Highlighted by a versatile cabin that shows “stylish, comfy living comes incredibly cheap,” the 2014 Nissan Versa Note was named this year’s top value in the annual Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards. As such, it joins nine other choices that “represent the very best of an industry filled with new life,” according to the publication.
Now, it certainly helps that the 2014 Nissan Versa Note starts at just $13,990 and can provide further savings with the ability to hit 40 mpg in highway driving, but that’s not what makes the car value. It’s that those advantages are backed by standard features like air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input jack, Nissan’s Fine Vision electroluminescent gauge cluster, power-adjustable outside mirrors, aero-style taillights, and multi-reflector headlamps. Also, while PM rightly notes that “this little five-door is the coolest of all the Versus,” folks should remember that it’s not that little on the inside. The cabin offers the same rear-seat leg space as a Chevrolet Impala, enhanced by a standard 60/40 split rear seatback that folds flat for cargo-carrying duty.
Filling that spacious cargo area provides no problems for the powertrain since the 2014 Nissan Versa Note packs a peppy 109-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that also makes 107 lb.-ft. Of torque. Drivers can then choose between a five-speed manual transmission or one of Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVTs to make the most of the Versa Note’s motivation.
Capping off this award-winning package is what Popular Mechanics calls
“one of the slickest designs in the Nissan showroom—at any price.”
Which is pretty impressive for a lineup that also includes the Nissan GT-R and Nissan 370Z.
