2012 Nissan Versa in Sea Girt, NJ - $4,995

Following an extensive makeover last year, the Nissan Versa Sedan receives additional enhancements for 2016. Available in S, S Plus, SV and SL trim levels, upgrades and enhancements include standard body-color power outside mirrors on all grade levels, the addition of standard rear speakers for the Versa Sedan S, a new leather-wrapped steering wheel for the SL and two new exterior colors – Cayenne Red and Gun Metallic.

Last year's enhancements to the Versa Sedan exterior – including the bold new front end treatment anchored by larger headlights, a more substantial looking fascia and standard chrome plating on the grille – carry over for 2016. The new look adds a strong, contemporary presence to Versa Sedan's efficient dimensions and packaging, while strengthening the family ties of the Versa Sedan with Sentra and Altima.

The list of standard exterior features includes body-color front and rear fascias, chrome-accented multi-reflector halogen headlights, body-color power outside mirrors and short rod-type fixed roof antenna. Available features, depending on grade level, include front fog lights, outside side mirrors with integrated turn signals, blacked-out B-pillars and chrome door handles. Smart aerodynamic engineering helps create a coefficient of drag of just 0.29 (Xtronic-equipped models), which aids in the Versa Sedan's impressive real-world fuel economy.

The Versa sedan is powered by a 1.6L HR16DE four-cylinder engine. Torque is communicated to the street through one of three transmissions: a five-speed manual gearbox; four-speed automatic (S models only), or a next-generation Xtronic transmission with D-mode step shift programming. The Xtronic design allows continuous change of the transmission gear ratio by connecting the two pulleys with a metallic belt and changing their diameter by using hydraulic pressure. It incorporates an auxiliary planetary gearbox to broaden the effective gear ratio helping improve efficiency.

The Versa Sedan utilizes Nissan's global lightweight "V" platform as the foundation for the control hardware. All Versa Sedans are equipped with an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, with front and rear stabilizer bars. The suspension dampers and electric power steering are tuned for a comfortable ride and improved handling.

Inside the passenger cabin, the Versa Sedan offers five-passenger practicality with a high degree of comfort and refinement – the perfect combination for commuting on weekdays, running errands on weekends and transporting family and friends all week long. Following last year's addition of a new center stack shape, a revised meter display with white LED display and a new steering wheel design, front seat recline and height adjustment levers have been modified for easier use.

Additionally, two rear speakers have been added to Versa Sedan S models and the SL grade adds a new leather-wrapped steering wheel. S and S Plus feature a wide AM/FM/CD audio system with standard auxiliary-in and Radio Data System (RDS), assist grips and passenger-side vanity mirror. Versa Sedan SV adds an outside temperature display, USB/iPod® controls, printed non-woven headliner, map light with key-linked illuminated entry and silver finishers on the center instrument panel cluster.

A 60/40-split fold-down rear seat is standard on SV and SL for even greater cargo versatility. Other available interior features include trip computer with outside temperature display, power windows with driver's one-touch down, speed-sensing auto door locks and remote trunk release lever.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 102.4; overall length: 175.4; width: 66.7; height: 59.6
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 1.6L four-cylinder – 109 hp at 6,000 rpm and 107 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm
Transmission: five-speed manual, four-speed automatic, Xtronic CVT
EPA Fuel Economy: 27 city/36 hwy. (manual); 26 city/35 hwy. (automatic); 31 city/40 hwy. (CVT)
Cargo capacity: 14.9 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, traction control, vehicle dynamic control, Bluetooth hands free phone system, pipe steel side-door guard beams, and tire pressure monitoring system. SV adds remote keyless entry system. SL adds Nissan Intelligent Key® with push button ignition, navigation system, rearview monitor, easy-fill tire alert, and fog lights.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Nissan Versa sedan starts from $11,990 for the S manual, upto $17,140 for the SL Xtronic. Destination charges add $835.