By Chris Chase, Autos.ca

Introduced in 2007, the Versa was Nissan’s entry in a class of entry-level cars that included the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Chevrolet Aveo. All of those cars were notable in some way, but they were also all small. Not surprising in a category where pricing begins not far off the $10,000 mark, but the Versa’s claim to fame was its size. It was marketed as a subcompact, and yet offered a roomier interior and more refined performance than just about anything it could be compared to price-wise. The Versa was large enough inside that Natural Resources Canada classed it as a mid-sized(!) car for the purposes of its fuel consumption ratings.

2007 Nissan Versa

The Versa was sold in four-door sedan and hatchback body styles. Power was provided by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder that generated 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. Unusually, three transmissions were offered: a six-speed manual was the base gearbox, and a four-speed automatic and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) were the options.

The 2010 model received the expected mid-model makeover, which included a new grille, wheel designs and updated interior fabrics.In 2009, the sedan’s packaging and pricing were altered to make it a true base model: it was offered only with a new 1.6-litre engine (107 hp/111 lb.-ft.), five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, and came with very few features (even a radio was extra). (more…)