Versa in the Market

Extreme bargains are scarce these days, and Nissan deserves credit for keeping the Versa wallet-friendly. But the new Accent, Fit and Fiesta are cars you actually want to own — brand emissaries that leave a good enough impression for first-time buyers to stay in the family when it's time to buy the next car. If the new Versa is anyone's first Nissan, it imparts a brand that's big on value and practicality but short on drivability and perceived quality — far from Nissan's reality, but the Versa's flavor all the same.

Among entry-level cars, value is crucial. But, increasingly, so is overall appeal. Nissan hit a bulls-eye with one of those. I just wish it had hit the board at all with the other.

    See also:

    Auto-reverse function
    If the control unit detects something caught in the window as it is closing, the window will be immediately lowered. The auto-reverse function can be activated when the window is closed by automat ...

    Seat belts with pretensioners (front seats)
    - The pretensioners cannot be reused after activation. They must be replaced together with the retractor and buckle as a unit. - If the vehicle becomes involved in a collision but a prete ...

    Floor mats
    To avoid potential pedal interference that may result in a collision or injury. ● NEVER place a floor mat on top of another floor mat in the driver front position. ● Use only g ...