Nissan's front-drive Versa debuted in the United States back in the 2007 model year, joining a new wave of Asian subcompacts including the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. This trio slots under already well-established compact sedan offerings (Nissan's Sentra, Honda's Civic and Toyota's Corolla). Outside the U.S., Versa sells under the Tiida nameplate in many markets.
Versa continues doing what Pacific Rim imports have successfully executed since the late 1970s; deliver decent fuel economy, quality build and a price that doesn't break the family piggy bank.
These diminutive offerings are big businesses, serving as entry points into a manufacturer's lineup. Domestic big boys Ford and Chevrolet are now genuine players in the segment after a few decades off with newly introduced and well-executed Fiestas and Sonics respectively.
Don't look now, but an even smaller segment of 'micro' cars have begun a foray into the market including the three-door 94-horsepower Scion iQ, three-door 84-horseopwer Chevrolet Spark and always quirky yet comparatively pricy three-cylinder Smart Fortwo.
All new for the 2014 model year is Nissan's five-door Versa Note. While both a five-door hatchback and four-door sedan existed during the first generation, Nissan takes a differential marketing twist at the start of the second-generation with the 'note' suffix distinguishing the five-door model. During Gen One both body styles shared the Versa name.
No matter the manufacturer, subcompacts get purchased primarily for fuel-extending capabilities. Versa Note takes notable steps to streeeetch every drop of petro including the segment's first 'Active Grille Shutter,' reducing the amount of air entering the engine compartment helping slow aerodynamic drag. Versa Note is the first Nissan in the U.S. with an Active Grille Shutter standard in the upper two trims.
Overall design deserves an "A" as Versa's subcompact dimensions generate maximum roominess throughout all corners inside. Even the dual-sectioned glove box boasts a deep, functional lower level.
Three trims include: S, S Plus and SV. The sole powertrain is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder cranking out 109 horsepower. Entry S models come standard with manual transmission while S Plus and SV include smooth-shifting Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs).
The advantages CVTs enjoy over a fixed-numbered of forward gears include increased fuel economy and seamless acceleration. In fact, Versa Note's CVT transmission posts better numbers than its five-speed manual counterpart which checks in at 27 mpg city and 36 highway. The CVT boosts figures significantly to 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. In exchange, CVT's don't usually provide the lower-end torque performance found in a manual trans. The fuel tank supports a relatively small 10.8 gallons of regular, 87 octane petro.
Don't assume zero to 60 in under four seconds, but Note's relatively light 2,400 pounds (300 pounds lighter than Gen One) requires minimal motivation to get a move on. Expect whinny audible feedback from the combination CVT and 1.6-liter four cylinder. The 40 miles per highway, however tops most subcompact competitors and even most micro cars (no matter what transmission) including the aforementioned Chevy Spark, Smart Fortwo and Scion iQ.
Note's 109 horsepower provides adequate, not class-leading power for trips around the suburbs. With two adult passengers on board, suitable merging power was available when entering the Tri-State Tollway; no whiplash worries. If searching for more subcompact punch, Chevrolet Sonic's optional 1.4-liter, 138 horsepower turbo is at the top of the class, although when ordering with a six-speed automatic, climbs to a starting price of $21,470.
Versa currently offers no gas-electric hybrid or all-electric version. For those interested in an all-electric ride, Nissan has the slightly longer (by 12 inches) Nissan Leaf plug-in ($29,650) which started production in Smyrna, Tennessee outside Nashville earlier this year.
Versa Note boasts remarkable rear leg rivaling much larger offerings. For those prioritizing comfort and roominess in a subcompact, Note is a must see. My six-foot-plus frame was never in danger of a head-to-roof encounter. Another pleasant surprise are the manually-sliding cloth bucket seat's high seating positions. Some subcompacts and sports cars enjoy go-kart seating inches from the pavement. The upward seating positions contribute to easy egress and ingress.
Another unexpected plus includes second-row entry with large, generous entry way allowing knees to easily swing in and out without nicking front seatbacks. Row two seatbacks fold down flat in a 60/40 split once top-side pull-tabs get lifted up. When prone, a versatile 112.9 cubic feet of cargo room is usable behind. While promoted as a five seater this subcompact, like most, is best suited for four.
Five-door hatchbacks enjoy advantages over their sedan brethren, including increased cargo-carrying versatility and sleeker exteriors. Versa sports a side belt line diving forward, coming to an arrowhead point on front doors joining a bottom frame line swishing up from back to front. All this contrasts nicely with the arrowhead shape of the rear side window, pointing in the opposite direction.
The stout hood's relatively sharp downward trajectory continues along the 'A" pillar's angle. The hood is non-existent in a driver's sightline, so take caution when parallel parking. The top-hinged rear hatch, with standard wiper, opens from the button up. Cargo area lift over height has been reduced 1.7 inches this year for easier loading of heavier items. The front grill includes Nissan's centered logo flanked gently slanting horizontal slates forming an elongated 'V' pattern. The temporary spare stows outboard, under the cargo region with jacks tucked beneath the flat hatch floor board.
Pricing, prioritized in this segment, is key for the Note. Starting price squeaks in a biscuit under $14,000 at $13,990 with manual transmission. The lowest-priced Versa sedan starts at $11,990. Four option packages are available. All three trims offer a' Sports Value Package' (15-inch wheels, rear spoiler). Top Level SV trims include a 'Convenience Package' (Satellite radio, rear view monitor, rear armrest), SL Package (adding fog lights, heated front seats, push-button start,) and SL Tech Package (in-dash navigation with 5.8-inch screen, voice recognition, heated side view mirrors).
Our top-line SV, Robbins Egg Blue tester with standard CVT transmission listed at $15,990. Optional SL ($1,700) and Tech Packages ($800) brought the bottom line to $19,280 with $790 destination charge.
The instrument panel consists of two large analog dials flanking a Y-shaped digital window with electronic bar-type fuel gauge with orange illumination all under a sweeping shade arch. Single zone ventilation functions feature three easy-to-grab tactile dials grouped together in a tri-angular arrangement under the center display screen. Door inserts share similar patterns with cloth seating surfaces of seats.
The contoured, mostly black dash includes accents of brushed aluminum. The chosen material is harder to the touch than most rivals. Arm rests were a bit low for my liking. While no storage bin is standard between the buckets, auxiliary and USB plug-in ports are adjacent to the hand-operated parking brakes. Chrome rings serve as shapely door handles. Large, pull-tabs operating hatch and fuel door are under the far left dash, a better local than the floor. While the three-spoke steering wheel includes a manual tilt function, no telescoping option is offered.
2014 Nissan Versa NotePrice as tested: $19,280
Engine: 1.6-liter four cylinder
Horsepower: 109
City/Highway fuel estimates: 31 city/40 highway
Transmission: CVT
Overall Length: 163 inches
Wheelbase: 102.4 inches
Overall Width: 66.7 inches
Curb weight: 2,482 pounds
Assembly: Aguascalientes, Mexico