Nissan got it right with the Versa

[VersaPaul]

I have had my Versa SL hatchback CVT for 6 months now and believe that Nissan has a winner in this car.

The "perfect" car to me was my 1994 Nissan Altima 5 speed GLX. The size, economy, ride, noise level, luxury and "fun to drive" of the 94 Altima was great. Nissan ruined the Altima in 2003 by making it bigger and by trying to be a Honda Accord / Toyota Camry. Anyway, after looking at several new car options in the spring of 2007 including the Fit, Yaris, Suzuki RX4, Subaru Impreza and Kio Rio 5, I went back to Nissan and found the Versa. Nissan has not really advertised the Versa. Their North American advertising and sales incentives seems to push the Sentra and Altima. Nissan is missing something here. The Versa is a "big" small car with a quiet ride, good economy, good sound system and handling the reminds me of my beloved 94 Altima. The more that I drive my Versa - especially on trips - the more I like it.

My suggestions - make a diesel hybrid CVT version of the Versa for North America (I have read that Nissan is developing a diesel / capacitor storage hybrid drive train). Make fog lights and a roof rack standard on the SL hatchback and raise the ground clearance by 1 inch to 7 inches. This would be my perfect car. I hope to buy one in 2010 !!!

What do others think ?

[jfanaselle]

I think the ABS needs to be made standard also, although I'm sure this will probably be mandated by the government sooner than later (just like seatbelts, airbags and now traction control).

On the SL, I don't think a roof rack should be made standard, although having an optional one would be nice. As far as the increase in ground clearance - this might make the car too unstable in high winds, which I already have an issue with, but would certainly avoid scraping some curbs when parking. I do agree, however, that the fog lights should be made standard without having to buy the sport package.

Hybrid-Diesel... hmmm. Interesting. I would probably buy one, but I don't know that we'll see this on a Versa anytime soon.

Overall, I agree with your comments that Nissan definately got it right with the main design of the car. I've never bought a first year model car that was as nice as my Versa. Just look back at the Dodge Neon and the Ford Focus when they first came out. Oh wait, those cars are still crappy.

[Rockhound]

Glad you're enjoying the Versa...they're great cars.

Although I thought I'd mention, a Versa with greater ground clearance + roof rack = Rogue.