Which Versa should I get? CVT or 4AT?

[buddha_AZ]

Hello everyone!

I just found this site and was hoping you guys might have some insight for me. I've been shopping around for a new car for myself, and I ran across the new Nissan Versa. The local dealer let me test drive both the CVT and the 4AT (I really want an automatic), but only for about 10 minutes a piece. I'd really like to hear what you guys think about them after driving for a couple weeks or more.

I really liked the Versa, but I can't decide between the CVT or the 4AT. I know that the CVT is supposed to get a little bit better FE, but what about everything else? I've read the reviews of the CVT online, but no one talks about the 4AT ever.

Please tell me your opinions/suggestions about why you chose the CVT or the 4AT.

1. Why did you pick the Versa instead of the Fit/Yaris?2. Did you drive both types of Versa or only one before you bought?3. How do you feel now about the choice?4. How's the car now that you've owned it for a while (acceleration, FE, comfort)?5. If you could change you mind and switch now (4AT to CVT, or CVT to 4AT, or Versa to another car), would you?

Which one should I get?

[FYI...I'd be using my car mainly for commuting to work (~25 miles, 10min HWY, 10min City).]

Thanks a lot for your help!

[9/18 Edit: Accidentally hit the poll button for the 4AT one time. Should be 2 votes right now, not 3 votes.]
Modified by buddha_AZ at 11:06 AM 9/18/2006

[kc5f]

1. (Versa instead of the Fit/Yaris) Value and comfort. Fit seemed overpriced for what you get, and the Toyota dealer didn't even want to show me the Yaris, as even he thought it wasn't much of a car!

2. (Drive both types of Versa before you bought) Yes.

3. (How do you feel now) Still happy. Fun to watch the tach drop as the speed increases!

4. (How's the car now - acceleration, FE, comfort) Doesn't accelerate like my Probe did, but gets up to highway speed just fine, and the one time I tried 2-lane passing starting at 55mph it got up to 70 quick enough, even without flooring it. Definitely not a sports car, though! MPG has been better than some, here, but not to EPA ratings. I've been getting about 32, mostly highway and lots in the mountains, but not much AC use. Confort's another story - it's great, and holds my musical instruments behind the rear set, as well.

5. (If you could change you mind) I wouldn't, as far as CVT, and this is the first time in 750,000 miles I've not had a manual transmission.

[OKVersa]

1. The Fit and Yaris were too small for passenger comfort. I wanted to be able to put three growing grandkids in the backseat. Honda and Toyota won't take a dime off the sticker. For the money the Versa was the best buy. I have driven a pickup, minivan, or SUV since 1988. There was no way I was going to buy a car that made me feel like I was sitting on the pavement. I still have the "sense" that this is a small SUV rather than a compact car. I went from a Jimmy to the Versa and sacrificed very little room. In fact, the back seat has more leg room than our Jimmy. We are also remodeling our home and the "step" is no problem to me. By folding back the front passenger and folding forward the back seats I can haul 8 ft. boards. In fact, I am pretty sure I can get youngest granddaughter's "Barbie" bike in the cargo with the seats up! I don't mind giving up a little MPG for that kind of room and comfort.

Also, living in a rural area, I sometimes want to stock up on groceries when we go to a city. With a sedan, I would have to use the trunk, thus I would have to divide the cold stuff up and put it in the front for the a/c. With the hatchback, I have no such worries. And speaking of the A/C, I haven't had it on high once and this is Oklahoma! In fact, on "1" was too cold the other day!

2. I bought the CVT, which was the only one we test drove. There was a black standard available for test driving, but I'd driven a standard from the age of 16 to 30, and no more. As far as I know the CVT and 5-speed are all that was ever available in my area.

3. I love it.

4. Had it for almost 2 weeks and 800 miles on it. Love it. I find that the acceleration is so smooth I'm at 80 before I know it! NOT GOOD!

Only had four fill-ups:34.3 (I suspect the dealer topped it off.)27.429.328.6

We almost always have the a/c on and drive on a lot of 70 MPH roads. The 34.3 was the first fill up and we didn't drive with the a/c that day. The 28.6 was a lot of city driving.

I had NO problems passing. None. I didn't punch it, but just pressed the accelerator and off we went!

