The Nissan Versa Old Vs. New

2011 Nissan Versa Sedan

The Hyundai Accent was the cheapest car in America, but not anymore. When Hyundai released the brand new redesigned model they said to themselves “Hey, let’s make a car that people other than those on a very strict income can afford, and actually want to buy.” Well, friends the fact is Hyundai did just that, they did design a car that no longer has the price appeal to the price motivated buy. So that got me thinking, what is the cheapest car in America for the 2012 model year? That, question was quickly answered by a somewhat annoying commercial from Nissan, for the again all new 2012 Nissan Versa.  

The last generation Versa was a very good car if you were simply looking to go from point A to point B, and back to point A respectively. I personally never really cared for it. The Versa was first introduced to the US market in 2006 as a 2007 model looking quite similar to a Renault Megane, which is probably due to the partnership between Renault and Nissan. The Versa was not only offered as five-door, but it was also offered as a four-door, this helped to bolster sales as it gave buys an option of body style.  But, which is better the older one or the new one? For this we will look at the 2011 model and compare it to its new self.

2007-2011 Nissan Versa Sedan

Let’s start off with my favorite point of a car, the styling. It has been said that in certain parts of the world they simply refuse to purchase ugly cars, primarily Italy if I remember correctly. My guess would be that the Versa never really caught on in those places. The first generation Versa was okay looking, nothing much to write home about, as most cars in the segment are, but no so bad that when you up to walk up to in the morning you have to vomit in the nearest flower bed.  The 2012 model things are not as well off Nissan has rounded off almost all angles of the car, and by doing so they have made it seem as though when the Versa took a summer holiday all it was ravage buffets the whole time it was away. So for the styling I’m afraid I have to give the Versa two and a half out of five.

If you have a very limited buying budget, and safety is a big concern of yours then the Nissan Versa should be right up your ally. For the 2011 model year notable safety features on the base model included all around airbags including rear and side curtain, and a tire pressure monitoring system. For the 2012 model the airbags and TPS are back but they are joined by a 4-wheel ABS system, as well as traction and stability control.

When it comes to creature comforts though the Versa is a bit of a slouch, for the 2011 model standard features included Power windows, locks, and steering as well as a remote truck release. But, the 2011 model lacked things like a radio or air conditioning. For the 2012 model it seems to have gone backwards, now both air conditioning and a radio with auxiliary input are standard, but features like power windows, and locks do not even appear as options on the base model on the information I have.

When it comes to power both use a 1.6 four-cylinder engine, the 2011 model produces 107 horsepower and the 2012 producing 109 HP, but the 2011 produces about four more pounds of torque then the new model. Both are what popular culture like to call gas sippers, the 2011 is EPA rated to give up to 34 MPG on the highway, and the 2012 is rated to give 36 MPG highway. The 36 MPG is a little disappointing since many cars in this segment are touching or passing the 40 MPG mark, so no points given to Nissan for that one.

This is the point we reach the elephant in the corner, the price. For the 2011 model year the price of a base line Versa was $9,990, most new car prices are dropping but due to the high demand for small cars like this the new Versa’s price climbs to $10,990. Which nets the 2012 Nissan Versa 1.6 S the title of the cheapest new car in America.

Overall, I think the new versa will continue to appeal to price motivated buyers for its standard safety features, and overall generic but pudgy styling. But buyers may be deterred if they cross shop the competition from Ford, Chevrolet, or Toyota. After seeing some more standard features as well as slightly higher gas mileage for a little bit of a higher price, that $10,990 might not be so attractive.