- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
Nissan Versa. Smallest American
The Nissan Versa is a compact sedan produced since 2006 by Nissan (Japan) for North America. ‘Versa’ is short for ‘versatile space’, and meant to imply the spaciousness of the interior and versatile cargo arrangements. Versa is the name for North America. For example, the Tiida sedan and hatchback (first generation), as well as the Almera sedan (second and third generation) are sold there under this name. One of the few compact cars left in the country, because the majority of manufacturers have switched to SUV, so sedans are becoming rare.
The first generation
It was introduced in the USA and Canada in July 2006 and sold in North America and Latin America. The car was made at the Nissan assembly plant in Mexico. The North American model first debuted as a hatchback, followed by a sedan at the end of the year. The Versa at that time was the only 4-door Nissan car in the USA and Canada, sold worldwide: the rest of the models (Centra, Altima and Maxima) were intended only for North America. An important detail: the entry-level Versa for $9,990 turned out to be almost the most affordable new car in the USA, competing with the Hyundai Accent.
The Nissan Versa for $9,990 turned out to be almost the most affordable new car in the USA
The car was initially equipped with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine (122 hp, 170 Nm). In 2009, a 1.6-liter engine (107 hp) appeared. The model could be equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission, continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a 6-speed manual transmission. The basic equipment of cars with 1.8-liter engines included air conditioning, power pack and ABS. In 2010, the car was slightly restyled, acquiring a redesigned radiator grille and new wheels. The year 2011 was final for the sedan, whereas the hatchback kept on being for another year, until 2012.
The second generation
The second Versa debuted in 2011. The car became larger, becoming a true C-segment car. It was 4,295 mm long, 1,760 mm long and 1,520 mm wide, and had a wheelbase of 2.7 m. The list of engines included 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter engines, as well as a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine with an output 188 hp. The engines could be paired with a manual transmission or a CVT.
The third generation
The new Nissan Versa appeared in the USA in early 2019. The car has changed, becoming eye-catching and similar to the older Nissan models. It has received LED headlights, a V-shaped ‘face’, a ‘floating’ roof, and bright body colors. The body has become wider (1,740 mm) and longer (4,495 mm). The sedan shares the platform with the Kicks SUV.
The new Nissan Versa has experienced a real transformation, becoming eye-catching and modern
All models share a 1.6-engine 4-cylinder engine with an output of 124 hp, paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT for an extra charge. The car features a McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-dependent beam suspension at the rear. The interior is trimmed with high-quality materials and looks quite solid and modern. Ergonomics are incredible. There are analog instruments and an on-board computer screen between them.
The 2020/2021 Nissan Versa is richly equipped. The most affordable version has a keyless entry system, engine start button, power pack, 17-inch alloy wheels and the Safety Shield 360 security package (namely: automatic braking systems, lane keeping assist and automatic high beam). For a surcharge, you can order a multimedia system with Apple Carplay functions and a 7-inch screen, climate control unit and adaptive cruise control.
