 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan. Click image to enlarge |
A charcoal coloured interior is standard and there are no other colour choices. Fit and finish in our tester appeared to be well done and the quality of plastic trim was on par with other cars in this class. Our SV-trim car came equipped with a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat allowing for up/down as well as fore/aft and recline adjustment. The steering wheel tilts but does not telescope. Controls are basic and easy to use, with large rotary knobs for heating and ventilation. Outward visibility in all directions is good.
The Versa is powered by a new 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine that features some advanced engineering of its own. While most engines have one fuel injector per cylinder, the Versa’s engine has two injectors mounted near the inlet valves for each cylinder. Dual injectors permits a wider injection of fuel, with the smaller nozzles delivering a finer spray (approximately 57 per cent finer than the previous generation single injector design’s particle size) to help achieve stable combustion.
The new compact, lighter weight engine also utilizes a twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC) system mounted on both intake and exhaust camshafts (versus conventional CVTC systems which are mounted only on the intake cams), similar to the system used on the Nissan Maxima. Using a CVTC on the outlet cams increases thermal efficiency, decreases inhalation resistance and offers an approximate four per cent improvement in fuel efficiency.
 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan. Click image to enlarge |
The new 1.6-litre engine is rated at 109 horsepower and 107 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy is estimated at 6.7 L/100 km city, 5.2 L/100 km highway and 6.0 L/100 km combined with a CVT, reducing fuel consumption over the previous Versa by one litre per 100 kilometres. Equipped with a manual, five-speed transmission, fuel consumption is 7.5/5.4/6.6 L/100 km (city, highway and combined).
The available CVT is now lighter, smaller and, as a result of a 30 per cent reduction in friction, more efficient.
Power is more than adequate for this type of car. On our morning drive around Ile d’Orleans near Quebec City, we were frequently forced to pass slow moving traffic which the Versa accomplished with ease.
The 2012 Versa Sedan is equipped with an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, with front and rear stabilizer bars which provide a comfortable ride. Tight construction helps keep the Versa interior quiet. Engine noise is kept in the background except under hard acceleration.
 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan. Click image to enlarge |
Other standard equipment includes Electric Power Steering and power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) are also standard on the Nissan Versa Sedan.
Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags, front seat side-impact air bags, seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for both front and rear seat occupants.
It’s not everyone who wants or needs luxurious amenities or distinctive look-at-me styling. Practical buyers want a car that delivers on practical considerations and the 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan delivers more than expected. With modern engineering, a spacious and comfortable interior and a starting retail price that can’t be ignored, the Nissan Versa Sedan should top the list of “must drives” for discerning consumers.
The 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan is on sale now across Canada.
