2011 Nissan Versa: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 Nissan Versa is largely unchanged. Nissan's entry-level car comes as a 4-door sedan or 4-door hatchback. Trim levels include 1.6 Base and 1.6, mid-level S, and top-line SL. All 1.6 versions are a sedan only and have a 107-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. S and SL return as sedans or hatchbacks and use a 122-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder. All 1.6 versions have a 5-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed manual transmission is available on the S. A 4-speed automatic is available on the 1.6 and S and standard on the SL sedan. The SL hatchback has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves much like an automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. ABS is newly standard on the 1.6 and newly optional on the 1.6 Base. Among the available features are cruise control, a navigation system, remote entry, and power locks and windows. A wireless cell-phone link, keyless access and engine start, remote engine start, and a sunroof are optional on the SL.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer. Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Nissan Versa, Volkswagen Golf, and Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cruze and Scion xB. New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Volt, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Leaf, and Volkswagen Jetta Sedan.