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I just spotted this on the Torque Report -
http://www.thetorquereport.com/2008/10/2009_nissan_versa_16_becomes_t.html

New value edition of the Nissan Versa, the "Versa 1.6", goes on sale Nov 18. At $9990, it will be the lowest MSRP in the US. Engine is a 1.6L 107hp 4cyl, and EPA is 26/34 (5MT) and 26/33 (4AT).

FE is not class-leading, but it is encouraging to see entry-level models come to market with EPA numbers that are at least mid-pack. If you don't check any option boxes, it'll be possible to park one in your driveway for $11.5k with destination/tax/tags. It is an interesting option for anyone on a strict budget who needs a low payment and high MPGs.

Text from the page on the Torque Report:

PRESS RELEASE:

Nissan Announces Lowest-Priced New Car in the U.S.*

- New, 2009 Versa Sedan 1.6 Features $9990 MSRP, Excellent Fuel Economy, Design, Quality and Reliability; Available at Dealers November 18 -

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (October 31, 2008) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced a new 2009 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 model, which features a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $9,990* (excluding Destination and Handling). The new Versa focuses squarely on value and fuel economy, with its standard 107-horsepower DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivering responsive performance and a 34 mpg highway fuel economy rating (with the 5-speed manual transmission).

The Versa Sedan 1.6 goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning November 18, 2008.

"Starting under $10,000, this new Versa Sedan 1.6 has the lowest new-car MSRP in the United States," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. "It combines the low price of a used car with the dependability, high quality and full factory warranty of every new Nissan. It's our way of saying that in tough economic times, Nissan is here to help."

Since its introduction in 2006, Nissan Versa has enjoyed strong appeal in the marketplace among buyers seeking fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or roominess. Versa offers one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings and the largest interior in the entry-level segment – along with excellent quality, reliability and durability.

The new high-value Versa Sedan 1.6 model features a smaller displacement 1.6-liter engine (versus the standard 1.8-liter), standard 5-speed manual transmission and simplified content. It is also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the 5-speed manual and 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic.

"The new Versa Sedan 1.6 is another way in which Nissan is taking a leadership role in reassuring consumers that now is a great time to consider a new car," said Carolin.

* Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $9,990 for the new, 2009 model year Versa 1.6 Sedan. Claim based on competitive MSRP's in the Lower-Small segment for new, model year 2009 vehicles. MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice. Destination and Handling $695.

Hi Maxx:

___That is good news to hear indeed! I suspect it will place quite a bit of pressure on the $10,000 Aveo’s and even the low end $12,000 Yaris’. I wish they had a more fuel efficient ICE and gearing however :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hi Maxx:
___That is good news to hear indeed! I suspect it will place quite a bit of pressure on the $10,000 Aveo’s and even the low end $12,000 Yaris’. I wish they had a more fuel efficient ICE and gearing however :(
___Good Luck
___Wayne

For a sticker of less than $10k, a smaller engine and a lot less content is about the best we can hope for. A different transaxle with a revised gearset and final drive or a revised valvetrain and other engine tweaks would cost more than what Nissan would be willing to spend on a low-end model.

The real issue is that the Versa is a heavy car for its size -
Versa - 2700lbs (1.8S, 1.6 may be 100 lbs less due to less content)
Aveo - 2600lbs
Fit - 2500MT/2575AT
Yaris - 2300lbs

Moving almost 2700lbs with 107hp on tap means a steep first gear to get the car moving, and they'd do this with a wild 99:1 (<---hyperbole) final drive ratio. They'd need to spend the cash to rework the gearing to get the wide set of ratios needed to allow the low highway RPM (and higher EPA number). For what it is, the Versa has a lot of potential. With a few powertrain improvements and a little diet, it could really shine as one of the stars of the fuel efficient compacts.

I appreciate that Nissan chose to offer this 1.6 model as a price leader. It is a valid option for someone who wants the FE of a Fit/Yaris but cannot afford their monthly payment. In the NY area, if you can find a Yaris anywhere on the lot, it's loaded and costs almost 50% above base sticker. You can't find a Fit at all, although they may be hidden in the back behind the sea of Pilots. The local Nissan dealers seem to have a better supply of base-model Versa/Sentra sedans in stock.

At 2/3 the price of the Fit, the new cheapie Versa is far more affordable for the Joe SixPack we've been hearing about in the speeches lately. Sure, you get less, but you also pay less. The fact that you can get the value leader model with an AT is also a bonus for those who want or need an AT. For those who just won't drive stick, they should at least be able to get the most efficient (and not the highest hp) engine with the slushbox they want/need. It takes away that argument of, "I couldn't get it with an automatic, so instead, I got a good deal on this 300hp V6 leadsled".

The Versa 1.6 could be the perfect "fit" for drivers stuck with an FSP in their driveway who are looking for the cheapest high FE second car out there. The lower the cost of the car, the more likely they can justify the purchase by allowing fuel savings to pay for the car and its insurance coverage. Although sending your money to Nissan Financial instead of ExxonMobil does nothing to shift the overall transportation costs in your monthly budget, it means burning far fewer gallons overall and one less FSP out there daily-commuting on the roads.

While I am not a Nissan fan, I can say that they build competitive cars that seem to hold up pretty well. I welcome the "Versa el más Barato" as an option for car buyers who could end up otherwise buying something larger and thirstier. Its quirky Renault styling is polarizing, but it offers a roomy interior. But is it better than spending $10k on a used Civic/Corolla? It's all up to the buyer to decide, based on their priorities and preferences, as well as the availability of a suitable used Civ-olla when the buyer goes shopping. What I applaud is that the Versa gives people one more option when they decide to buy. The new car smell, warranty coverage, and lower finance rate can be a powerful draw versus a used car with an unknown service history. I like the idea of seeing more fuel efficient options out there for people on tight budgets, as it can potentially keep them from spending their $10k on a used guzzler. For the CleanMPG'ers here, I think it's safe to say many are solidly in the Honda/Toyota camp in terms of buying preferences. Understandable, considering the Toyota/Honda compacts have displayed greater FE potential than the competition. For Joe SixPack, largely unaware of this potential, the final decision to buy is all too often based on "is it in stock and can I pick it up Monday" and "what is my monthly payment". With the Versa, at least the car soldiering out onto the higwhays will end up delivering around 30mpg instead of the 20mpg car that ol' Joe S. was trading in.

I bought a '08 Versa for my father (with his money) when he was looking to replace his 13 year old station wagon. It really is a nice car and is very roomy for 6-foot plus tall drivers and passengers. The '08 engine seems to have ample power for the city and highway with respectable EPA ratings.

We rented a 1.8L Versa last month in Missouri. It's got more front driver and passenger room than my 02 Sentra. Based on our return fill-up, it got about 29 mpg in half city driving with no hypermiling techniques attempted. Unfortunately we had no way of knowing if the previous renter filled it up completely, or filled it and drove it 30 miles before returning it to the rental company. Both my wife and I liked the car, and would consider one for replacing one of our present cars when the time comes. The 1.6L ICE can only make it better.

My current Sentra is my 6th Nissan/Datsun. They've all been reliable, well-built cars, and value bargains when compared to Hondas and Toyotas.

thats a serious bro-deal at that price.
Surely , if it was my car , w/ a 1.6L I'd do my best to shave some weight(100-200 pounds) if possible, some way, some how. Why so heavy, BTW ? Its probably the back seats, 16" steel wheels ?