ROAD TEST.....2012 Nissan Versa

Versa S

     I'll be as positive as I can about the all-new for 2012 Nissan Versa because it does have it's good points...unfortunately with this blogger the bad out weighs the good. 
     First, lets begin with its looks which are better overall than the boxy bland sedan offered in previous model years. The interior not so much. I happen to like the older version better. It felt a lot richer in materials & never felt like you were buying a cheap car. The new one not so much. IF you can find a comfortable seating arrangement it doesn't matter because without ear plugs the loud whiney drone of the CVT will drive you nuts! The carpeting is sooooo cheap...HOW CHEAP IS IT?...it's sooo cheap I'm willing to bet during normal day to day driving situations that within a years time you'll see bare metal under your feet. No kidding...it's THAT cheap! I will say for a small sedan which competes with the Ford Fiesta, Chevy Sonic & Hyundai Accent this thing has a lot of rear seat legroom. Now, how many people buying in this small car market segment actually CARE about rear seat legroom remains to be seen.
     You do get quite a bit of features for whatever money you spend on the Versa. However, some other cheap sedans offered by competitors offer things like leather which you cannot get in any of the 3 Versa trim levels. The starting price in the mid $11k range is damn near unbeatable if you want a no frills base sedan to putt around town in I will give it that.
     Finally, my advice when driving this thing is BUY THE STICK SHIFT if at all possible! Otherwise, wear a helmet & hope for the best when merging onto any LA freeway because it's gonna take a while for this thing to work up all 109 horsepower! Overall my opinion of the Versa is this. For a high school or college grad this car will make a parent feel secure that there loved one is driving a safe, practical, & cheap car that isn't fast enough to ever get him/her into any trouble with the law. Other than that...Nissan could have done a LOT better & lets hope they've realized this before we see the revised hatchback version sometime in mid-2013.

Versa SL

     Pricing begins at about $12,000 for the "S" w/ no options to just over $17,000 for the "SL" w/ Tech Package. EPA fuel mileage is rated at 30/38.

+

• Somewhat Better Looking
• Impressive Rear Passenger Room
• Starting Price
• Fuel Mileage

_

• SLOW AS SHIT!
• Loud CVT
• Uncomfortable Seats
• Really Cheap Carpets
• Meaningless "Pure Drive" Badge
  
  

TEST VEHICLES =     $12,000 (S)  /  $17,000 (SL)

2012 Nissan Versa S

Super Black
Charcoal Cloth

110 hp 4-cylinder
Front Wheel Drive

15” Wheel Covers

Manual Windows, Door Locks, & Mirrors

2-speaker Audio
Air Conditioning

2012 Nissan Versa SL

Titanium
Sandstone Cloth

110 hp 4-cylinder
Front Wheel Drive

15” Alloy Wheels

Fog Lamps

Chrome Grille & Door Handles

Remote Keyless Entry

Cruise Control

Power Windows, Door Locks, & Mirrors

4-speaker Audio
Bluetooth

Tech Package ($700)