2012 Nissan Versa

? All New Sedan?for 2012?

 

 

Looking for a small car that?s big on features? You just might want to check out the all-new Nissan Versa Sedan for 2012. Versa?s 5-door hatch version will remain unchanged for 2012 model year. The new sedan offers mid-size vehicle technology and features without mid-size pricing. Both the content value and EPA mileage estimates are high.

More than 350,000 Versas have been sold since the first generation introduction ?in the U.S. in July of 2006. Versa is also sold worldwide under the names Tiida and Sunny.

?The 2012 Versa sedan appears to be small on the outside, while providing a surprisingly spacious interior, with class-leading roominess. It delivers innovation that?s within reach for those on a tight budget. Versa is based on a new global ?V? platform (for versatile) and is the result of a ?clean-sheet? ground up design that takes small cars in a new direction. It makes the statement that style needn?t be sacrificed for affordability, a roomy interior, a smaller footprint or driveability to achieve worthwhile MPG. This newest Versa Sedan boasts the lowest starting MSRP at $10,990 of any competitor, while being a ?real? viable car with standard air conditioning and radio. EPA estimates are 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined. It is Nissan;s first U.S. product to wear their PUREDRIVE? badge. PUREDRIVE designates models utilizing Nissan?s most advanced technologies promoting eco-friendly driving and lower CO2 emissions.

Powering this latest iteration Versa sedan is a 1.6-liter, DOHC, 16-valve in-line?four-cylinder with sequential multi-point fuel injection that generates 109?horsepower at 6,000 rpm along with 107 pound feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. The?engine is mounted up front in an East/West orientation, and drives the front?wheels through a second generation CVT featuring a sub-planetary gear set. A?manual 5-speed manual gearbox is available only with the base S model.

 

The Versa sedan displays a slippery 0.31 coefficient of drag with its all-new?exterior design with a refreshing character, featuring the first use of Nissan?s new?signature sedan grille. It?s overall form showcases a longer, lower and wider?image, even though its wheelbase is the same as the 2011 model, and its length?is actually 0.6-inches less. The width is also the same as 2011, but with a 2.7?inch increase in rear overhang. The height represents a reduction of 1.2-inches.?The new Versa sedan also tips the scales at roughly 150 pounds less.

 

Versa?s sedan will come in three trim levels: S; SV; and SL. The CVT?transmission is available in the S model in place of the manual, while all other?models come only with the CVT. Base prices will range from $10,990 for the S?with the manual transmission to $15,560 for the SL model. Add $760 for?Destination and Handling. Available options include: a Tech Package for $700; a?Convenience Package priced at $350; and a Cruise Control Package for $350.?The Tech Package includes a $400 Navigation System with NavTraffic. Also?available are 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat.

Standard safety features include: Nissan?s Advanced Airbag System; Vehicle?Dynamic Control with Traction Control, ABS, EBD, BA and Tire Pressure?Monitoring System.

 

 

 

I was afforded the opportunity to test a pre-production example of the 2012?Versa sedan in SV trim which sported an exterior finish in a Cranberry Red hue?with a Charcoal-toned interior. The base price was set at $14,560 while adding?the three major Option Packages and Destination charge bumped the final totalprice to $16,720.

SUMMARY: ?The 2012 Nissan Versa sedan?s on sale date was set for early?August 2011. Its demographics are gender neutral and it is expected to appeal to?single, male college grads, aged 25-29, with an average annual household?income of $55,000. I personally see it as being more attractive to young marrieds?with no children who seek an attractive, affordable compact vehicle that delivers?efficient fuel economy along with an enjoyable driving experience.

 

Acceleration for the new Versa is not blistering, but is certainly adequate. The?ride quality delivers a comfortable journey, with positive handling attributes. Considering its price point and high value feature content, the 2012 Nissan Versa represents itself as an outstanding and practical sedan.

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The 2012 Versa Sedan will be manufactured at Nissan?s Aguascalientes, Mexico assembly plant that also builds Nissan Sentra models for the United States market.

 

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