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2012 Nissan Versa (photos)

Nissan gives us our first look at the next Versa sedan at the 2011 New York auto show.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
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Introducing the 2012 Nissan Versa

Nissan chairman Carlos Tavares presented the 2012 Nissan Versa at the 2011 New York auto show.

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Unconventionally conventional

Nissan's new Versa is the latest in a line of what the automaker refers to as "unconventional vehicles." Compared to the likes of the Juke and the Cube, the Versa looks pretty conventional to our eyes.

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Interior

Inside, the Versa sports a dashboard that resembles a toned-down version of the pod styling of the Nissan Cube's cabin.

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Cabin tech

The next Versa will be available with navigation with traffic, satellite radio, USB and iPod integration, and Bluetooth connectivity. We hope that Bluetooth and USB will be standard, but we're fairly sure they'll be additional cost options.

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1.6-liter engine

Under the sedan's hood lives a version of Nissan's 1.6-liter four-cylinder, outputting 109 horsepower and sending 107 pound-feet of torque through a CVT and to the front wheels.

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Pure Drive

The 2012 Versa will also be the first vehicle in Nissan's line to wear the new Pure Drive badge, which designates vehicles that place an emphasis on eco-friendly driving and low emissions.

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Fuel economy

With its new engine and a net weight savings of 150 pounds over the previous generation, Nissan estimates that its Versa will return 30 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. That's up 5 mpg from last year but falls just short of the magic 40 mpg mark that most automakers in this segment seem to be aiming for.

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Where's the hatchback?

Only the sedan variant was shown, but we expect to see a Versa-badged version of Nissan's Tiida hatchback soon.

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Spacious

Nissan has gone to much effort to increase the size of the Versa without growing out of its class. The automaker now claims that the Versa boasts more legroom than a BMW 5-series.

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Pricing

The 2012 Versa 1.6 S will start at $10,990 when it goes on sale later this year.

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