Review: 2012 Nissan Versa SL sedan

When Hyundai recently stopped marketing a $12,445 version of its subcompact Accent – a model with no air conditioning – the company was praised for its honesty. The practice of advertising a decontented model has become so transparent as to be largely ineffective, and too few customers believe those bargains.

A marketplace desensitized to low-price claims might therefore be a little skeptical of the 2012 Nissan Versa sedan, newly redesigned for 2012, and its $10,990 point of entry. A customer who knows the Versa's history may also recall that Nissan used to keep the base price low by removing air conditioning and a stereo.

View slideshow: More photos of the 2012 Nissan Versa SL sedan

Nissan didn't completely skip the gimmicks on the new Versa. Choosing the automatic transmission over the manual results in an $1,800 jump, a difference that's thousand bucks greater than in most economy cars. But in general, although owners of that base 2012 Versa S will have to crank their windows up and down and unlock their doors with a key instead of a button, they do get air conditioning, a CD player, and the full complement of safety features. It's an actual car that Nissan will actually sell.

And for a car largely designed around its price, that's a pretty good place to start.

Unapologetically basic

The first-generation Versa, introduced in 2007, was a luxury leader among the least expensive small cars. Compared to the competition, it was plusher, smoother and quieter. Since then, it's become the norm for economy cars to try and feel more upscale, and Nissan hasn't tried to follow suit.

A smaller engine – all new Versa sedans use the outgoing car's base 1.6-liter four-cylinder rather than its upper-level 1.8-liter – focuses on fuel efficiency over power or refinement. Interior furnishings are a step down even from the old model's 2007 grade, prioritizing cost cuts. The suspension was tuned for a smooth ride with little obvious effort dedicated to balancing that with any sort of handling capabilities.

That's not to say that the entire Versa experience is that of a stereotypical old-school economy car – say, a brand-new '99 Corolla. Nissan took modern interior packaging techniques and made no apparent nod to style in its successful effort to keep the Versa stretch-out spacious in the front and rear seats. The outgoing Versa was already very roomy for passengers, and the new model – despite smaller exterior dimensions – keeps that while also expanding the trunk. With 14.8 cubic feet, the new Versa has a more cargo volume than a midsize Honda Accord, even if it has a bulging rear end to show for it.

See more photos of the 2012 Nissan Versa sedan in today's slideshow

The tested Versa, a fully-loaded SL model, also comes with a modern set of convenience features: a Bluetooth cell-phone connection, MP3 connectivity to the stereo system, even a $700 in-dash navigation system.

But while its $17,190 sticker price is competitive for a car equipped with that many features, the Versa doesn't make too much sense when you option it out beyond the basics. This was a car that was designed to be cheap but practical transportation, and as little else as possible. For $17,190, you can get something better, but this Nissan gets stronger at its lower price brackets, where there are few to no new alternatives.

Adequate transportation

A number of the small cars with a more premium feel than the Versa also have idiosyncrasies or downright flaws that interfere with their everyday use, be they cramped interiors, confusing ergonomics or lurching transmissions. For all its cheap feel, the Versa is indisputably straightforward.

The 109-horsepower four-cylinder, mated on all but some S models to a continuously variable automatic transmission, generates decent acceleration in the 2,400-pound Versa when it's pushed hard enough. The engine drones loudly when it's so called upon, and a CVT's lack of fixed gear ratios keeps the racket at a steady pitch until you reach cruising speed, but it's no slower than the quieter subcompacts.

Fuel economy estimates are impressive at 30 miles per gallon in the city and 38 on the highway – an improvement of a whopping six miles per gallon in mixed driving over the most popular 2011 Versa version (a 1.8-liter with a four-speed automatic; a variety of other powertrain combinations were also offered).

As noted, the Versa wouldn't be a great choice for anyone who doesn't like slowing down to go around a tight curve. Drive it gently – as many drivers would of course do anyway – and its small size lets it feel almost agile, though you'll feel nothing through the plasticky steering wheel. But unlike the engine, the suspension does not demand for you to push the car harder; rather, body roll and slow, vague, overly light steering strongly discourage it.

And although the interior is decidedly cheap in feel, little of it interferes with comfort. Also, unlike too many models with spiffier designs and higher-end materials, the basic Versa showed no notable assembly flaws.

The seats are roomy and generously padded, even if the outboard armrests are rock-hard plastic and Nissan offers none in the center. The controls are simply to operate, even if the knobs move stiffly. A lack of a trunk release on the keyfob is an irritating omission, though.

If you liked the old Versa

There were some obvious downgrades where Nissan cut costs in redesigning the Versa sedan. The old model is showing its age for its styling and fuel efficiency, but it's still sold as the 2012 Versa five-door hatchback, and remains a spacious and pleasant vehicle.

It's also more frequently discounted than the new sedan, making it an even better buy, though no stripped-down crank-windows version is offered.

A redesigned Versa hatchback is expected next year as a 2013 model.

Watch the price

If price isn't of particular concern to you, within the reasonable confines of the economy car class, pass on the Versa. The same qualities of comfortable, straightforward transportation are available with additional levels of refinement in Nissan's own Sentra – which isn't outrageously more money than the Versa thanks to steeper discounts – among other highly competitive economy cars.

When the new Versa launched, Nissan predicted the midlevel SV would be the most popular model, which seems like a reasonable guess. A sticker price of around $15,000 buys a the CVT automatic transmission; power windows, locks, and mirrors; and cruise control. This undercuts most subcompact and compact models by at least $1,500, and the ones that come closest can't approach the Versa's interior volume.

The base S – about $13,500 with the automatic transmission; just under $12,000 with the five-speed manual – is a better deal still for someone who wants something other than a used car at that price range.

But if you are carefully watching the bottom line, and aren't looking for an upscale feel, the Versa is a serviceable vehicle – a spacious, economical commuter car. Just be sure you're aware what you're giving up, and keep your expectations in line with what you're paying.

See also:

More photos of the 2012 Nissan Versa

Comparison review: Ten compact sedans

Review: 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0S
Review: 2009 Nissan Versa 1.8S
Review: 2009 Nissan Versa 1.6
All Cars Examiner car reviews

Vehicle tested: 2012 Nissan Versa

Vehicle base price (MSRP): $10,990

Version tested: SL sedan

Version base price (MSRP): $15,560

Vehicle price as tested (MSRP): $17,190

Estimated transaction price as tested*: $16,597

Test vehicle provided by: Sheehy Nissan of Waldorf, Md.

Key specifications: