2008 Nissan Versa SL Sedan

Tom Collins
The Auto Answerman
KEZW Radio
Denver

The Versa is available as either a hatchback or sedan. Two trim lines are offered, the base S and the upscale SL. All models come standard with air, CD, and roof mounted curtain and front seat mounted side impact air bags. The SL adds alloy wheels, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, cruise and a vehicle security system. Prices start at $12,630 for the ‘S’ Sedan and $12,730 for the Hatch. Our SL Sedan had a base price of $14,550. With XM radio, splash guards, Intelligent Key Keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, power sunroof, ABS and brake assist the total came to $17,090. It’s worth noting that this price exceeds the base price of the larger Sentra.

Under the Hood:
All Versa models are powered by the same 1.8 liter DOHC 4 cylinder producing 122 HP and 127 lb-ft of torque. The Versa is classified as an ‘Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle’. Expect 26 MPG around town and 31 on the highway. A 6-speed manual is standard. Hatchbacks and S sedans are offered with a 4-speed automatic but the SL sedan has a CVT instead of an automatic. The Continuously Variable Transmission or ‘CVT’ does not have gears and clutches like a regular automatic; instead, it has a chain that varies speed as the pulleys change diameter.

CVT’s are nothing new. They have been used in industrial applications for years. For the life of me I can’t figure out how they found their way into cars. The sensation is a little like a Centrifugal clutch on a snowmobile. I will say this, I drove a 2007 Versa last year with the CVT and it was the most ‘automatic like’ CVT I’ve driven. Most folks will probably like the CVT just fine. I’ll take the automatic, thank you. The test car had the 6-speed manual. Nice shifter for a front driver in this price class. I was a little surprised to see over 3000 RPM at 70 MPH however. This confirms the Versa as an ‘around town car’ not a highway cruiser. It’s geared to get the most power out of the engine.

On the Road:
In spite of what I just said about the gearing not being designed for the highway, the Versa actually handles well at highway speeds. The ride is relatively smooth thanks in part to its 102 inch wheelbase. The Versa has independent front suspension and a Torsion beam setup in the rear with stabilizer bars front and rear. The electric assisted steering has a decent feel and handling is crisp for this price class. The 185/65/15 tires helped here I’m sure. After a hundred miles or so I started to feel as though I was part of the car. Always a good sign. Braking is disc up front with drums in the rear. Pedal felt good and stops were smooth. The ABS package is a worthwhile option at $250.00. It includes electronic brake force distribution and brake assist.

On the inside:
Is the Versa a compact or a subcompact? Many will consider it the latter until they get into the roomy back seat where they will find more rear leg room than in a Civic sedan. In fact, the Versa has more overall passenger and cargo volume than the Civic. Hip and shoulder room is a little less however. Head room is generous even with the sunroof. The front seats seemed fine in my jaunts around Denver. My partner, Dave Hansen, complained of a lack of front legroom but it was fine for me and I’m just over 6 feet tall. The interior looks good and seems well put together with quality materials in the dash and doors. Not the shiny plastic found in some competitors. The switchgear has a quality feel and everything is well laid out. I enjoyed the XM radio and 6-disc CD player. Sound system is better than the Suzuki XL7 I’m currently driving. Road and wind noise were not a factor in the test car. You’ve got 2 cup holders front and rear.

A couple quibbles however: There is no temp gauge in the instrument cluster. Instead, there is a little blue light that goes out when the car warms up. I’ve seen this on a few German cars and I didn’t like it then either. How much could that cost? The computer has that info; why not display it to the driver? Also, the steering wheel remote switches for audio and cruise are not lighted. The six speed has a collar that must be lifted before shifting into reverse. The 4 gear selections on the forward throw require this, I guess, but it’s a little inconvenient.

Safety:
I mentioned the side curtain air bags earlier. Nissan also fitted the Versa with active head restraints in the front, an energy absorbing steering column and a tire pressure monitoring system. ABS is optional and recommended. The seat belts have adjustable upper anchors and the Versa comes standard with the Lower anchors and tethers for children. Zone body construction provides front and rear crumple zones. The Versa Hatchback received a good rating in both front and side impact crash testing from the IIHS.

Bottom Line:
Excellent little car with surprising room. The S is value leader. Buy it with Optional Abs and the 4-speed Automatic.

Tom Collins
The Auto Answerman
1-08-08