Tall in the middle, with rounded abbreviated lines, the Versa is versatile and maximizes interior space. To differentiate it from its competitors, the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, Nissan is positioning the Versa as a high-content subcompact. This is no economy car — the Versa has numerous amenities, including an intelligent keyless entry system, Bluetooth hands-free phone and high-end audio systems.
The Versa has best-in-class power from its 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine, which can go with a six-speed manual, four-speed automatic or an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT). That extra power, though, means the Versa isn’t as efficient as the Fit or Yaris; expect about 30 mpg or less in the city, mid-30s on the highway. But the 13.2 gallon fuel tank offers more than adequate range between fill-ups.
Several hundred pounds heavier than the Fit, the Versa is not quite as agile, but the overall ride and handling qualities are quite good for this class of vehicle. Our Nissan Versa review: this is a comfortable car offering top-notch quality while still providing decent fuel economy.