Nissan Versa 1.6 Sedan: Best Priced Car in America

Now there’s a new title holder for the least expensive car in America. Bumped out of the ring is the Chevy Aveo5, now with a price increase for 2009 to push it past the $12K mark to $12,120, including destination, with the next cheapest, Hyundai’s Accent, starting at $11,745. The new cheapo champion is Nissan’s Versa 1.6 Sedan at $9,990, or with its $695 destination charge, $10,685.

While cheapest in price, the Versa is hardly cheap in quality. Nissan has had praise heaped on its Versa since the car was launched in 2006 as a 2007 model, for its high quality, roomy interior, and top-tier features, such as Bluetooth communications, plus its powerful engine and efficient six-speed manual or CVT drivetrain.

The new model might not come with Bluetooth or as much horsepower, but it features the same high level of quality that last year’s more expensive Versa benefited from. The new engine makes 107-horsepower through a smaller displacement four-cylinder engine of 1.6 litres, and comes attached to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. The regular Versa still comes with a 122-horsepower 1.8-litre engine mated to a six-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic; a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) can be had as well.

The new engine, while less powerful, does improve fuel economy slightly on the highway and with its automatic transmission at 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the 5-speed manual, or 26 mpg in the city or 33 mpg on the highway with the 4-speed automatic. The 1.8-litre Versa gets 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the six-speed manual gearbox, 24 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway with the four-speed automatic, and 27 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway with its most fuel efficient CVT.

“We know that many costumers have done their research, have made the decision to buy a new vehicle, but are concerned about financing and finding the best value”, commented Brian Carolin, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing. NNA. “We want to let them know that if they need a dependable, high-quality, high-value new car, Nissan can help them out right now – with great leases and great financing options.”

A good price is one thing, but getting financing has become more difficult since the financial meltdown. Nissan will make numerous payment options available for the Versa, as well as the rest of its lineup to spur sales. Well-qualified buyers will be able to get zero-percent financing for 36-months on five models, including Versa, Sentra, Altima, Rogue, and Murano, and competitive leases of $199 per month on the Rogue and Altima.

The new Versa, however, is the car that will get new customers into Nissan’s showrooms, and for this reason is extremely important to stem the tide of diminishing sales.

“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,” added Carolin.