Consumer Reports on Versa and others in its Segment...

[bdcwriter]

Since this hasn't been posted I thought I would provide a quick summary of Consumer Report's December review of "Budget Cars" including the Versa S with 5-speed manual and the Versa SL with CVT and ABS.

The reviews were broken down into automatic and manual transmission categories. In addition to the Versa models, the review included the Honda Fit and Fit Sport, Toyota Yaris base sedan and base hatchback, Kia Rio LX (sedan) and Rio 5 SX, Hyundai Accent GLS (sedan) and Accent GS, Scion xB and xA, Ford Focus ZX3 S, Suzuki Forenza (base sedan) and Chevy Aveo LS.

In their rankings of cars with automatic transmissions, the Versa SL was tops, slightly out ranking the base FIT (In order: Versa SL, Fit, Kia Rio LX, Hyundai Accent GLS, Scion xB, Toyota Yaris, Scion xA, Suzuki Forenza, and Aveo LS.

In the manual category the Versa was middle of the pack, with the Fit Sport comfortably on top (In order: Fit Sport, Ford Focus ZX3 S, Scion xB, Kia Rio 5 SX, Versa S, Hyundai Accent GS, Scion xA, Yaris (base), and Chevy Aveo LS in the basement).

Highlights of their summary of the Versas:

"HIGHS | Ride, rear seat, quiet and posh interior, hatchback versatility, access, smooth CVT (automatic).LOWS | Braking and hard-to-find ABS, agility, middling fuel economy for class, clunky manual shifter."

"Handling is secure but not agile. The nicely finished, roomy interior makes it feel more upscale than other entry-level cars."

"Braking distances in the non-ABS Versa were some of the longest we have recently recorded. The model with ABS was much better, but it's still below par."

The Versa SL with ABS's braking performance stopping from 60 mph dry/wet, ft. was 145/163. In contrast, the Versa S without ABS was 163/187. In comparison, the Fit base was 140/143 and the Fit Sport 134/144 (both Fits have standard ABS). "The Versa's interior is notably nicer than its competitors. The panels fit together well, and small details are impressive."

"Drivers sit high up, with plenty of foot and leg room. The tilt-only steering wheel and left footrest are well positioned. Visibility is very good, but the thick rear roof pillars create a blind zone to the side and rear."

"The wide, soft front seats lose support during long trips. Taller drivers wished for more thigh support from the short seat cushions, and lumbar support could be better. The rear seat is extremely roomy, especially for a small car."

Overall, the CR folks seemed to be pretty positive toward the Versa. My own decision came down to a pitched battle between the Versa SL and the Fit Sport. Finally tiring of Honda dealers and their market adjustments, I ordered a Versa SL with CVT and ABS, black and charcoal (awaiting delivery).

[c5neb]

Good write-up!! I am sure you will enjoy the SL. I have just past 4000 miles and it is still a sweet little car. Welcome aboard!!!

[catnap]

This was posted. See thread:zerothread/206314

I did get the wrong month in the title but corrected it in a subsequent post.

[bdcwriter]

I've been championing the Versa on the Consumer Reports discussions website for some time. Their engineers were really high on the Versa. I think this car has been a bit of a (pleasant) shock to a lot of people, including Nissan! I'm very happy with my purchase (and obviously will be more so once the car arrives... :-) but have to give props to the Fit Sport, which is a great car too. I didn't feel I was going wrong either way. Here's some quotes from the CR automotive blog entry on the Versa:

From the logbook: Nissan Versa

"With the Nissan lineup lacking a compelling entry-level model and a gas-prices making fuel economy a primary concern for new-car shoppers, the new Versa couldn't have come at a better time. Consumer Reports purchased a Versa 1.8 S hatchback with a six-speed manual, carrying a sticker price of $14,015."

"Has this car managed to successfully supersede the Sentra? Take a look at the initial comments from our auto engineers:"

"[This is a] competent small car, with a decent ride and noise levels."

"Having a sixth gear is a pleasant surprise in this class."

"Not fast, but smooth and relatively quiet."

"Only $14,000? I'm floored. It's roomy and impressive inside. Feels like an Infiniti compared to the [Toyota] Yaris."

"It's a good deal narrower outside than the Mazda3 or Dodge Caliber, but you don't notice [the difference] in the spacious cabin."

"Controls are easy to see and reach. Fit-and-finish is good, too."

"Fun to drive with agile handling and a smooth, free-revving engine.

"Amazingly roomy in the rear."

"Plush interior with the softest door armrests out there."

"Good thing the engine likes to rev--you need to spin it out and row the clunky shifter to keep up and merge with traffic."

"Decent seats, but could use more lumbar [support]."

"Not as fun to drive as the [Honda] Fit but probably nicer to live with."

"Good ride and handling...what a steal"