Don’t
like the classy and well regarded Honda Fit. The Nissan Versa Note will tick all
the right buttons; but does it hit all the right notes?
The sole engine on hand is a 1.6 which is pretty much all you’ll ever really need with the Versa. It does offer decent flexibility around town and you may find yourself thrashing the engine on the highway to keep up with faster paced traffic. Running costs are actually quite good which does help justify the small amount of power the engine produces.
Drive
it the way it was intended to be driven and you’ll find yourself in a very
comfortable small car. Push it into a corner or bend and you’ll be quickly
reminded that this is an economy car. Handling isn’t bad but there is way too
much body roll and this is all due to the suspension being set more towards
comfort than agility. Plus the steering feedback is just okay. You may want to
take a look at the Ford Fiesta if you want a fun to drive small car. Refinement
is good but it isn’t as great as the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit.
The
driver’s seat does offer plenty of adjustments but the steering wheel only
adjusts for height. There is plenty of space for four passengers and the
interior feels pretty airy for such a small car. The boot space is decent too
but with the seats folded down it’s even more spacious.
The
saying goes you get what you pay for and the Versa Note is no exception.
Standard S trim comes with air-con, cd-player and Bluetooth for your mobile
phone. Sadly this is also the only trim that offers a five-speed manual
gearbox. S-Plus trim adds CVT transmission, active grille shutters and dual
power outside mirrors. You’ll have to step up to SV trim to get power windows
and keyless entry as well as cruise control and USB connection for you iPod. SR trim adds alloy wheels, body-kit and unique interior trim. SL
trim adds aluminum alloy wheels, keyless start and class-executive around view
monitor.
The
saving grace for the Versa Note is that it is cheap to buy and cheap to run. It
may not hold its value as well as the Honda Fit, but for those that shop with
their wallets won’t mind the somewhat average depreciation of the Versa Note
and discounts will not be hard to come by. The interior isn’t anything to brag
about but the materials feel very sturdy and long lasting. Plus Nissan
consistently scores well in reliability.
All
Versa Notes come with six-airbags, traction control and electronic stability program
as well as anti-lock brakes and tire pressure monitoring system. Sadly not all
versions get an immobilizer system to guard against theft.
The
Nissan Versa Note is a great car for those who are on a budget and need a
reliable and sensible car. It may not be as flexible as the Ford Fiesta or
Honda Fit but it does the job well. Too bad you’ll have to pay for the options
you’ll see standard on its rivals and it really doesn’t seem that much of a
value either when you look at its standard kit. But for the price and the money
you’ll save the Versa Note is a decent choice but not the best.
Devon’s
Pick: SV trim adds comfort features such as power windows, keyless entry and
cruise control. Buyers who want a manual gearbox are sadly stuck picking the
very basically equipped S trim. But at least it offers Bluetooth which is rare
in this price segment.
Likes:
Overall it’s a decent car with low asking price and low running costs. The interior
and boot space are both generous. A commuter car or workhorse this it really
does tick the right buttons.
Dislikes:
Keyless entry and power windows aren’t standard on all trims and not all trims
get a manual gearbox option. SR trim has the looks but lacks the oomph; it doesn’t
hit the right notes in refinement and SL trim is pricey for what it is.
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