The comfort is fantastic. When I drive hubby immediately goes to sleep! When he drives, I have enough room in the front passenger seat to cross my legs. And I'm 5'9". I live in OK which has terrible highways, and I sure don't miss that "clunk, clunk, clunk" on the highway! Oh, did I mention how quiet it is? You simply can't hear outside traffic city noise.

5 No. I love how smooth the CVT is. The bulk of my miles will be highway, as I only live three blocks from work and two blocks from the grocery store.

One of my biggest worries about getting a compact was visability. I like sitting up on the road and being a defensive driver. That's why I loved the pickup and SUV. However, I drove the Versa all around Oklahoma City and had no problems seeing, even with two adult passengers in the back. I realize if a SUV plows into the side, the SUV wins. However, with the steel side beams and side airbags I feel better about getting a compact.

I wish the back glass popped up for putting things in, but it's not a big deal. I realized that the visor problem IS a problem, so I'm sure the next generation will deal with that. The mirror device is in an awkward place so they will probably move that. I think fog lights should be standard.

Other than that, which are all preferences, and not performance, I love it!

[Elmojo]

I have a 6-spd manual, so I can't comment on the auto trannys from personal experience, but the overall consensus here seems to be in favor of the CVT, as your Poll results bear out.As for the other factors, I can say I'm VERY glad I got the Versa rather than the Fit or Yaris. I drove a Yaris overnight, and it felt rather cheap all around. Plus the semi-high (70-ish) speed handling on back roads in the Yaris felt squirrely, if you know what I mean.I never got to drive a Fit, which I hear is it's strong point. I did check one out at a local dealer, and it seemed nice, but not as plush as the Versa interior. It also felt a little smaller in the front, and MUCH more cramped in the rear seats. If you plan to carry more than 1 other person over the age of about 8, I'd say there really is no comparison. The Versa is a fine blend of comfort, cool gadgets, convenience and fun. When we get some decent performance parts available, this thing will truly be a blast!

[indus49]

1. The Versa is larger, and better priced than both the Fit and Yaris. But for me, price was probably the biggest obstacle there.

2. I drove 2 CVTs, before ever trying a 4(AT). I didn't like how the CVT drove, and was much more satisfied with the AT. Sorry, that's just personal choice. Also, it was cheaper and I really didn't have the money to lay down, or the time to wait, for a CVT.

3. If I had more cash, I may have gone for the CVT. I chose against based on the fact that they were very uncommon, and therefore possibly more costly to fix (I don't know if you could take a CVT to say, an Aamco or other trans shop.)

4. I love the car. It's very comfortable, it has good pickup for a little 1.8. I wouldn't change a thing about it.

5. That's pretty much the same question as #3, so I'll answer something else for you... the gas mileage in the 4AT is not as good as the CVT or 6 speed. But for a small car that's larger than a compact, it's still very good.

[BenDupre]

One might argue manual trans against the CVT or any other automatic because the automatics have a torque converter and the manuals have a clutch. The torque converter "uses" (wastes) some energy compared to a clutch.

However, being both the 4AT and CVT have a torque converter between the engine and trans, there is absolutely NO argument for the 4AT against the CVT. Unless it be the added cost of SL vs. S trim.

The CVT is what all transmissions try to be. The first transmissions were two speed, then three, then four, five now six is the way to go. Guess how many speeds the CVT has? INFINITY. No mater what you are doing with the car, the ECM can select the absolute best possible ratio for the conditions. There simply isn't any comparison in any other technolgy, unless you talk about other CV drives like torroidal and hydrostatic. Neither of which are really viable for on-highway applications. Electric has all the advantages and is what we will all be driving once fuel cell technology becomes practical.

It's taken a long time for the CVT to come to fruition, but it is the transmission of the future.

Let the numbers convince you: look at the specifications on this site (there's a link from the nissanversa.org home page) and the gear ratios are listed for the 6MT, 4AT, and CVT. Multiply the top gear by the final drive for that transmission and you will see that the CVT is the tallest transmission of the three available. You will appreciate this once you get any of the cars up to 75 mph on the freeway. The CVT tachs 2500 at that speed while the 6MT is about 3000. I haven't drive the 4AT, but as a rule I don't like an AT on a small 4-banger engine. The CVT completely changed my mind.

