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New Car Affordability: Nissan Versa Note

April 13, 2015 by admin 9 Comments

Nissan Versa Note

The 2015 Nissan Versa Note, a five-door subcompact hatchback.

Someone at Nissan has a sense of humor. Or perhaps they are a glutton for punishment. Not two weeks went by when a mind-blowing Nissan GT-R was followed by a proletarian Nissan Versa Note, representing the apex and nadir of this Japanese automaker. At least in its North American offerings.

The first model represents stout performance, one of the fastest cars in the world that is priced around $100,000. The second model is comparatively slow as molasses and priced at just 15 percent of the cost of the super car. Truly, you get what you pay for when it comes to any car — in the Nissan Versa Note you get a budget car for people of limited means. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Nissan Versa Note

2015 Nissan Versa Note

The Versa Note is the pricier of the two subcompacts sold by Nissan. The standard Versa sedan is priced from $11,990, while the hatchback retails from $14,180. The Versa sedan has the distinction of being the lowest cost car sold in America. Either model brings new car affordability to the masses.

Nissan is also the segment leader among subcompacts, beating out such competitors as the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Mazda2 and the Toyota Yaris. The lower-cost sedan is actually a foot longer than the hatchback and is about a half-foot shorter than the average compact model. Further, the “Note” appellation is nothing more than a representation for the five-door hatchback as well as a marketing angle for Nissan.

So, what is so special about the Versa Note? Well, it all comes down to price. For instance, if you have limited funds, but you want something new, then this model or the sedan version will most likely appear on your radar. Sold in S, S Plus SV, SR and SL editions, the Versa Note can provide much of what any buyer wants or at least the individual with no more than $20,000 to spare may need.

Nissan Versa Note

Basic Engine With a CVT

All models come outfitted with a 109-horsepower, four-cylinder engine, but it is the base model that is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Elsewhere, you get the continuously variable transmission, an option that provides a 10 percent boost in fuel economy to 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

The engine is not peppy. Instead, it is tuned to optimize fuel economy. It is a trade off that is common to this class. Although the Ford Fiesta’s standard engine makes 120 horsepower, its tops fuel economy comes in at 37 mpg or 3 mpg below the Nissan. However, Ford nearly matches the Versa Note’s price.

Beyond the powertrain, the Versa Note comes with air conditioning, an audio system with an auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth connectivity and front bucket seats. The amenities most people want — keyless entry, power windows and door locks, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a USB connection — begin to show up in the SV edition ($16,330). Furthermore, the S Plus edition ($15,430) brings in an active grille shutter and the CVT.

Make your move to the SR edition ($17,930) and alloy wheels, an audio system with a color display, and sporty synthetic seats make an appearance. Choose the SL edition ($18,660) and you get aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, an around view monitor, NissanConnect apps and a navigation system. Even with taxes and the destination charge you would be hard pressed to hit $20,000 although such accessories as an interior illumination package and floor mats would bring you to that critical pricing juncture.

My test model, a Versa Note SR, came with a convenience package ($660) and carpeted floor mats and a cargo mat ($180). That convenience package added the NissanConnect color display with apps, streaming Bluetooth audio, SiriusXM satellite radio, hands-free text messaging and a rear view monitor. Let’s just say if you are in the 20-something age bracket that this model is designed for, it is a package you won’t want to do without these treasured technologies.

Nissan Versa Note


2015 Nissan Versa Note

View manufacturer details and pricing


Nissan Versa Note

Interior Touches and Amenities

Spartan as the Versa Note is, choosing a higher end package does come with some benefits. The test model came in a bright blue with a gray interior and orange accents. Sport seating with orange stitching and striping gives this vehicle added flair. The same speckled pattern on the back of the seats is applied to the door inlays.

The rear seat is a 60/40 design, extending storage compartment as needed. The storage compartment has enough room for your weekend getaway with much more room at the ready as needed.

The instrument panel is composed of a three-circular design with the tachometer and speedometer left and center, respectively. To the right is a digital driver’s information center. The center stack in the test model has the five-inch color display smack in the middle below the vents and above the climate control dials.

At the base of the stack is a smart phone holder followed by two cup holders and the transmission stick. Between the seats is the parking brake, auxiliary port and USB port.

