Acceleration

S hatch., man.	S Sedan, auto.	S hatch., auto.	SL hatch., CVT	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.6

Manual and conventional-automatic transmission versions feel labored, weak at low speed. Lots of shifting required with manual for maximum acceleration. Test S with manual did 9.5 sec 0-60 mph. SL with CVT feels livelier from a stop and provides acceptable passing response.

Fuel Economy

S hatch., man.	S Sedan, auto.	S hatch., auto.	SL hatch., CVT	Class Average
7	6	6	6	6.5

Test hatchbacks averaged 27.4 mpg with manual transmission, 24.8 with automatic. Test sedan with automatic transmission averaged 26.4 mpg. No opportunity to measure with CVT.

Ride Quality

S hatch., man.	S Sedan, auto.	S hatch., auto.	SL hatch., CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.3

Long wheelbase for class imparts a comfortable, controlled ride on most surfaces. Large bumps still register sharply. Moderate bobbing over wavy pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

S hatch., man.	S Sedan, auto.	S hatch., auto.	SL hatch., CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.8

Precise steering makes Versa fun to drive around town, though any sporty feel blunted by lots of body lean, tire squeal in turns. Tidy dimensions aid close-quarters maneuverability.

Quietness

S hatch., man.	S Sedan, auto.	S hatch., auto.	SL hatch., CVT	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.4

Engine buzzy in rapid acceleration, subdued otherwise. Quiet highway ride disturbed by modest wind noise from mirrors, some coarse-surface tire thrum.

Controls

S hatch., man.	S Sedan, auto.	S hatch., auto.	SL hatch., CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	7	5.9

Controls logically placed and, for the most part, clearly marked. Especially nice are the large rotary climate controls. SL interior highlighted by lots of soft-touch materials and classy looking gauges--uncommon at this price point. S model lacks soft-touch surfaces, but materials still pleasant for the price. Keyless entry and one-touch operation windows a welcome options at this price. Note that one test model suffered from malfunctioning power door locks.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

S hatch., man.	S Sedan, auto.	S hatch., auto.	SL hatch., CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.6

Large, comfortable seats belie Versa's small-car price. Even large adults have plenty of room, though tall occupants will want more seat travel. Visibility good to all directions. Note that only SL has height-adjustable driver seat.

Room/Comfort (rear)

S hatch., man.	S Sedan, auto.	S hatch., auto.	SL hatch., CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6	4

Good room for two large adults, highlighted by ample knee and foot room. Rear armrest on SL model a nice touch for a low-price car.

Cargo Room

S hatch., man.	S Sedan, auto.	S hatch., auto.	SL hatch., CVT	Class Average
6	3	6	6	4.8

Sedan's tall trunk is large for the class, but doesn't go very far forward. Generous cargo room in hatchbacks, but load floor interrupted by rear seats that don't fold flush, creating an annoying stepped surface. Plenty of interior storage, including front and rear map pockets.

Value within Class

S hatch., man.	S Sedan, auto.	S hatch., auto.	SL hatch., CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	7	6

Versa's priced like a subcompact, but its blend of room, comfort, and refinement are an easy match for any number of more-expensive compact cars. Acceleration is modest, but that's balanced by good road manners. All in all, this new Nissan is a must see for the value-conscious shopper.

Total Score

S hatch., man.	S Sedan, auto.	S hatch., auto.	SL hatch., CVT	Class Average
56	52	55	57	52.9

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		52
High Score		60