ESC would be a huge improvement as well.

2) Heated side view mirrors

3) Less creaks and rattles, better "cushioned" plastics

4) Better lock-up torque converter for CVT (yes, the CVT has a version of this)

[7speed]

Umm....My V (SL) has heated mirrors. Standard. I would imagine you could order some replacement mirrors for yours and install them. I wouldn't want to fight with the wiring though.

[SuperTurbo]

I would say the few things which Versa should do is

Have a higher end version (like Sentra & Sentra SER. 2 different level)

Versa isn't a bad car, but it just need lots of improvment. 1 center console area, 2 arm rest, 3 engine, 4 tires.

I don't mind to throw in a bit more, but for now.... this car really stuck in middle of nowhere

[raventare]

I recently built a Versa on the German Nissan site...it ended up costing almost 30,000 euros or over $40,000 US dollars. Where is that Versa in the US market?

[Shad0wXCalibur]

I think they should redesign the engine for better mileage and performance. Toyota's 1.8 liter engine has the Versa beat in both categories. And use slightly higher quality parts (like a fuel pump that actually works). Otherwise... not much I'd change in the Versa.

[alonsorules8]

The only changes I would make for the 2011 Nissan Versa would be:

1.) Install the 1.5L or 2.0L diesel engines from Nissan's sister company Renault, like the Maxima will get next year. for better fuel economy. The diesels get around 60mpg.

2.) Have a Nismo version.

[sarahp]

Whoops I'm sorry... I'm so used to saying 5spd from my Accord! I have the 6spd. And it's 1.8. And I'm not a "he"!

[TheClevelandSound]

-6 speed automatic and manual-more interior color and fabric choices-electronic dash display-lengthen the car-bigger stock rims-better stock tires-V6 edition?-Change back body to make mufflers universal-Easier to incorporate aftermarket products-Change in color selection-Stock back tinted windows-Reshape body style: VERY IMPORTANT!-Stock Chrome doorhandles-Choice to add HED lights-Different tail light design-lower suspension-Luxery edition

I know its alot...and if all of these came through the car would run 20k, but there would be much more appeal.

[AG]

Are we still looking at $20000-$25000 car? %)

[Knightro2]

I personally think that we are forgetting that this is an entry level car. That is what they are going for for the U.S. market. They still need to differentiate the V from their mid and higher level cars so there is a reason to purchase the more expensive cars and make more money. It's all in their business model I guess.

[Andrews Chalmers]

I think they should redesign the engine for better mileage and performance. Toyota's 1.8 liter engine has the Versa beat in both categories.

No offense - but why do you think Toyota's 2ZR-FE is "better" in either mileage or performance.

It produces the same amount of peak torque at 4200 rpm vs 4800 rpm & the difference with the MR18DE and its slight higher HP (132 @ 6000) vs (122 @ 5200 rpm).

If you look at the curb weight of the vehicles that utilize the 2ZR-FE vs the Versa - like the base Corolla model... they're virtually identical (50 lb difference max). The EPA fuel economy? virtually identical.

27/35 vs. 27/33 - the Versa HB's drag coefficient is 0.31 - the Corolla's is 0.29

Where is the mileage or performance superiority?

[Shad0wXCalibur]

No offense - but why do you think Toyota's 2ZR-FE is "better" in either mileage or performance.

It produces the same amount of peak torque at 4200 rpm vs 4800 rpm & the difference with the MR18DE and its slight higher HP (132 @ 6000) vs (122 @ 5200 rpm).

If you look at the curb weight of the vehicles that utilize the 2ZR-FE vs the Versa - like the base Corolla model... they're virtually identical (50 lb difference max). The EPA fuel economy? virtually identical.

27/35 vs. 27/33 - the Versa HB's drag coefficient is 0.31 - the Corolla's is 0.29

Where is the mileage or performance superiority?

It could be in the transmissions or the aerodynamics from the body design. Who knows. But what I do know is I have a a friend with an 09 Corolla who consistently gets much better gas mileage right off the lot than my Versa. And most Toyota's are quite fast. I've driven a few. I'm not trying to bag on Nissan. I just find the Versa a bit disappointing. The new Corolla even looks better and sportier than the Versa. IMO anyways. If everyone else here is happy with their Versa, that's perfectly fine. I just felt like I could have done better. If it wasn't for the fact that the monthly note is not leaving me with enough extra money to be comfortable, I'd most likely keep the Versa. But since I'm selling it, I might as well keep an open mind and see what other vehicles would be more attractive to me.

And the EPA estimates don't mean much to me. A lot of people who own Yaris's report much better gas mileage than the EPA for them. Supposedly the Sentra gets better highway mileage than a Versa despite the EPA estimate being lower on the Sentra. Then there are also plenty of vehicles that don't live up to the estimate. Such as the Smartcar. It seems to be failing being a tiny 2 seater with hardly any better mileage than normal sedans.
Modified by Shad0wXCalibur at 6:00 PM 12/8/2008

[Backfire]

Well I bought a 2009 Versa S 6 speed. the dealer told me I couldnt get the audio package with sub woofer, fogs, Alloy wheels and painted moldings. Those where a few features that I wanted to get with a 6 speed. I'd also like to heated front seats and flat folding rear seats, also the blind spot issue. Also HID lights and projector fogs. Considering the Pruis has HIDs. Other than that I can't complain about my Versa.

[Rockhound]

Cleveland...

1. more interior color and fabric choices - agreed. Why not make plaid an option (like the VW Rabbit/Golf)? Make it interesting.2. electronic dash display - agreed, if you are referring to MPG display, since cars in the '80s offered this feature.3. lengthen the car - why?4. bigger stock rims - it is a subcompact, afterall.5. better stock tires - I haven't had an issue with them.6. V6 edition? - are you kidding me? Weight balance is important. See #4.7. Change back body to make mufflers universal - I guess so.8. Easier to incorporate aftermarket products - like what? Again, refer to #4.9. Change in color selection - agreed, too few colors available.10. Stock back tinted windows - while I wouldn't mind, not everyone would want this, possibly an option, however.11. Reshape body style: VERY IMPORTANT! - I happen to like it as it is. Perhaps restyle the grill to be incorporated more into the hood, but I like the profile.12. Stock Chrome doorhandles - no thanks, what is this, a Buick? Or the '90s?13. Choice to add HED lights - that's HID, and I agree.14. Different tail light design - I don't mind the current design. LEDs would be nice, though.15. lower suspension - unless there's a performance edition, this is unnecessary.16. Luxery edition - that's luxury, and to a point, I agree. Leather, heated seats, HIDs, 4-wheel disc brakes, and auto climate control could all be options. But get ready for a MSRP over $20k. Mazda offers such things with the 3, but it tops out several grand above the top-o-the-line Versa SL.

I'd just be happy if Nissan would shore up some of the (minor) interior quality issues - some of our climate control knobs are not aging well, and we're very easy on cars.

Unlike some folks, I don't mind paying more for an economy car that's well equipped, and as it is, the Versa is one of the best equipped cars in its class. If they could pack in a few more features for the same MSRP, Nissan would have an even more compelling case against the competition.

[VersaMG08]

I want to make a correction that 2012 is a reasonable year Nissan will make the remodel and not 2011. Have to give them time to come up with a great idea and plan.