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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
