2011 Nissan Versa Review

Overview

The 2011 Nissan Versa is Nissan's next generation small car available in two body styles, a five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan, in two well-equipped trims - S and SL. Its fuel economy is estimated at 27 to 33 mpg when equipped with the Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Power and performance

The Versa Sedan models derive power from a choice of a 107-horsepower 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine (Sedan 1.6 Base, Sedan 1.6) or 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine (Sedan 1.8 S, Sedan 1.8 SL). The hatchback is powered by a 1.8-liter engine only (Hatchback 1.8 S, Hatchback 1.8 SL) and the torque is rated at 107 lb-ft for the 1.6-liter and 127 lb-ft for the 1.8-liter. Both engines combine responsive power with excellent fuel economy. Four transmissions are offered - a 5-speed manual (Sedan 1.6 Base), 6-speed manual (Sedan 1.6, Sedan 1.8 S, Hatchback 1.8 S), an electronically controlled automatic with overdrive (optional Sedan 1.6, Sedan, 1.8 S, Hatchback 1.8 S), and Xtronic CVT transmission (Hatchback 1.8 SL only). The Versa Sedan 1.6 is rated at 26 mpg City/34 mpg Highway (equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission). Versas equipped with the 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine are rated at 28 mpg City/34 mpg Highway with the Continuously Variable Transmission; 24 mpg City/32 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic transmission; and 26 mpg City/31 mpg Highway with the 6-speed manual transmission.

Body and styling

Built on Nissan's B-platform, the front-wheel drive 2011 Nissan Versa provides a spacious cabin with best-in-class head and rear leg room, quality and comfortable seating, and a great cabin environment. The Versa comes with standard sport front and rear fascias, body side sills, fog lights and rear spoiler for Versa Hatchback SL models, a revised front grille design for all models, new wheel treatments, and revised interior fabrics and finishers. The base audio system has received auxiliary input now. Interface System for iPod has been added to upper grade radio while the SL Sport interior is now standard on Versa Hatchback SL with charcoal interior.

Safety Features

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard for 1.8 S models, along with standard ABS, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) for 1.8 SL models. VDC and TCS are optionally available on 1.8 S models. Standard fog lights are added on Versa Hatchback 1.8 SL and an optional navigation system will also be offered for the first time. Front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, and a tire-pressure monitor are standard, while anti-lock brakes with brake assist is optional on the 2011 Nissan Versa.