Used 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback Review & Ratings

The Nissan Versa Hatchback is only known as the Versa in North America. The original vehicle debuted in Japan in 2004 as the Nissan Tiida, a name that has remained through the years. Like many cars manufactured in other countries, the Versa has a different name in different parts of the world. Along with the names Versa and Tiida, it also has been called the Latio in other parts of the world. The original Tiida vehicle was designed as the replacement for the popular Nissan Pulsar. It has always come in a hatchback and sedan version.

The first generation of the Nissan Tiida was released in Japan in 2004 and would not arrive in Europe until late 2007. The European version was released to replace the Almera which had been discontinued. It was July 2006 when the first Nissan Versa Hatchback was released in North America as subcompact vehicle. The hatchback version was debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January of 2006 and the sedan version would be released towards the end of that year. It was the availability of three transmission styles that would be most exciting about this subcompact family vehicle because of the economy that they could each offer.

The Nissan Versa Hatchback was not, and has never become, a stylish and flashy vehicle. Though it offers a large cabin, overabundance of trunk space and excellent fuel economy; there is little about the hatchback that will attract attention on site. However, it is one of only two vehicles in its class that offers a 6 speed manual transmission as a standard on the vehicle. That alone is appealing to those who want to drive a stick and realize the economy that can come from doing so.

The interior of the Nissan Versa Hatchback is much like any other subcompact family vehicle, with one exception. It offers simply user-friendly controls and a basic style that is functional and simple. However, the space allotted for passengers can rival that of many larger model vehicles. It gives plenty of legroom so that even the tallest passenger can sit in the backseat. This makes it a viable option for a small family car that saves money on fuel. It also provides a smooth and comfortable ride that is easy and safe. The interior is nice, but it's the economy and space that make this a viable alternative for most buyers.

Even with the benefits, there are disadvantages that come with the Nissan Versa Hatchback. Not only is not a flashy and stylish vehicle, it lacks the power that some performance enthusiasts are after. The materials of the interior are cheap and the acceleration is less than one would expect from a subcompact model. It also offers very minimal standard features. At the base price, the hatchback is a good bargain but when you begin to add features like an automatic transmission the value will decrease. This is simply because the competition also has much to offer in the same price range and has a better performance to back it up.