Pricing has been announced for the 2016 Nissan Versa.
If there’s ever a car that will always have your back no matter what the economic situation is out there, it’s the sprightly Nissan Versa subcompact. According to Nissan USA on their press release earlier yesterday ( Sept. 10, 2015) the 2016 Nissan Versa remains the most inexpensive new car that you can buy with an MSRP of $12,815. In addition, their most expensive trim level, the SL Xtronic drops in price by $500. With seating for five, a copious amount of storage out back and a more than adequate 109 HP engine, there’s little more you could ask for in terms of basic transportation.
When we say that the Nissan Versa’s got your back, we literally mean that. It wasn’t too long ago back in 2008 when our economy just about tanked that the last thing anyone wanted to do was buy a new car. In response, many automakers lowered the MSRP’s of their most basic models to get people in the door. So did Nissan with their Versa. According to Nissan back in Oct, 2008, “Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced a new 2009 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 model, which features a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $9,990.” Nissan took off close to $3,000 from the sticker price to cater to those struggling times. In a nod to what was happening, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing for Nissan stated how…
"”The new Versa Sedan 1.6 is another way in which Nissan is taking a leadership role in reassuring consumers that now is a great time to consider a new car,”"
That last bit foreshadowed at just how worried the automakers where. But now the economy has somewhat put itself back on a more sustainable path and the price of the Nissan Versa is back where it should be.
First, there’s that 1.6 liter four cylinder. With 109 HP and 107 lb-ft of torque, there’s just enough propulsion to get you out of any hairy situation. With a full car and a loaded boot, things might be different. Paired to that 1.6 is your choice of 5 MT, 4AT or Xtronic CVT getting more expensive as you step up the ladder. For the CVT fuel economy is 31 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 35 mpg combined. For the 5 speed manual it’s rated at 27/36/30 and for the 4-speed automatic it’s 26/35/30.
For such a small car, the exterior is quite attractive. Taking cues from its bigger brother the Sentra and Altima, the proportions at first may seem too big for a small car, but after a while you get used to the handsome front design language. The front is dominated by large headlights and a gaping grill. Outback, the rear bumper cuts away to reveal a faux diffuser of sorts and there’s an integrated rear spoiler on the boot lid.
Inside, it’s pretty basic. The driver benefits from a large and accommodating steering wheel. There’s even a tachometer to the side. There’s plenty of convenient storage from the large glove box in front of the passenger seat to the generous trunk space out back. The back seat is a bit thin for long drives but in a pinch, you can indeed fit 5 adults. Beware, this may be the car of choice when everyone goes out for lunch.
Reviews of the Nissan Versa have not been too kind when it comes to driving dynamics and overall comfort over longer drives. But when it comes down to it, the Versa is a very solid case for basic transportation in an attractive package. And the numbers don’t lie. Nissan sold 14,875 Versas in August alone just in the United States.