I think your question is really a no-brainer. The test drive should have already convinced you.

Best luck

Ben

[buddha_AZ]

Did someone else vote for the 4AT besides yourself? I accidentally clicked 4AT once (2+1). You obviously preferred the 4AT. Did the last vote come from someone else who didn't respond?

1. The Versa is larger, and better priced than both the Fit and Yaris. But for me, price was probably the biggest obstacle there.

2. I drove 2 CVTs, before ever trying a 4(AT). I didn't like how the CVT drove, and was much more satisfied with the AT. Sorry, that's just personal choice. Also, it was cheaper and I really didn't have the money to lay down, or the time to wait, for a CVT.

3. If I had more cash, I may have gone for the CVT. I chose against based on the fact that they were very uncommon, and therefore possibly more costly to fix (I don't know if you could take a CVT to say, an Aamco or other trans shop.)

4. I love the car. It's very comfortable, it has good pickup for a little 1.8. I wouldn't change a thing about it.

5. That's pretty much the same question as #3, so I'll answer something else for you... the gas mileage in the 4AT is not as good as the CVT or 6 speed. But for a small car that's larger than a compact, it's still very good.

[indus49]

I have no idea. Sorry.

[will1911a1]

1. I basically picked the Versa over the Fit and Yaris because I felt that I was getting more car for the money I was spending. I bought a 6-speed S with the power package, splash guards, the floor mats.

2. I only drove a 6-speed S. The SL has a bunch of neat stuff, but nothing I felt like paying for.

3. 2 months later I still feel like I made the right choice.

4. It's great. It's quiet, comfortable, and gets great gas mileage. It's not the fastest car I've ever owned (nor did I expect it to be), but it's got more than enough power for what I need it for.

5. This question doesn't realy apply to me since I bought the manual, but I wouldn't give up that transmission for either of the autos.

[Ever Victorious]

I'll agree with Will, I'd choose the 6-speed over either auto any day of the week, even though I drive for a living.

Seems right now that the 6-speed is the more forgiving transmission, at least fuel economy wise, if not in overall reliability.

I've found I don't have to be too cautious of my driving to hit the 30 mpg mark.

[versula]

1. Why did you pick the Versa instead of the Fit/Yaris?>> The Fit and Yaris are actually quite smaller inside than the Versa. Fit is cute, Yaris = crap. When I was at the Toyota Dealership, I looked at the Yaris and then the Scion xA. xA is 4 yrs old and a much better car...2. Did you drive both types of Versa or only one before you bought?>> I drove an SL and two S. I did not like the CVT for myself and did not want another stick, so I chose the AT. The only thing I wish that my car had was the 6-CD changer or even the stupid ipod jack but was not willing to pay $1600 extra just for that. 3. How do you feel now about the choice?>> This is one of the best cars that I have had as far as price & value. It feels like a much more expenisve car on the inside and is a great deal.4. How's the car now that you've owned it for a while (acceleration, FE, comfort)?>> No problems. FE is now up to about 34 but I am mostly commuting on hwy and try to drive 60 MPH or so. I have had to press the accelorator down hard a couple times and it went a little faster than I expected... 5. If you could change you mind and switch now (4AT to CVT, or CVT to 4AT, or Versa to another car), would you?>> Not at all. I bet that the radios will be upgraded so that even the basic model will get an ipod jack soon. I have a 4AT and would consider the CVT if it was not the first model year. So when I get a new Versa in 4 years (hah) maybe I will consider it then.

[Ever Victorious]

By the end of 4 years, there will be no 4AT left anyway. For that matter, there may or may not be any for the 2008 year, so far they exist because the plant that builds the CVT's can't provide enough for all of the models Nissan wants to put them in yet... so until they fill their quota, the 4AT gets put in the base Versa to make room for production for the Sentra and Altima.

Interestingly enough, I was reading up on the '07 Sentra and they have a "Pre-EPA manufacturer's estimated fuel economy" rating very similar to the Versa, despite the larger engine and car. I'm sure this will be downrated when the EPA tests it.

