While the 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan is all-new this year (reviewed separately), the 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback remains relatively unchanged. This review covers only the 5-door hatchback, and while it is not new, the 2012 Versa Hatchback still represents an excellent value. The Versa Hatchback also gives those who might not like the sedan's new styling a last chance to get a brand-new car with the original look. We actually think the Versa Hatchback is more versatile than the Sedan due to its easily accessible large cargo area. But, what really makes the Versa such a steal is its unbeatable combination of class-leading interior room (especially headroom), excellent fuel economy and amazingly reasonable entry price. With new competitors such as the Honda Fit, Kia Rio, Chevy Sonic and Ford Fiesta, the Versa has some stiff competition, but its impressive standard and available features, such as Bluetooth and navigation, help keep it firmly in the running.
Where some newer small-car offerings are getting low and sleek, the 2012 Nissan Versa remains unapologetically upright, which is a plus for tall drivers more concerned with comfort than style.
While the 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback does achieve 34 mpg on the highway, it falls short of the new 40-mpg magic bullet being touted by so many of its rivals.
For 2012, the Nissan Versa SL gains more standard equipment including Intelligent Key with push-button start, Bluetooth and 16-inch alloy wheels, while the S trim offers four new equipment packages including a Navigation Package. Electronic stability control (VDC) is now standard on both the S and SL trim. The power moonroof option has been dropped from the SL.
Our loaded 2012 Nissan Versa SL Hatchback was equipped with the Xtronic CVT and as automatic transmissions go, this one is as smooth as they come. During normal driving patterns, there is almost no perceptible engine noise inside the cabin and even under wide-open throttle the disturbance is barely worth mentioning. With acceleration that easily rivals that of the Honda Fit or Ford Fiesta, the 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback is no speed demon but it is pretty zippy. The "zippy" turns a bit asthmatic, however, when encountering hills or high elevation passing. Reacting capably on curvy roads, the 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback feels quite confident in the corners and exhibits good stability on expressways. On nice smooth roads, the Versa delivers a very civilized and smooth ride. But, when the road turns rough, the Versa's suspension doesn't do a great job soaking up the bumps and hiccups.
Affordable Navigation System
Costing just a bit more than a really good portable navigation device, Nissan's newest navigation radio offers the added benefit of XM Satellite Radio and real-time traffic updates. The controls are easy to understand and operate and the 5-inch color screen provides large, legible directions; it's also an unlikely target for smash-and-grab thieves.
Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT):
Nissan has been a leader in CVT installations, which substitute a belt and twin variable-diameter pulleys for the usual gears. The result is exceptionally smooth, linear and rewarding operation – once the driver gets accustomed to the fact that no gear changes will be taking place.
The 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback may look small, but its interior affords more knee and legroom than some mid-size sedans, and its headroom is abundant both front and rear. The nearly chair-height seats are supremely comfortable and feel really nice on the lower back. Double French-seam stitching is a welcome surprise, making us wonder if someone from the Infiniti design team didn't sneak into the Versa styling studio late one night and contribute a few upscale touches. The 2012 Nissan Versa employs a compact rear-suspension setup allowing for a very low and flat cargo floor that can be expanded by folding the 60/40 rear seats flat. Two adults can actually fit comfortably in the Versa Hatchback's rear seat, even when there are two equally tall persons occupying the front seats.
It is obvious the 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback is quite tall for a small car, yet it somehow avoids looking boxy or boring. The Versa's tall roof and long doors make entry and exit much less cumbersome than in cars with more raked profiles. In fact, everything about the 2012 Nissan Versa is first and foremost about maximizing interior space. The passenger compartment gobbles up much of the car's length, with the windshield placed as far forward as possible, leaving only a very short hood.
Every 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback is equipped with seat- and roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags, a tire-pressure-monitor system, VDC traction and stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), electric power steering and an engine immobilizer. The S model includes a 6-speed manual transmission, 15-inch steel wheels with full covers, anti-lock brakes (ABS), power body-colored mirrors, power windows and locks, a cargo cover and rear wiper/washer, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, CD stereo with auxiliary audio input jack, air conditioning and tilt steering wheel. The SL version adds a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic, 180-watt stereo with six speakers, Nissan Intelligent Key keyless entry and start, Bluetooth, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, sport front fascia and side sills, 6-way manual driver's seat, rear center armrest, and cruise control.
The 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback S trim offers four packages. A Power Plus Package adds cruise control and keyless entry, while the Convenience Package brings among other things Bluetooth, premium audio, iPod interface, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and cruise control. The Navigation Package adds a navigation radio with SD card and 5-inch color touch screen, and the Special Edition Package basically combines the Convenience and Power Plus packages with a fancy set of 15-inch machine-finished alloy wheels. A 4-speed automatic transmission is the S trim's only major stand-alone option. The only option package for the SL is the Navigation Package.
The 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback features a 1.8-liter engine specially tuned for the U.S. market to deliver strong low-end torque. Three transmissions are available: a 6-speed manual (S), a 4-speed automatic (optional on S), and the Xtronic CVT. Standard only on the SL hatchback trim, the CVT incorporates a virtual low range, for long, steep hills and heavier pulling.
1.8-liter in-line 4
122 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
127 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/31 (manual), 24/32 (automatic), 28/34 (CVT automatic)
The 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback S has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting around $15,000. The SL trim runs closer to $19,000 and tops out near $20,000 fully loaded. An automatic transmission will add about $1,000 to the price tag of the S trim. Be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price on kbb.com to see what consumers are paying for their Versas in your area. With the 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback, Nissan competes against the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta and some others. Although not as strong as the Yaris and Fit, the Versa should hold good resale value, remaining above the Chevrolet Sonic and the Kia Rio, and remain on par with the Ford Fiesta.
To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, check the Fair Purchase Price. | Calculate payments for this vehicle.
