2011 Nissan Versa Hatchback SL

The Nissan Versa was introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model as Nissan’s entry level vehicle. The Versa comes as a 5-door hatchback or sedan and believe it or not, there is a method to the madness with the name Versa. It’s an amalgam of Versatile and Space….okay, I’ll buy it but none the less, the Versa is indeed roomy for such a small car although it is a bit tight behind the wheel for an “athletic build” like mine.

The 2010 Versa received a fair amount of upgrades so the 2011 model only offers a few minor changes. ABS is standard on the 1.8 S, Traction control and Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control are standard on 1.8 SL models, and optional on 1.8 S models. However, they remain unavailable in both 1.6 models.

The 1.6 liter in the base sedan puts out 107 horsepower and the 1.8 liter in the S and SL puts out 122 horsepower which allows for mileage ratings between 25 and 34mpg. And of course economy and utilitarianism is what the Versa is all about. One very surprising factor for me is the plethora of transmissions.

There’s an optional 4-speed automatic available for the base and 1.8S models, however its standard on the 1.8SL and not available for the others. There’s a 5-speed manual overdrive available for the 1.6 Sedan and Base Sedan but not for anything else. Then there’s the 6-speed manual overdrive that’s standard only on the 1.8S and not available on any others and finally there’s the CVT, Continuously Variable Transmission that’s standard only on the 1.8SL Hatchback and on nothing else.

Inside is spartan and functional albeit a bit cramped for me, but there is plenty of room for four. Power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, and cruise control are standard on the 1.8 SL model, optional on the 1.8 S, and unavailable on the 1.6 models. The 1.8 SL also has an exclusive power moon roof option. The 1.8 SL model also includes a 5-inch touch-screen and subscription-based XM Satellite Radio as well as Bluetooth connectivity and volume controls on the steering wheel.

On the road you pretty much get what you’d expect from a vehicle like the Versa. It’s solid and although it actually rides a bit better than I’d expected, in my opinion it’s still strictly a grocery getter and not something I’d look forward to driving for any length of time.

Nissan has a history of building pretty solid, safe and reliable cars and the Versa fits right in. So if you’re looking for a decent run around car that’s decent on gas and dependable, keep the Versa on your short list. Backed by Nissan’s standard 36-month, 36,000-mile limited warranty, with price ranges from $9,900 to $17,650, the Nissan Versa could be just the value you’re looking for.