Automakers are clamoring to build and market cars for the “Y” generation that, loosely defined, encompasses new drivers and mostly everyone under the age of 30. Toyota launched the glove in 2003 when they introduced a line of cars under the Scion brand. . Now, Nissan is responding and the Versa, which will launch in the summer of 2006, is its answer. Will the Versa compete successfully or will it be lost in a sea of Gen “Y” vehicles soon to flood the market? All of that is too early to determine, so let’s take a look at the Versa and what the car has to offer motorists.
A visit to the Nissan website reveals a lot about the Versa. Unlike a certain Scion vehicle that takes its styling cues from a toaster, the Versa is aerodynamic and reminds me of the Toyota Matrix. Available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, the Versa is expected to retail for around $ 12,000, the same price range as Scion vehicles. Like the Scion, the Versa will be fairly well equipped to give drivers a valuable experience without having to add several thousand more to the base tag price for a satisfying and comfortable driving experience.
Along with a 1.8L I4 engine, here is what you can expect to be included with the base models:
AM / FM / CD audio system
Air-conditioning
Power side mirrors and automatic trunk release
6-speed manual transmission [4 speed automatic is optional]
60/40 split folding seat with hatchback
Not a bad list of standard equipment for the price. For $ 2,000 more, the SL trims will come with aluminum-alloy wheels, cruise control, power windows / doors / locks, remote keyless entry, an upgraded sound system, and more.
The car will have a 102-inch wheelbase which is long for such a vehicle. The result is more interior space, with four adults with ample knee and leg room to support long trips.
Pictures of the interior reveal a car that is well thought out and doesn’t look cheap. I especially like the dash with its overlapping circular instrument panel and easily accessible audio and air conditioning controls. A generation ago, entry-level cars would have looked and felt cheap. Today’s drivers expect more, and the Versa offers a decent level of standard equipment and attention to style.
The Versa replaces the Sentra as the entry-level Nissan. Nissan has redesigned the Sentra and “promoted” it a bit more, as Honda has done with the Civic and Toyota with the Corolla.
Though more expensive than Chevy’s Aveo and Kia’s Rio, the car has more flair and flair than either. Still, one has to wonder how the Versa will compete against Toyota’s soon-to-be-launched Yaris and the new Honda Fit. Throw in the long-awaited new Dodge and Ford models and add Chinese cars to the mix and the entire entry-level market will be saturated.
Ultimately, the Versa is a step in the right direction and a good alternative to some of its boxy competitors. Generation “Y” drivers have another option in the Versa and an alternative to Scion, Toyota’s youth-oriented brand.