Nissan's New Versa is the Little Car that Could

Call Nissan's 2007 Versa the little buggy that could --- and can run for many miles.

The subcompact with a 4-banger under the hood can actually get up and go when it needs to, despite having very little horsepower.
But where the Versa shines is in the mpg area, getting an estimated 28 to 35 mpg out of a gallon of fuel.

And these days, that counts a lot when you're paying around $3 at the pump.

Recently, we spent a week in the Versa 1.8 S HB. The 1.8, by the way, refers to the liter size of the engine under the hood, while the "S" signifies sedan and the "HB" indicates the model is a hatchback. Generating 122 horsepower, the Versa is no muscle car. But what it lacks in power, it makes up for in style. Sleek and sporty, the front-wheel-drive Versa handles quite well on back roads, in parking lots and along interstates.

Inside, the cabin is roomy and the cloth seats are comfortable. And there's plenty of room for four adults, although a fifth person could be pigeon-holed in the back seat if they're close friends, literally.

Ergonomically, all of the controls are easily within the driver's reach and large enough to read.

Probably the biggest appeal of the Versa is its suggested MSRP. This little runabout has a base price of under $15,000. As a starter car for that youngster headed off to college, the Versa fills the bill nicely. And even for those drivers who commute 20 miles or more daily , this little four-door would do the trick well, too.

Where the Versa comes up short is in the power area as aforementioned. This is no Shelby Mustang and as long as you keep that in mind as you merge into traffic, this small car with the fuel-injected 110-cubic-inch, four-cylinder power plant will do just fine.

As to that MSRP, the tested Versa had a base price of $13,250, which makes it compete nicely with other entry-level cars by Japanese car makers such as Honda's Fit and Toyota's Yaris. The base sticker grew to $15,065, including a destination charge of $605. Two add-ons could have been eliminated so when you go to buy yours at a Nissan dealer, ask them to remove these: $110 for front and rear splash guards and $150 for the floor/trunk mat set. (The latter can be purchased for much less at your local auto parts store.) Two essentials were well worth the money though: the "power package" that includes power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, a door armrest pad, rear door pockets and a glove box light. This package is a bargain at the $700 list price. The other add-on worthy of the investment for the life of the car is the ABS package that includes an anti-lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution assist. Cost: $250.

The Versa comes with many features standard such as electronic power steering, a four-speed automatic transmission (no extra charge for that like some other manufacturers), a tachometer, AM/FM CD system (again no extra charge), tilt steering wheel, power mirrors. and electric rear-window defroster, to name just a few. In the safety arena, the Versa comes standard with front-seat mounted side impact supplemental air bags as well as side curtain air bags.

Shod with standard 15-inch tires and steel wheels, the Versa would ride smoother on bigger treads, but that would depend on the owner's preference.

Overall, the Versa seems to be a well-built subcompact, that with some TLC will last quite a while. The fit and finish appear tight and overall quality is great for such a small package.

In our book, the Versa is one tiny runabout that could last for 200,000 miles or more if properly maintained --- and can keep on chugging for many more.