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The Versa offers a solid
blend of ride and handling; power, refinement, and fuel economy; price and
interior quality; interior space and comfort, and safety. There are others
here that are more fun to drive, more comfortable, more fuel efficient, more
powerful, or most anything else, but the Versa succeeds by a lack of failure
at an excellent price.
The Versa has a soft,
absorbent, and comfortable ride. The steering could use a bit more heft and
feel, but it is responsive. Basically, the Versa handles competently but
isn’t particularly fun to drive. (Though more so than the likes of the
Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla, thanks to its size as much as anything
else.) Acceleration could hardly be called strong, but it is peppy enough
and has reserve high-speed power. Wind and road noises are well-suppressed,
and the engine is quiet except under acceleration. Gas mileage doesn’t lead
the group, but it’s very good overall. The CVT currently found in the
upper-level Versa is expected to replace this base model’s 4-speed automatic
next year; that transmission improves both power and fuel economy.
Inside, the Versa has
wide, well-shaped, and well-padded front seats with plenty of leg and head
space, though the cushions could be a bit longer. The rear seat is roomy and
well-shaped, though it could be a bit higher.
 Interior
quality is excellent for this price point, with rich-feeling plastics and
nicely-fitting interior panels. Entry/exit is easy to both the front and
rear. Drivers sit very comfortably, but thick roof pillars interfere with
rearward visibility. The trunk is roomy, especially for such a small car.
The Versa reviewed here
was inexpensive at $14,915, but didn’t have either traction control (which
isn’t offered) or cruise control (which is available only on the pricier SL
model). The Versa, especially this just-introduced sedan model, remains in
high demand, so that price is the MSRP. Expect the Versa to become even less
expensive over the next few months.
Overall, the Versa offers
a blend of excellent comfort and refinement with decent power, safety, fuel
economy, and driving dynamics, for a very reasonable price. Like the Hyundai
Elantra, it does almost everything at least competently, and most things
very well.
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