What's Wrong With This Picture: Visions Of A New Versa Edition

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

In this first look at Nissan’s 2011 Versa, we’re seeing a very different car from the high-roofed, gangly subcompact that has been dominating the B-segment sales charts all year. Which begs the question: should Nissan mess with success? With Kia’s Soul sneaking up on the Versa in year-to-date subcompact sales, will a sleeker sedan keep the Versa riding high, or will it lose out to boxier, more practical offerings?


Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Psarhjinian Psarhjinian on Oct 11, 2010

    If the Versa becomes sleek and coupe-like and, as a result, dimensionally challenged, it's sales will absolutely crater. The Versa isn't the top-selling subcompact because it's stylish or sporty. I'd hazard it's the top-selling compact because it isn't stylish or sporty. It's roomier than a many fullsize sedans (back to front), rides better than many midsizers and gets subcompact mileage. It's the big-car experience that North Americans love, but in a small package. I could see the point of a sportier Versa sibling, alongside the mainstream models. Hey, maybe a crossover-ish sporty offering; a kind of Impreza Outback-like vehicle, only with far more bizarre styling. I can see it now, but I can't think of a name...

  • PeriSoft PeriSoft on Oct 12, 2010

    For the love of Christ, stop the stretchy headlights! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhrrrgggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • BrandX "I can charge using the 240V outlets, sure, but itā€™s slow."No it's not. That's what all home chargers use - 240V.
  • Jalop1991 does the odometer represent itself in an analog fashion? Will the numbers roll slowly and stop wherever, or do they just blink to the next number like any old boring modern car?
  • MaintenanceCosts E34 535i may be, for my money, the most desirable BMW ever built. (It's either it or the E34 M5.) Skeptical of these mods but they might be worth undoing.
  • Arthur Dailey What a load of cow patties from fat cat politicians, swilling at the trough of their rich backers. Business is all for `free markets` when it benefits them. But are very quick to hold their hands out for government tax credits, tax breaks or government contracts. And business executives are unwilling to limit their power over their workers. Business executives are trained to `divide and conquer` by pitting workers against each other for raises or promotions. As for the fat cat politicians what about legislating a living wage, so workers don't have to worry about holding down multiple jobs or begging for raises? And what about actually criminally charging those who hire people who are not legally illegible to work? Remember that it is business interests who regularly lobby for greater immigration. If you are a good and fair employer, your workers will never feel the need to speak to a union. And if you are not a good employer, then hopefully 'you get the union that you deserve'.
  • 28-Cars-Later Finally, something possibly maybe worth buying.
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