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Interior roominess and fuel economy are also high points and in fact primary design criteria, for this 2007 Nissan Versa's SL 5-door hatchback.
Front seat or back, the subcompact Versa provides much of the comfort of a mid-size sedan, plus the cargo capabilities of a small utility. After 2 months and 2,500 commuter miles, fuel economy is okay at 27.9 miles-per-gallon using regular gas, but we expect it to rise further.
The 122-horsepower 4-cylinder provides good oomph off the line. Our car's 6-speed manual has a solid shift feel, although some of our staff complained their big feet slide off the small brake and clutch pedals.
Otherwise, our versatile Versa is proving that small size isn't a big limiting factor.
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Time is scooting swiftly by with our 2007 Nissan Versa SL hatchback. It was a short five months ago that we took delivery of this new-age subcompact, and from day one we were impressed with its combination of big interior and small appetite.
Our total test mileage has changed little since last report - 27.5 miles-per-gallon. While we expected it to be higher, that's still not bad considering we've use the Versa mostly as a commuter car.
On the other hand, this five-door's generous five-passenger interior also makes it a viable vehicle for an impromptu Road Test staff lunch out.
The 122-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder is strong for its class and we really appreciate it when pulling into traffic. And, with a 6-speed manual, you can always find a proper gear.
As the debate over Global Warming intensifies, the Nissan Versa says a lot about what lies ahead for the family car.
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We've reached the half-way mark in our year long test of the versatile 5-door 2007 Nissan Versa. This tall, wide, handsome subcompact has been doing mostly commuter and airport duty, with the occasional long trip tossed in for good measure.
Through all of 8,000 miles our nicely equipped SL variant has returned good comfort and good mileage. Using regular gas, our average has jumped up to 28.9, one and a half mile per gallon gain since last report.
While we know a 6-speed manual would not be most buyers' choice, it really gets the most out of the Versa's 122-horsepower 1.8-liter 4.
Our staff has noticed a few things. The clutch engages with a jerk, it's either on or off. The side mirrors could be bigger. And crosswinds push the upright Versa around more than we'd like.
Still, commuting in the Nissan Versa can be one of the best parts of your day.
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Useful space and high mileage are key subjects of discussion for this front-wheel drive Nissan Versa SL.
Eight months and 12,500 miles on, we continue to be impressed with how much space resides inside the Versa's subcompact footprint. Ditto the 28.5 mile-per-gallon economy on regular grade gas.
Our car's 6-speed manual gets the most out of the Versa's 122-horsepower 1.8-liter 4. We know most buyers will opt for the optional CVT automatic, but that would take a lot of fun out of this willing commuter.
On the downside, its tall, wide, boxy shape makes it very susceptible to crosswinds.
Still, commuting in the Nissan Versa is a fun way to start your day.
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If ever there was a car that signified the old saying, "big things come in small packages," it would be our front-wheel drive Nissan Versa SL.
At 11 months and 15,000 miles, this subcompact continues to deliver big on interior space, versatility, driver satisfaction, and fuel economy. Our current average of 29.5 miles-per-gallon on regular grade gas is a new test high.
Our car's 6-speed manual mates well to the 122-horsepower 1.8-liter four.
Versa's tall, square shape does get pushed around by big trucks and the wind, but it never spoiled our commutes. If you are in the market for a versatile small car, the Nissan Versa certainly lives up to its name.
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No vehicle represents the latest wave of subcompact cars better than the Nissan Versa. This tall front driver delivers the interior room of a family car, with stingy fuel economy, in a package that's downright enjoyable to drive to work in the morning.
We should know, since for over a year and some 16,000 miles, our 2007 Versa SL Hatchback has been doing just such duty, and flawlessly.
Now, at the end of our long term test, we're quite pleased with a final average of 29.2 miles-per-gallon with regular grade gas, in mostly stop and go traffic.
Our car's 6-speed manual was the perfect match for the Versa's 122-horsepower 1.8-liter 4. A smooth CVT automatic transmission is optional.
Versa's upright stature does get pushed around by big trucks and wind, but it never once spilled our morning coffee.
And talk about an apt name, the Versa Hatchback's interior is as versatile, and can handle more cargo than some compact crossover utilities.
Indeed, despite its small shadow, the Nissan Versa delivers big on almost every measure.
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