On the fence about Nissan's Versa
Ladies and gentlemen, I write here today as a politician who comes down firmly . . . in the middle!
If this were a race for political office, not the car-buying dollars of Americans seeking relief from high gas prices, I could be accused of pandering.
But a fence-rail position is appropriate when it comes to the 2007
It's part of a new wave of small, fuel efficient, and affordable cars, and it belongs in the middle of the pack, somewhere between the basic
The Versa is larger, more powerful, and roomier than either of those cars. That makes it the perfect vehicle for those who want to move down from something larger but who don't want to go too small (though the Fit and the Yaris are not cramped).
Boxy yet stylish, the Versa arrives like a big child come home to help the family in time of need, and it arrives with a wide grin (stretched headlight-to-headlight over a broad signature grille). The car is accommodating with fabulous headroom, commodious front leg room, reasonable rear leg room, and ample storage behind this hatchback's rear seat (a sedan version is coming this fall).
Up front, controls are large, easy to read, and simple to understand. You can even find a radio station at highway speed without taking your eyes off the road.
The seats -- broad, firm, supportive at the edges -- are particularly comfortable.
On the road, both its larger size and greater power (in comparison to the Fit and Yaris) are evident.
The Versa, like the Fit and Yaris, is powered by a four-cylinder engine. But this one delivers 122 horsepower to 106 for the Yaris and 109 for the Fit. There was a deep tug of power in high-speed passing that the others did not have. Yet the Fit, perhaps owing to the as-tested five-speed manual transmission, seemed snappier. The Yaris was adequate for urban and suburban commuting or quick runs into town.
The price for that extra tug, however, comes in fuel consumption. I got 31.7 miles per gallon over a week of testing, compared to 34.2 in the Fit and 35.1 in the Yaris.
The Versa has a wheelbase of 102.4 inches and is 169.1 inches long -- about 6 inches longer than the others. At 60.4 inches, it is only about a half-inch higher than the others, yet it feels significantly taller.
The test car had a four-speed automatic transmission (a five- or six-speed might help improve fuel economy). Also available are a six-speed manual and a continuously variable transmission that may well save gas.
On the road, it felt substantial in a way the other two did not, its longer wheelbase no doubt accounting for the locked-in-straight performance in highway travel. In corners, its 2,751 pounds were felt, but that could be because of a lack of feedback in steering. There was no tactile sense through the electric steering system to anticipate the edge that comes in any corner at speed. Fortunately, there also was no tendency to plow, as front-wheel-drive cars are prone to do. And there was no side-tugging evidence of torque steer.
In an effort to reach a low ``price point" (there are senseless bean counters in every business), the antilock brake system was made an option on the Versa. This safety feature should be standard on every car. But to its credit, Nissan equipped the Versa with standard front, front-side, and front-and-rear-side curtain air bags. At least if the lack of ABS doesn't make a crash less likely, Versa occupants will be well-protected in the event of a collision.
Other standard equipment includes power steering, brakes, and mirrors; radio and CD player; air conditioning; tilting steering wheel; and a rear window defroster.
Upgrades include XM or Sirius satellite radio, an advanced sound system, electronic key entry, steering wheel audio controls, power sunroof, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
So if the Versa, which goes on sale in July, is the middle child in the family, it is the steady, serious child -- a strong and able sibling to the Fit's sassy sister and the Yaris's quiet, bookish brother.
THE BASICS
Base price/as tested: $12,000/$16,500 (est.)
Fuel economy: 31.7 miles per gallon in Globe testing
Annual fuel cost: $1,226 (at $2.99 per gallon, regular, 13,000 miles per year)
THE EARLY LINE
Tucks itself into the center lane in a wave of fuel efficient, affordable cars.
THE SPECIFICS
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Seating: Five occupants
Horsepower: 122
Torque: 127 lb.-ft.
Overall length: 169.1 inches
Wheelbase: 102.4 inches
Height: 60.4 inches
Width: 66.7 inches
Curb weight: 2,751 lbs.
THE SKINNY
Nice touch: Wide rear doors provide remarkably easy access to the back seat.
Annoyance: Should be able to squeeze better gas mileage out of a compact. Perhaps the next generation's automatic transmission (a five-speed?) will help.
Watch for: The sedan Versa that comes this fall.
Royal 