[OKVersa]

When hubby took Versa into the dealership today for a fix on the airbag/seat belt sensor (which is apparently going to be resolved) and the TPMS problem (which they swear there is no fix for), the salesman said that nobody wants the AT. They have a powder white one with beige interior and while it is less than the CVT or 6-speed, they can't get it sold.

Here is the interesting part. The salesman told hubby that unless they sell the AT, Nissan won't ship them any more CVT or 6-speed Versas; there is a huge push to sell the 4ATs (and of course the 2006 Sentras!)

He said that people wanting a Versa will have to take the 4AT or wait, because Nissan says no more until the ATs are gone.

It makes me wonder what kinds of transmissions the sedans will have when they come out.

[proxim2020]

Hmmmm.... That's interesting and logical. There's people that will take what they can get, but there's a lot of people who buy what they want. If customers can't find the car they want, they are likely to go with a different manufacturer. If it's true, it could backfire in Nissan's face.

[jacksan1]

I am not a Versa owner (yet), but if I were to drive one, it would be CVT, hands-down. CVT is a fairly new commodity in the U.S., but in Japan or Europe, it's seen an extensive use. 90% of all the the Tiida, JDM Versa, sold in Japan are CVT (4WD Tiida comes with 4AT). The new Corolla, just released this month in Japan, is all CVT. Honda Fit is all CVT in Japan also, except for one sport trim that offers a 5 speed manual. As someone noted above, CVT is what the transmission has always wanted to be. It's smooth and efficient. After you get used to the CVT, the regular AT feels so clunky.

Now as to your question of why Versa over Fit/Yaris, I am going to do my own scoring based on my own research and experience in the following categories. Please feel free to disagree - this is just my scoring:

Comfort (includ. quality of materials used)

First Place: VersaSecond Place: YarisThird Place: Fit

Passenger Room:

First Place: VersaSecond Place: YarisThird Place: Fit

Fuel Efficiency:

First Place: YarisSecond Place: FitThird Place: Versa

Cargo Room Utility:

First Place: FitSecond Place: VersaThird Place: Yaris

Predicted Reliability based on other models by same manufacturer

First Place (tie): Yaris and FitThird Place: Versa

Safety (Crash rating and stndard safety equipment)

First Place: FitSecond Place: VersaThird Place: Yaris (because it doesn't come with side air bag standard)

Fun to Drive:

Hard to score here, except that , to me, Yaris is the clear loser.

None of these are right or wrong answers. Basically, everyone puts a different weighting in each category, and decides what is important to him/her. I did not include styling here, but to some, that's the deal breaker (not to me), in which case a heavy weighting should be given to it.

For instance, let's say that you absolutely need the fule efficiency. In every test that's been done out there that I have read, the Yaris has been the clear winner. But then again, you are saying good-bye to fun and quality of interior material, nor do you get the kind of passenger comfort that the Versa offers nor the cargo room utility of the Fit. Everyone is different, though.
Modified by jacksan1 at 12:06 PM 10/25/2006

[Link3]

1. Why did you pick the Versa instead of the Fit/Yaris?

A requirement of mine was to be able to handle 3 adult passengers + cargo for weekend trips. The Yaris didn't even come close. The Fit was my 2nd choice (as it offered more cargo space & flexibility), but the Versa was the clear winner in terms of combined F + R passenger comformt and amenities. I also tried a Scion Xa (but the rear seating + cargo space had the same issues as the Yaris did) and a Scion Xb (but had some little things that I just didn't like).

2. Did you drive both types of Versa or only one before you bought?

I test drove a Honda Fit sport w/ auto, Scion Xa with auto, and the Versa SL with CVT that I purchased.

3. How do you feel now about the choice?

I am happy with my choice and really like the smoothness of the CVT.

4. How's the car now that you've owned it for a while (acceleration, FE, comfort)?

I just completed an 840 mile round trip this past weekend of mostly highway driving during both during the day and at night. No issues with the car (about 2700 miles total so far) and the passenger comfort is quite good. I have been able to achieve over 33 mpg highway at 70 mph - so I feel that the claim of EPA Highway mileage of 36 for the CVT would be within reach if doing 55 mph.

5. If you could change you mind and switch now (4AT to CVT, or CVT to 4AT, or Versa to another car), would you?

If I had to do it over again, I would still select a Versa with CVT (which currently means an SL trim level model).