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March 26, 2010
     2010 Nissan Versa hatchback 1.8 SL. Click image to enlarge |
The rear hatch is easy to lift up and the cargo opening is large, though narrower at the bottom. A removable privacy cover hides the contents of the trunk, but as it doesn’t quite reach the rear seatbacks, so an additional flexible partition attached with Velcro hides the gap from prying eyes. The cargo floor is carpeted but the side walls are plastic.
The Versa’s 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks fold down individually on top of the seat cushions, creating a “step” into the cargo compartment which makes it more difficult to load longer items. It would be nice if the seats also tumbled forwards against the front seatbacks for greater utility. With both seatbacks folded there is 1427 litres (50.4 cu. ft.) of storage space.
The Versa driver sits tall with a good view of the road ahead, but as I mentioned, the position of the pedals in relation to the steering wheel wasn’t quite right for me. I liked the small triangular side windows behind the windshield that help the driver see the road ahead when making sharp turns. The rear view too, is good, except for a small blind spot at the right rear quarter. A standard rear wiper with an intermittent setting and rear washer keeps the rear window clear in icy or dirty road conditions.
The Versa SL’s performance with the optional continuously variable transmission could be described as “adequate but boring and sometimes noisy.” Its 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine is fairly sophisticated for an entry-level car, with dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing on the intake valves, direct ignition, electronic throttle control, plus a block heater. It develops a class leading 122 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 127 foot pounds of torque at a rather high 4,800 rpm and zips from 0 to 100 km/h in about 10 and a half seconds. The engine is quiet at idle and while cruising – revving at just over 2,000 rpm at 100 km/h – but under hard acceleration, it’s noisy because the CVT allows the engine to rev continuously at around 4,000 rpm until cruising speed is reached. For greater responsiveness, the CVT includes an “overdrive” on/off button on the shift lever which causes the engine to rev higher, providing quicker acceleration when needed.
It’s interesting to note that the Versa hatchback 1.8 S is available with a conventional four-speed automatic transmission, so Versa buyers do have a choice of “automatic” transmissions. By adding the Value Option Package and ABS + VDC package to the 1.8 S, buyers can get most of the features found in the 1.8 SL.
 2010 Nissan Versa hatchback 1.8 SL. Click image to enlarge |
Fuel economy with the CVT is supposed to be better than with the standard six-speed manual transmission: 7.3 L/100 km (39 mpg) city and 5.8 L100 km (49 mpg) highway vs 7.9/6.3 (36/45) – I averaged 9.0 L/100 km in a week of mostly city driving in cool weather on winter tires.
The Versa is certainly an easy car to drive – its light, electric power assisted steering firms up with vehicle speed and its handling is nimble, though slightly soft. My car’s Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter 185/65R-15-inch winter tires offered steady grip in the rain and were fairly quiet on dry roads.
Front disc/rear drum brakes with ABS and electronic brake distribution provide a 100 to zero braking distance of 45.2 metres (148 ft.) according to AJAC.
Though not a sporty hatchback like the Honda Fit, the Versa hatchback is a comfortable, roomy and easy car to drive – and a good value for under $20,000.
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Pricing: 2010 Nissan Versa SL hatchback
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