Perhaps the most significant plus for the Versa Note’s interior is its double glove box. The standard box is wide and deep, the top glove box flips up and has sufficient room to hold small items. This model comes with four cup holders and four in-door bottle holders.
Nissan Versa Note

On the Road Again

On the road, the Versa Note moves gradually away from a full stop and steadily picks up speed. That unmistakable noise is the engine straining as the CVT pulls until it sounds like it will snap. You don’t buy this model for speed nor for quietness. Indeed, like other models in this segment, you will hear sufficient wind noise seeping in through the side windows.

The steering adjusts to your speed with Nissan saying that it becomes more nimble as speed increases. I hardly noticed the change, but I will say that the handling is adequate, but uninvolved. This model is clearly a “take me from Point A to Point B and do so without busting my budget.” And it does so with success.

Nissan’s Other Value

Perhaps the biggest challenger to the Versa Note is not the sedan nor its competing models, but the Sentra sedan, a compact model retailing for $16,480. Indeed, for approximately $1,000 more you can get a comparably equipped model that is larger, more comfortable and just as fuel efficient as the Versa Note. Shoppers have noticed too, as sales of the latest generation Sentra surged 42 percent last year for the biggest gain among compact models.

Nissan Versa Note


2015 Nissan Versa Note SR

  • Sticker price from $17,530
  • Price as tested: $19,180
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 1.6-liter 16-valve in-line four-cylinder gasoline engine
  • 109 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
  • 107 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,400 rpm
  • 3.07 inches bore by 3.29 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 9:8-to-1
  • Continuously variable transmission
  • Wheelbase: 102.4 inches
  • Length: 163 inches
  • Width: 66.7 inches
  • Height: 60.5 inches
  • Passenger volume: 94.1 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 18.8/38.3 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 31 mpg city, 40 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 10.8 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 2,523 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Good — moderate overlap front
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Aguascalientes, Mexico

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Nissan Versa Note photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2015 CARS, CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION, hatchback, NISSAN SENTRA, NISSAN VERSA NOTE, NissanConnect, SUBCOMPACT

Scion is Back With Two New Models to Show For It

April 6, 2015 by admin 3 Comments

2016 Scion iA.
The 2016 Scion iA.

Scion never went away. But for many enthusiasts and analysts, the brand’s best days in its too-short history can be seen in the rear view mirror.

Two New York Presentations

However, Toyota Motors has other plans for the Toyota sub-brand, launched in 2004 to appeal to young, urban buyers for the most part. At the 2015 New York International Auto Show, Scion unveiled not one, but two new models. Notably, both models target the same customer demographic this brand has always reached.

A double vehicle debut and launch is a rarity in this business, where new reveals are carefully orchestrated and unveiled, usually months apart. Perhaps sensing the urgency of these times, Toyota chose to reveal the subcompact iA sedan and the compact iM hatchback concurrently, with both models going on sale this fall.

Scion is technically a Toyota sub-brand, with those models sold at most Toyota dealerships across the nation. Initially, every Toyota dealer carried Scion, but a few years ago Toyota gave them the option to not carry Scion.

Toyota hasn’t made known the number of dealers that took them up on that offer and they haven’t said if those same dealers will be allowed or required to carry Scion products moving forward. For some dealers, Scion sales have been abysmal with limited showroom space taxing resources.

2016 Scion iM.
The 2016 Scion iM.

2016 Scion iA Subcompact

The Scion iA is the low-price leader for the brand and will replace the poor performing mini iQ after this model year. With a competitive price point of about $16,000, the tiny sedan should appeal to first-time car buyers as well as to families in need of a second vehicle.

The iA has several things going for it, including an estimated 42 mpg highway rating and a standard low-speed “pre collision” system. That system is designed to help mitigate crashes with sonars used to detect the risk of a rear-end collision with a vehicle immediately in front of it. Specifically, as the driver applies the brakes, the system doubles the brake force pressure. And if braking is not applied, automatic deceleration takes place.

The 2016 Scion iA is borne out of a partnership between Toyota and Mazda, with the latter building the iA at an assembly plant in Mexico. Thus, the Scion iA is a twin with the Mazda 2, itself a successful subcompact model as well as a competitor to the Toyota Yaris.

Under the hood of the iA is a 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It will be paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. This model will come equipped with a chrome grille surround and tail pipe, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with push button start, and a tilt and telescopic steering column.

2016 Scion iM Compact

The Scion iM is an internal project and appears to be based on the platform underpinning the Toyota Corolla. The hatchback will be priced from under $20,000, a critical price point for young buyers. Unlike the iA with its gaping grille, the iM aligns closer to the Scion look with its hexagon lower grille. Furthermore, it will come equipped with distinctive headlights and side bezels, 17-inch alloy wheels, power folding side mirrors, and LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights.

