The 2020 Nissan Versa is full of surprises. The versatile vehicle has been refreshed with a new design, and it boasts more technology and safety features than might be expected with an entry-level subcompact car. I’ve always thought the Versa is one of the best bargains available in its category. Obviously a lot of people agree with me, since I see so many of them on the road and in parking lots.
Versa’s entry level model with manual transmission is priced surprisingly low, at only $14,730. No wonder it’s so ubiquitous! But there’s much more to the Versa than just an extremely reasonable starting MSRP. My SR CVT was their top of the line, sporty trim, but was still priced at only $18,240. My test sedan operated on a 1.6 Xtronic engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 lb.-ft. of torque. With its continuously variable transmission and hill start assist, there was plenty of power to take me anywhere I wanted to go.
Versa Keeps On Keeping On
Photo: Nissan
But the Versa just keeps on keeping on, adding many new safety and technology features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Other features like rear automatic braking and lane departure warning are also included. These cutting edge features were not what I expected to find on an entry-level vehicle!
We can thank Nissan Safety Shield 360 for adding most of these new safety monitoring technology features to the Versa and other Nissan vehicles. High beam assist and intelligent cruise control were also added on my Versa SR. My test model also had blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, Intelligent Driver Alert, rear door alert, and Nissan Intelligent Key® with remote engine start.
Photo: Nissan
The cabin was also very roomy and comfy for a sub-compact, featuring such unexpected elements as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Another great feature for the 2020 Versa is the fuel economy. Mileage is estimated at 32 mpg in town and 40 mpg on the highway, for an average of 35 mpg overall. So even if gasoline prices go back up soon, Versa drivers won’t need to worry.
Nissan had added a few options to my test vehicle, such as ambient lighting and extra storage in the center armrest. Along with a convenience package, the total price (after destination charges) came to $21,490. That’s still a very affordable price tag for such a cool car. The 2020 Versa would make a great graduation gift for a college-bound student, especially with all the new safety technology.
