The Versa in Panama

[DreamU]

is called the Tiida.

We retired in Panama two weeks ago after living the past 17 years in Oregon. Purchased a red 'S' with 1.6L motor for $15.5k. Only had to wait about a week and a half for the car to get offloaded from the port. The dealer had about 20 cars on the ship and 75% of them were already reserved.

The main differences seem to be the motor which doesn't have the 1.6L option in the US, a headlight alignment switch and no TPMS here. The switch is right beside the rear-view mirror adjustment and controls the vertical alignment of the headlights. When you have extra passengers in the back seats or more than 800 pounds in the hatch you can lower the headlights with it. Oh, one other difference: all the radio stations only play Spanish :-)

After driving luxury cars for the past 10 years (Lexus and Accura CL-S) I was concerned about the power of a 'tiny' 1.6L motor. However, I am pleasantly surprised. No, its not a sports car, but it is peppy and the motor does not struggle - it is quiet and refined. To the Australian reviewer who said 'this car could not beat an old lady with a shopping cart' I say, 'bah'.

It is more fun to drive than my wife's Ford Focus which was a great little car. The Focus, as with many smaller cars, also had a lot of 'tire' noise, even at low speeds. (I put 'tire' in parenthesis becuase its not really tire noise per se, more like rolling/axle hum). The Tiida is very quiet in this respect, on smooth pavement. (Whenever I bought a car in the past I always carried a Radio Shack sound meter - unfortunately mine is still on the container ship carrying our belongings here).

The only 'compromise' in this car is the firm ride - uneven pavement can feel slightly harsh. (Roads in Panama City itself are pretty rough). I'm told it is less harsh than other sub-compacts and I admit this is somewhat personal taste. I found my Acura CL-S too firm as well. On the flip side, that firmness may be what makes the Tiida's driving and handling so much fun - it really is a joy to tool around in.

I'd give it 9 out of 10.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Nice review, welcome aboard!

[c5neb]

Oh, one other difference: all the radio stations only play Spanish :-)

Welcome aboard as well! Maybe if you press #1 on the radio, you will get English stations?

[Ever Victorious]

Welcome aboard as well! Maybe if you press #1 on the radio, you will get English stations?

"Si quieres el radio en ingles, oprima el numero uno! Si quieres el radio en espanol, oprima el numero dos!"

[c5neb]

What a great option!!....and we think bluetooth is cool!!

[DreamU]

I found the English music - it's on the CD player!

"Si quieres el radio en ingles, oprima el numero uno! Si quieres el radio en espanol, oprima el numero dos!"

Google translator is my savior but in this case it translates that to "If you want the radius in English...."

[Ever Victorious]

Yeah, double entendres and idiomatic expressions don't translate so well in those translators.

I found the English music - it's on the CD player!

Google translator is my savior but in this case it translates that to "If you want the radius in English...."

[Slither]

The headlight adjustment switch is la Renault influence. Europeans tow with small cars. We had the same thing back in 72 on a Renault 16 only it was a lever beside the headlight lens.

Happy golden years!