The Nissan Versa is an amazing proposition. Extensively refreshed for the 2010 model year, Nissan’s subcompact parlayed a unique mix of fuel efficiency and responsive performance into serious success in the marketplace: Sales of the Versa were up an incredible 95.6 percent in May and have increased 81 percent through the first five months of the year.
So, following the old maxim that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” the 2011 Versa is following that same path, even featuring the same low base MSRP of just $9,990. That gets customers into the 1.6 Base sedan, one of the least expensive cars in the country. It offers only the driving essentials—like an EPA line of 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined.
The rest of the 2011 Versa lineup:
The Versa 1.6 sedan adds air-conditioning and an anti-lock braking system to that same thrifty 1.6-liter engine from the Base car for an MSRP of $11,240, and swapping in a four-speed automatic transmission brings the sticker to $12,240.
The price of admission to the Versa 1.8 S sedan starts at $13,570 with a six-speed manual transmission and $14,570 to get the four-speed auto box. The Versa 1.8 S is also available in a hatchback configuration at a base sticker price of $13,520 packing the DIY transmission, while adding the automatic adds an additional $1,000 to the bottom line. This eminently livable pair gets a more powerful 1.8-liter I4 engine, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio setup, Nissan’s advanced air bag system, chrome grille accents, and a wide range of other upgrades.
At the top of the Versa range are the 1.8 SL sedan and hatchback. The sedan offers a smooth four-speed automatic and amenities like power windows and door locks, cruise control, and remote keyless entry. The hot hatch gets outfitted with a Nissan continuously variable transmission, fog lights, a rear roof spoiler and revised, sportier front and rear fascias. Other premium appointments on the 1.8 SL Versas include an uplevel six-speaker sound system, aluminum-alloy wheels and an available navigation system with a 5-inch color display.
The 2011 Nissan Versa is on sale at local dealerships now.
* * *
Read more Nissan news on this blog. Subscribe for the latest.
