1st Place: Nissan Versa

Overview:

The Versa is not only less expensive than Nissan's larger Sentra, but it is a nicer car in many respects as well. The interior uses higher-quality materials, the seats are much better-shaped, and it is more agile. It also did very well in the tough IIHS side crash test, as many other small cars did not. The same reasons are a large part of the reason why the Versa edged out the Hyundai Elantra for the win here. (Neither the Sentra nor the Elantra have been subjected to that IIHS crash test, so their performance is unknown.) Like the Elantra, the Versa isn't sporty, but does most other things very well. The Elantra gets slightly better gas mileage, has more power, and comes with more features and a longer warranty, but the overall package they provide is so similar that it will come down to individual detail preferences. Either is a top-notch economy car value.

Driving the Versa:

The Versa has a soft, absorbent, and comfortable ride. It handles capably, but has too much body roll. The steering could use a bit more heft and feel, but it is responsive enough. Overall, the Versa would never be called either clumsy or fun to drive. It isn't quick either, but it's peppy enough off the line and has acceptable reserve passing power. Wind and road noises are well-suppressed, and the engine is quiet except under acceleration. The Versa returns decent gas mileage, but its fuel consumption is higher than the Elantra's or Nissan's larger Sentra. High-end models of the Versa hatchback are available with Nissan's CVT automatic instead of the Versa sedan's 4-speed automatic, which improves both power and fuel efficiency.

Inside the Versa:

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 also very roomy and well-shaped, and mounted high. Seat comfort in the front and rear is one of the Versa's strongest points. Interior quality is also excellent for this price point, with extensive use of high-quality soft-touch materials, and generous padding on frequent contact surfaces. Entry/exit is very easy to both the front and rear, thanks to a very high roofline. Drivers sit very comfortably, but thick roof pillars interfere with rearward visibility. The trunk is roomy and well-shaped, but the rear seat only folds down in one piece rather than two on base Versas, unusual for this group.

Versa pricing:

The Versa is one of the group's cheapest cars at $14,460, within a few hundred dollars of the least expensive Hyundai Accent, $2,500 less than a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, and even nearly $1,000 less than the budget-priced Elantra. However, several of those have a few more extras than the Versa, which adds only active head restraint to the group's expected features, and doesn't include a digital media connection or a split-folding rear seat. (The higher-end Versa SL model offers many options rare in this price range, but isn't worth the extra money unless its premium electronics are important to you.)

Conclusion:

The Versa one of its class leaders in many ways, and at least class-competitive in all others. Its particularly comfortable seats, particularly nice interior, strong crash test scores, and very low price seal it the overall win here.

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