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Automakers are
clamoring to build and market cars to the Generation "Y" crowd which,
loosely defined, and encompasses new drivers and mostly everyone who is under 30.
Toyota threw the gauntlet down in 2003 when they introduced a line of cars
under the Scion brand. Now, Nissan is responding and the Versa – to be released
during the summer of 2006 – is their answer. Will the Versa compete
successfully or be lost in a sea of Gen "Y" vehicles soon to flood
the market? All of that is too early to determine, so let’s take a look at the
Versa and what the car has to offer to motorists.
A visit to
Nissan’s website reveals much about the Versa. Unlike a certain Scion vehicle
that takes its styling cues from a toaster, the Versa is aerodynamic and
reminds me of the Toyota Matrix. Available as a
four door sedan or five door hatchback, the Versa is expected to retail for
around $12,000, the same price range as Scion vehicles. Like Scion, the Versa
will be fairly well equipped to give motorists a value packed experience
without having to add on several thousands more to the base sticker price in
order to achieve a satisfactory and comfortable driving experience.
Along with a 1.8L
I4 engine, here is what you can expect to be included with base models:
AM/FM/CD audio
system
Air Conditioning
Power side
mirrors and automatic trunk release
6 speed manual
transmission [4 speed automatic is optional]
Split folding
60/40 seat with the hatchback
Not a bad
standard equipment list for the price. For $2,000 more, SL versions will come
with aluminum alloy wheels, cruise control, power windows/doors/locks, remote
keyless entry, a souped up sound system, and more.
The car will have
a 102 inch wheel base which is long for a vehicle of its type. The result is
more interior room, with four adults having ample knee and leg room to weather
long trips.
Pictures of the
interior reveal a car that is well though out and not cheap looking. I
especially like the dashboard with its overlapping circular instrument panel
and easy to reach audio and air conditioning controls. A generation ago, entry level
cars would have looked and felt cheap. Today’s drivers expect more and the
Versa delivers in the form of a decent level of standard equipment and
attention to style.
The Versa
replaces the Sentra as the entry level Nissan. Nissan has restyled the Sentra
and "promoted" it up a notch much like Honda has done with the Civic
and Toyota with the Corolla.
Although more
expensive than Chevy’s Aveo and Kia’s Rio, the car has more flair and
style than either one. Still, one has to wonder how the Versa will compete
against Toyota’s soon to be released Yaris and the all new Honda Fit. Throw in
new models expected from Dodge and Ford and add Chinese cars to the mix and the
whole entry level market becomes saturated.
Ultimately, the
Versa is a step in the right direction and a nice alternative to some of its
boxy competitors. Gen "Y" drivers have another choice in the Versa
and an alternative to Scion, Toyota’s youth-oriented brand.
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