Inside, this model will provide a 7-inch color display for audio functions, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, and a rear view camera. Furthermore, eight airbags, including a driver’s knee air bag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag are standard.

Under the hood is a familiar 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine making 137 horsepower. This engine will come paired with a gearless continuously variable automatic transmission that can be operated in manual mode, with seven “steps” mimicking gear points. A six-speed manual transmission will also be available.

Second Chance Scion

With two new models on deck, Toyota is breathing new life into Scion. Just as easily, the automaker could have cut its losses and moved on, but apparently it sees much potential in a brand that sold more than 170,000 units in its peak year, 2006. Sales last year came in at 58,009 units, down more than 15 percent in a market that registered a 5.9 percent increase for the year.


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Photos Courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: 2016 cars, COMPACT, MAZDA 2, NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW, SCION IA, SCION IM, SUBCOMPACT, Toyota, Toyota Corolla

Delayed: 2015 Honda Fit

May 27, 2014 by admin 3 Comments

The battlefield for small cars is an intense one with numerous compact and other small models available to entice first-time car buyers. Honda has its Civic, a compact model that competes with the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus for customers.

On the subcompact level is the Honda Fit, a vehicle that is nowhere near as popular as the Civic. Yet, Honda has big plans for its smallest model, having invested more than $800 million to build a new plant in Celaya, Mexico. This is the first time that the Honda Fit will be built in North America.

That manufacturing plant was supposed to have begun producing the next generation Fit in April, but quality control and transportation issues have pushed back its release until June reports Automotive News.

Im thrilled that we’ve been able to greatly enhance and add to the Fits already excellent attributes to provide Honda customers with class-above features and refinement at such a value price point, said Jeff Conrad, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Honda. The 2015 Fit is practical, roomy, efficient, affordable and perhaps best of all, great fun to drive.

2015 Honda Fit

Subcompact Honda Fit

Nevertheless, the front-wheel drive, five-passenger subcompact will soon arrive and will position the Fit to better compete against several models. Those models include the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Sonic, Mazda2, Mitsubishi Mirage, Volkswagen Golf, and the Nissan Versa. The Versa, including the Versa Note hatchback, is currently the best selling model in the segment, a position that Honda hopes it will soon take.

To get to greater sales Honda is aggressively pricing the 2015 Fit. The base Honda Fit LX with a six-speed manual transmission retails from $15,525. Choose the available continuously variable transmission and your starting price rises to $16,325.

The Fit EX outfitted with the six-speed manual transmission retails from $17,435. Choose the CVT and the base price comes in at $18,235. Honda also sells Fit EX-L CVT ($19,800) and a Fit EX-L CVT with Navi ($20,800) editions.

Engine Choice and Trim Levels

All 2015 Honda Fit models are powered by a 1.5-liter (1498 cc) four cylinder engine making 130 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 114 foot-pounds of torque at 4,600 rpm. Fuel economy ranges from 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway when equipped with a manual transmission to 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway with the CVT. The Honda Fit is outfitted with a 10.6-gallon fuel tank and runs on regular grade gasoline.

The Fit LX comes equipped with a security systems with remote entry, intermittent wipers, a body-colored rear spoiler, automatic halogen headlamps, air conditioning, a rear view camera, power windows and door locks, cruise control, map lights, two 12-volt outlets, a cargo area light, and a 160-watt audio system with four speakers. This model also includes Bluetooth audio streaming, an auxiliary input jack, and speed-sensitive volume control.

Choose the EX or EX-L editions and your standard equipment includes a one-touch power moonroof with a tilt feature, smart entry and fog lights. Heated, power side mirrors with embedded turn signals are standard with the EX-L.

Other standard equipment with the EX and EX-L include Honda LaneWatch, push button start, HDMI port, cargo area tie down anchors, floor mats, a 180-watt, six-speaker sound system, audio display, and Pandora compatibility. All EX-L models upgrade to leather seats from cloth and include heated front seats.

Safety Features and Warranties

All 2015 Honda Fit models come equipped with stability control, traction control, an antilock brake system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and daytime running lights. Six airbags are included.

Honda also provides the following warranties with its new vehicles: a 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.


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Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: 2015 MODELS, Bluetooth, CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION, hatchback, HONDA FIT, MEXICO, SUBCOMPACT

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