Posted on 11/01/2008 10:18:06 AM PDT by Spktyr
Nissan has just announced a new version of its entry level Versa sedan today, along with an MSRP that will make that car the lowest priced in the country—$9990 before destination and handling ($10,685 after).
The new base model Versa replaces the standard 1.8-liter four with a 1.6-liter unit, an engine that produces 107 horsepower and can deliver 34 miles per gallon on the highway (26 city) when paired with the standard five-speed manual transmission. The optional four-speed automatic delivers a slightly lower 26/33 mpg rating.
As you might expect, Nissan has decontented the Versa somewhat to be able to hit that magical four-digit price tag, though the company has yet to detail what, exactly, will come standard on the least expensive car in the U.S. The company does boast that Versa now combines “the low price of a used car with the dependability, high quality and full factory warranty of every new Nissan.” A powerful argument in difficult financial times. Read the full press release below.
Nissan Announces Lowest-Priced New Car in the U.S.*
- New, 2009 Versa Sedan 1.6 Features $,9,990 MSRP, Excellent Fuel Economy, Design, Quality and Reliability; Available at Dealers November 18 -
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (October 31, 2008) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced a new 2009 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 model, which features a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $9,990* (excluding Destination and Handling). The new Versa focuses squarely on value and fuel economy, with its standard 107-horsepower DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivering responsive performance and a 34 mpg highway fuel economy rating (with the 5-speed manual transmission).
The Versa Sedan 1.6 goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning November 18, 2008.
"Starting under $10,000, this new Versa Sedan 1.6 has the lowest new-car MSRP in the United States," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. "It combines the low price of a used car with the dependability, high quality and full factory warranty of every new Nissan. It's our way of saying that in tough economic times, Nissan is here to help."
Since its introduction in 2006, Nissan Versa has enjoyed strong appeal in the marketplace among buyers seeking fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or roominess. Versa offers one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings and the largest interior in the entry-level segment – along with excellent quality, reliability and durability.
The new high-value Versa Sedan 1.6 model features a smaller displacement 1.6-liter engine (versus the standard 1.8-liter), standard 5-speed manual transmission and simplified content. It is also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the 5-speed manual and 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic.
"The new Versa Sedan 1.6 is another way in which Nissan is taking a leadership role in reassuring consumers that now is a great time to consider a new car," said Carolin.
* Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $9,990 for the new, 2009 model year Versa 1.6 Sedan. Claim based on competitive MSRP's in the Lower-Small segment for new, model year 2009 vehicles. MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice. Destination and Handling $695.
“Enjoy your rollerskate on wheels.”
Well, what good is a roller skate without wheels?
lolwut
Initial quality, maybe. Long term quality - still no.
Civic starts at around 60% higher so not sure what you mean by “not that much more money.” It is a good car though.
And GM, Ford, et al, don’t make cheap and shoddy products?
Yes, I have a Mercury Grand Marquis. I would like a smaller car, 6 cyl instead of 8 but the only ones are the Impala and one other in the GM line, can’t remember which one and though 6 cyl they aren’t much smaller than my Marquis. I like the Milan size if it would only come that way. I liked the Ford 500 if it would have come that way, also. You could actually use either as a family car if it had a column shift, and not have to buy a van or suv.
Telling my age, but I remember when you actually could choose either 4 on the floor or 3 on the tree on many models, lol.
“Sorry, the free market doesn’t care about your opinions.”
And they do yours? LOL ...
“And if you toss it in the water and it sinks, it would be “Das Boot”.”
Kudos on a very witty comeback ... since it’s made more of plastic than metal, we can’t call it the Iron Boot, can we?
Not very good gas mileage for such a small car / engine. I’m waiting for a good electric scooter to do errands and tool around the hood.
I do They make french crap: merde Do you know anyone who has ever owned a Renault product ?
I stand corrected on the price differential. However, my experience with Civic's has been that they last longer than cheaper priced cars I've owned, and incur less service costs. They are also a mature model, meaning the kinks have been worked out. Nissan is a proven company, so it may very well be the case that this new model will perform as well. I hope so, because competition keeps prices lower
LOL!
I've had excellent luck with mine. I do tend to baby it- I am a complete sucker for maintenance 'recommendations'. I took it in again today and had them do pretty much whatever they wanted me to do- but I balked at replacing the radiator cap 'because the rubber seal might be getting old and brittle'. I mean, fine-show me. I am at around 110K on a 98 Tacoma extended cab, and it runs like a champ. There are a couple of little things wrong with it- but I am probably going to be driving it for a good long while yet.
I just wish the heater was a bit stronger for when the snow and ice comes. Mine is suffering a bit for its age, or something.
Yes. My first serious girlfriend had a Le Car named 'George'. She resisted buying fuel at a gas station in Lafayette called 'Le Gas', simply because it was expensive. I don't know what George's maintenance history looks like, but I can guess.
Is it a wind-up? How many AA batteries does it take? 34MPG, that’s it? My ‘87 Chevette w/ a 4-speed would get 40MPG without even trying.
Buy a GEO Metro, live dangerously. I owned one, was like a speed bump with wheels.
The mileage has to be better than listed. I have a 2000 Nissan Frontier 2WD Truck witk 175K on it and it still gets 32 MPG average.
Even with those miles, I have complete confidence in it.
Aveos are made in Korea.
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