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.
No, that would be the Chevy Aveo or Ford Focus, because we have to gift the proletarian UAW with money!
And if you can’t feel the dripping sarcasm....
Only if they go back and give us the option of getting rid of the knee knocker in the middle and having a column shift, allowing decent room in the front seat!
I buy American.
Bet the motor is not as good as a Briggs.
A “cheap” wimpy Japanese ricegrinder made in Mexico. OH BOY!
Definitely go with the Civic, then (made in Indiana).
Gah. Column shifters blow. I won’t have a car with one of those things.
(Manual transmissions rule.)
My truck got 10 mpg, at best.
I picked up a low mile, off lease 07 Corolla LE for $12K early this year, have been very pleased with the reliablility and gas mileage, 36 mpg on my commute (almost 38 if I really, really try to get good mileage), 32 miles one way, mixed highway and suburban stop and go. Fairly comfortable, everything works, pretty quiet and smooth for a small car. Only complaint is the driving position, if the seat is far enough back for my legs, I really have to stretch my arms to reach the steering wheel. That car could’ve used a telescoping option. I’ve had to get accustomed to driving with my knees bent and slightly spread out to split the difference.
I still can’t get accustomed to driving it, though. As practical as it is, I’ve not owned or driven an economy car since college. I feel a little deprived, lol. Oh well, I’ve still got a pickup and a midsize. I just don’t drive them for the long commute, which is the majority of my driving.
And bumpers of PETERBILTs.
After all, we have to conserve fuel so all the Democrat Politicos and Hollywood Elites can fuel up their G550’s to fly to Cannes for the Film Festival.
And we wonder how Hitler rose to power so easily.
Keep praying that common sense will prevail next Tuesday.
A lot of them on the used car lots already. Looks like people bought, didn't like, and took the hit to trade early.
It’s not that wimpy, not with a 107hp engine dragging a lightweight car around - it makes more power than the Aveo, anyway.
What do you think of your Escape? Do you like it? Mileage, etc? I will downsizing (in a few months) from a Chevy extended body Trailblazer (before that an Explorer that I loved). I just like to find ‘real people’ opinions. Thx in advance.
If I got rid of the Expedition for a car getting 34mpg, I would save $20/week in gas. No thanks.
Sure, if it was an H3 versus an Armada. Or even an X-Terra. Who were the participants, so we can judge the worth of this anecdote?
No, it was military Humvee and a 96 pathfinder
>>Enjoy your rollerskate on wheels.<<
Don’t all rollerskates have wheels?
One thing you don't do with it though -- run yellow lights; quite gutless.
I love it. I have about 50K miles and not a single repair. I’ve only changed the oil and wipers. The brakes, drive train, emissions, suspension and body have been failure free. I do see a tiny bit of rust starting to develop on the shield near under the gas flap. In the spring I will take care of that.
I got the 2005 5spd 4wd with the 2.3l engine. I typically get a around than 27 to 28mpg depending on traffic. I got 31mpg on a road trip once. This model is rated at 26mpg highway.
As for comfort. It is better than my Escort but not as good as my F150 XLT. Mine is good reliable transportation. I would get another one but I think this one will last many more years to come.
This is a sample point of one but I have been very happy.
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