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2012 Nissan Versa SV (photos)

Nissan gave its Versa model a serious economy update, lowering the displacement of the engine for better fuel economy. But tech is largely unavailable in the model lineup, and what is available pales in comparison to the competition.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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Nissan's smallest car is not all that small. The Versa, which is available in sedan and hatchback formats, slots in under the Sentra in the lineup. The 2012 model features a major update, with a new engine and styling.

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Nissan chose very conservative styling for the Versa, keeping it inoffensive to broaden its appeal. Although not flashy, the design has a modern touch.

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Nissan went to a 1.6-liter engine to maximize fuel economy. Small in displacement, this engine makes 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. It gives the Versa real-world fuel economy in the 30s.

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The roofline drops a little bit toward the rear, but that does not impinge passenger headroom much.

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The suspension of the Versa is very basic, with independent struts in front and a torsion bar at the rear. Brakes are discs in front and drums at the rear.

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The trunk is surprisingly deep in the Versa.

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Cabin surfaces are mostly hard plastic, and going up trim levels does little to change it.

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The rear seat is basic, but survivable.

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At the mid, SV trim level, Nissan only makes iPod integration and a Bluetooth phone system available as an option. Navigation is available at the top, SL trim level.

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Nissan uses an electric power steering system in the Versa, which helps keep fuel economy high.

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The Bluetooth phone system is only accessible through voice command.

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The amber display between the analog gauges shows fuel level and temperature.

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Nissan's continuously variable transmission is the best among automakers, proving very usable and optimizing engine speed.

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The stereo is very basic, with only four speakers and limited interface options on the head unit.

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The buttons on the lower left let you browse the music library of a connected iPod, but it is not the most intuitive system.

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The phone system has a phone book feature, but it won't pull contact entries from a paired phone.

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