The big news for the just revamped Versa is its increased interior space. Although wheelbase remains unchanged at 102.4 inches, the substitution of Nissan’s new global “V” platform for the previous “B” chassis means that rear legroom has increased to 38 inches.
With the front seats positioned to accommodate 6 foot adults, the rear still offers enough lounging room to make long trips comfortably tolerable. Although there are no ventilation ducts to the rear space, both windows fold completely into the doors, so you can tailor your breeze at the expense of some wind noise. Also missing from the back cabin are reading lights, clothes hooks, grab handles and a fold down armrest. Still, spaciousness trumps econocar basic.
Up front, the Versa feels more expensive than its $14,560 ( RM 44036.65) base price would seem to indicate. Cloth covered seats offer decent support. The pistol-gripped, 3-spoke steering wheel, festooned with fingertip controls for radio (left side) and cruise control (right) looks like it belongs in a much more expensive car. Because the transmission control stalk on the center tunnel is connected to a CVT gearbox, only 2 selections of forward motion are offered: Drive or Low. The CVT makes the most of the Versa’s 109 horsepower, constantly altering engine speed to accommodate driving need. The upside of this behavior is unanticipated sprightliness in acceleration, and sterling fuel economy.
Jom komen!