“All you ever do is review cars I can’t afford,” say a lot of my co-workers and some of our readers. Well, I say, check out my test drive this week — the 2012 Nissan Versa.
It’s universally recognized as one of the most affordable new cars on the market. With a MSRP of $14,560, you could buy five Versas or one of the Corvettes I reviewed a few weeks ago.
Obviously these two cars appeal to very different buyers, as the Versa represents a startup sub-compact car. Kelly Blue Book just voted the Versa as one of the best back-to-school cars of 2012.
The Versa is well-named as it offers versatility as either a sedan or a hatchback. My tester was the sedan with the 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine. The 5-door hatch has a slightly bigger engine (1.8 liter) but worse fuel economy.
Looks for the Versa are pretty basic. The sedan lacks flair or style, as is the case with most sub-compact sedans. Most of the design appeal is found in the sub-compact hatchback instead.
Inside, a surprising amount of space awaits. The Versa definitely doesn’t feel cramped, like many other sub-compact cars. Even the back seat has ample legroom and headroom for full-size passengers. This is a major plus for the Nissan engineers.
If you’re expecting a bunch of luxury, and wonderful touchpoints, I’d suggest you look at the sticker price again and realize that the Versa falls under the banner of “it is what it is.” If you’re expecting leather upholstery, soft touchpoints and extra amenities, well, think again.
But, there is a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, power windows and cruise control.
Owners may not be surrounded with luxury, but they’ll have fewer trips to the gas station. The Versa has an EPA rating of 30 city and 38 highway. In a week’s worth of driving, I averaged 37 MPG and never got past a half tank of gas. Combine that with an affordable price, and you can look past the things it doesn’t have, for the savings it brings to the table.
The base model S has a starting price of $10,990. My tester, the SV trim, has a MSRP of $14,560. Throw in  a few add-ons and packages, and my tester had a price of $15,840, which rivals the top-of-the-line SL trim’s price.
Nissan deserves credit for offering an affordable, versatile new car to those on a budget. With the Nissan Versa, you get all things that you expect with an affordable, subcompact car, and a few surprises as well.
Jimmy Dinsmore is the Wheels editor at the Dayton Daily News and may be reached at (937) 225-2115. Follow him on Twitter @wheelseditor