TO THE POINTWhat’s New? Nissan goes after entry-level buyers with the fun, frugal, and functional 2007 Versa hatchback and sedan, which brings style and space to a segment short on both. Selling Points: Lots of space, lots of style, interior comfort, powertrain performance, ride/handling mix Deal Breakers: Unimpressive fuel economy, high-speed steering feel, sloppy manual gearbox Our Advice: Test drive the 2007 Nissan Versa if you’re shopping in the $15,000 class. It delivers the goods on almost all counts.
FAQs and Specs The 2007 Nissan Versa’s fuel economy ranges from a low of 28 mpg with the four-speed automatic in the 1.8S to a high of 36 mpg with the CVT in the 1.8SL. The Versa goes on sale in July for about $12,000 to start.
When does the new 2007 Nissan Versa go on sale and at what price?
Hatchback versions of the 2007 Nissan Versa go on sale in July of 2006, while sedans will be delayed until January of 2007. The four-speed automatic transmission for the Versa S will also be delayed until later this year. Nissan says pricing will start at around $12,000 for a Versa 1.8S with a six-speed manual transmission.
What are the fuel economy figures for the 2007 Nissan Versa and how large is its fuel tank?
The 2007 Nissan Versa has a fuel capacity of 13.2 gallons, and Nissan claims EPA estimated figures as follows:
What are the horsepower and torque figures for the 2007 Nissan Versa?
Nissan’s new 1.8-liter aluminum engine is rated to generate 122 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm.
SPECIFICATIONS: Test Vehicle: 2007 Nissan Versa 1.8SL Hatchback Base Price: $14,000 (estimated) Engine Size and Type: 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder Engine Horsepower: 122 at 5,200 rpm Engine Torque: 127 lb.-ft. at 4,800 rpm Transmission: Six-speed manual EPA Fuel Economy Range (city/highway): 30/34 mpg Observed Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Wheelbase: 102.4 inches Length: 169.1 inches Width: 66.7 inches Height: 60.4 inches Head room (front/rear): 40.6 inches (without sunroof); 38.3 inches Leg room (front/rear): 41.4 inches; 38 inches Max. Seating Capacity: Five Cargo volume: 17.8 cubic feet Competitors: Chevrolet Aveo, Dodge Caliber, Ford Focus ZX5, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio5, Pontiac Vibe, Scion xA, Scion xB, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Rabbit
Photos courtesy of Nissan
About Sue Mead Sue Mead works as a photojournalist and features writer for more than two dozen publications. She has written for Parade, Popular Science, Open Road, the Road & Track Buyers Guide, Men's Journal, Popular Mechanics and Diversion and she has worked as an auto editor for CNN/fn. Sue has co-driven in two of the world's toughest off-road races, the Baja 1000 and the Paris-Dakar Raid. She attended four Camel Trophy adventures for Land Rover North America and has participated in several long-distance adventure drives. She recently completed her first book, "Monster Trucks and Tractors" published by Chelsea House. Sue lives in New England.