Hello everyone,
Could someone let me know the dimensions of the hatch opening and area; all I could find from Nissan's website and this forum was: "With the cargo cover on, you have a "cube" of 17.5" tall x 24" deep x 39" wide. Take the cover off and the height changes from 17.5" to 34.5"."
I am trying to determine if 2 30" tall by 30" wide by 19" thick folding bikes can fit in the back. From the dimensions above, it appears one could fit behind the rear seat "sideways" with the seat up, but not both bikes. I assume I will have to fold down the rear seat to carry both and put them in length-wise. I want to make sure they will fit through the hatch, but I am also wondering how both would be stored since the hatch area floor is not flat with the rear seats folded down. Another alternative would be to put a roof rack or trailer hitch system on the car for the bikes, but I much prefer the hatch area.
Can you also give me an idea of how much you can fit in the hatch area with the rear seat up and cargo cover on...like how many grocery bags, how many suitcases, etc.
I am considering moving from a larger sedan to a smaller, more fuel efficient vehicle. Fuel economy is important, but also is picking a vehicle that is similar in comfort to a larger car, which is why I am looking at the Versa hatchback. Many people in this forum doing the same thing seem happy with seat comfort, quietness, and ride comfort. I am a middle-aged guy who drives the speed limit and will use it to commute to work alone (13 miles each way, mostly urban interstate) or on weekends with my partner and 2 dogs around the city. Besides the importance of comfort, I am also easily annoyed by road vibration and squeaks and rattles...no one has mentioned vibration problems, some people have had squeaks and rattles in this forum.
So far I have driven a 2012 Honda Civic hybrid (we have a 2007 for my partner's car), but was disappointed-it seems cheapened. I also drove the Chevy Cruze Eco, and liked it very much (very high quality interior, quiet, rides great).
The only two other cars I am considering are the Mazda 3 sedan with the new SkyActive engine (28 city/40 highway, but I am not sure if i like the styling) and the Versa hatchback...even though the Versa has been out for a while, I think it still looks good.
I appreciate any feedback. Thanks.
Versa Hatch Opening Dimensions and General Impressions
Re: Versa Hatch Opening Dimensions and General Impressions
I had a horrible experience with my 05 Mazda 3 hatch. I would be extremely apprehensive with anything "new" from them. Check out the reliability ratings on the 3 before you pull the trigger: they're fun to drive but expensive to maintain. An engine mount went out at 52k (just after warranty) and the dealer said it was common. I have a long list of issues with the Mazda; if you want me to go into detail I will, but suffice it to say that for a car that I kept maintained it should never have given me the grief that I had. I really wanted to love that car, but from my experience, I will never drive a Mazda again.
That said, I love my Versa hatch. I can fit a road bike w/ drop handlebars in the back without having to take any wheels off. A mountain bike with straight bars won't fit unless I take the front wheel off, but that was the same in the Mazda. I would suggest taking your two bikes with you on a test drive to be sure they fit - that's what I did!
There is a bit of road noise, so if that bothers you, you may not like it. Again, take it for a test drive and see for yourself. The Versa is Nissan's entry-level car, so take that into consideration. There are things that they skimped on, but overall I think it's a great deal for the money. I think Nissan knows what compromises to make for an affordable, reliable, and useful car.
Even though it's small, the Versa is very roomy. The rear seats in my Mazda3 were a joke; the V has far more legroom in both the front and back. I think the back seats are positioned a little farther back than the Mazda. My wife says she's a lot more comfortable in the V.
Visibility is pretty good in the Versa. The Mazda? Not so much.
My commute is 28 miles each way. Generally, I try to save on gas and when I'm not in stop-and-go traffic, I set the cruise control at 66 on the freeway and have yet to get under 33mpg on a tank, even when stuck in traffic and with occasional bouts of "spirited" driving. I'm really impressed with the mileage. Mine is a manual transmission so I'm sure that has something to do with it.
I hate to sound like a Nissan fanboy but I've had nothing but great experiences with Nissan. My first car was a '95 hardbody pickup that just wouldn't quit. My wife abuses her '05 Quest and we've had no problems.
Hope this helps, and good luck on your next car!
That said, I love my Versa hatch. I can fit a road bike w/ drop handlebars in the back without having to take any wheels off. A mountain bike with straight bars won't fit unless I take the front wheel off, but that was the same in the Mazda. I would suggest taking your two bikes with you on a test drive to be sure they fit - that's what I did!
There is a bit of road noise, so if that bothers you, you may not like it. Again, take it for a test drive and see for yourself. The Versa is Nissan's entry-level car, so take that into consideration. There are things that they skimped on, but overall I think it's a great deal for the money. I think Nissan knows what compromises to make for an affordable, reliable, and useful car.
Even though it's small, the Versa is very roomy. The rear seats in my Mazda3 were a joke; the V has far more legroom in both the front and back. I think the back seats are positioned a little farther back than the Mazda. My wife says she's a lot more comfortable in the V.
Visibility is pretty good in the Versa. The Mazda? Not so much.
My commute is 28 miles each way. Generally, I try to save on gas and when I'm not in stop-and-go traffic, I set the cruise control at 66 on the freeway and have yet to get under 33mpg on a tank, even when stuck in traffic and with occasional bouts of "spirited" driving. I'm really impressed with the mileage. Mine is a manual transmission so I'm sure that has something to do with it.
I hate to sound like a Nissan fanboy but I've had nothing but great experiences with Nissan. My first car was a '95 hardbody pickup that just wouldn't quit. My wife abuses her '05 Quest and we've had no problems.
Hope this helps, and good luck on your next car!
Re: Versa Hatch Opening Dimensions and General Impressions
Just got a Versa HB w/o the cover. I can fit a weeks worth of groceries for two adults and a baby on top of the baby's rather bulky stroller, although I dubt I could do that with the cover in place. The back seat was the main selling point as that I could easily and comfortabily fit the baby's car seat and my 6' 1" frame in the back seat with the salesman in the front with my wife during the test drive.