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Anyone know of a website with the 4-1-1 on the 2008 version of the Versa 5dr and sedan?
I'm eager to find out what Nissan has in store for this model.
Please inform...
Many thanx!
Peace<- :shades: --
The conversation started when someone posted that the Versa has a bigger interior than any other compact. I pointed out that there are at least two other compacts, Sentra and Elantra, with more interior room than the Versa. The Versa hatchback has a larger max cargo capacity than those two sedans of course.
Close, but no cigar friend...
Peace!<- :shades: --
But, the car is selling well, and should stay around a while. when they do, I'd like to see them go back to the original concept car.
Definitely a good looking vehicle but it loses much of it's practicality by eliminating two doors. I think the concept car would appeal to a smaller group of buyers. I wouldn't have purchased a two door but 30 years ago, I did (VW Sirrocco). So to some extent, I've become more practical at the expense of fun & excitement.
David
That's it!
Peace!<-- :shades: -
My top choice would be a 2 door sports coupe version like the original concept. I've always thought tuner cars should be 2 door. the four door sentra se-r, and se-r spec v just don't look right as a sedan.
I did a homemade fix for this. I built a riser in two sections. They're light weight so are easily taken out when not in use which is most of the time. They can be used with a top platform or left open so that little storage space is lost in the trunk. I could spray paint them to better match the interior but since I'll use them to haul mulch and compost (in containers) most of the time, I don't see the point.
What I would have liked to see was a front passenger seat that folds flat like some of the competition (Matrix). I was able to get six foot sections of lumber in the car with the hatch closed so longer pieces with the hatch open would be no problem. It would have been easier if the front seat folded flat.
David
Perhaps someone out there has had a similar requiremnt.
Any assistance appreciated.
I still find it annoying that of all the SL models only about 1/3 had the ABS package.
I did see two Versa sedans as well.
David
Thanks!
idntnvu
Those are all decent cars you're considering. Do extended test drives on each one and know in advance what the vehicle will be used for. There are big differences in interior space on each and how that space is apportioned is different. A hatch is a lot more VERSAtile than a sedan but the looks aren't for everyone. A sedan should also weigh a little less and cost a bit less.
Last, don't let a few hundred dollars be the deciding factor. Get the car you want. And be sure your sister has a fun experience shopping for a car. It's tough to make a good decision when we feel stressed.
Audio cassettes are obsolete. If you have to have one, buy an older used car. To retrofit a tape player into a new car will be a big waste of money.
David
Actually, tests by C/D showed the 4AT gave better fuel economy than the CVT on the highway. So depending on driving pattern, someone could get better FE with the 4AT.
Of course driving pattern has a great deal to do with fuel economy and if you drive like C/D, you're going to get poor fuel economy regardless of transmission. C/D and it's subscribers are not interested in fuel economy. I haven't read that review in quite awhile but it was not geared toward the normal subcompact car buyer. I believe most of us are buying these cars for the best bang for the buck, not ultimate performance.
David
David
backy, "Nissan Versa" #985, 31 Mar 2007 10:46 am
The point of the article was that when two Versas, one CVT and one 4AT, were compared on exactly the same highway course, the 4AT was more efficient. So maybe if you had the 4AT, you could get more than 35 mpg on the highway.
Mileage aside, the CVT is noticably quieter and smoother than the 4 speed. If the Versa had only been available with the 4 speed, I might be driving something else right now.
David
http://www.caranddriver.com/columns/12751/the-steering-column-a-pair-of-industry-bigwigs-talks-technology-at-the-detroit-auto-show.html
Here's what the original article had for FE results:
CVT: EPA 30/36, C/D Test Loop 33.2 mpg
4AT: EPA 28/35, C/D Test Loop 35.4 mpg
I am not sure why you think this was an "unscientific" test. Since it was done simultaneously, on the same test loop, with professional drivers and fuel measuring equipment, it seems more scientific to me than a single Versa owner reporting his/her results. And the editor, Csaba Csere, offers up some scientific rationale for why the 4AT would do better on the highway than the CVT.
Just because one publication found that the 4AT gets better fuel economy on the highway than the CVT doesn't mean the CVT isn't the right choice for you, or others. But if someone is looking for optimum fuel economy in a Versa for mostly highway cruising, the CVT may not be the best option.
David
link title
What did you think of C/D's theory as to why the Versa's CVT would get worse FE than the 4AT on the highway? I thought it was interesting. Also interesting that the article you linked to said the minimum FE improvement for a CVT is 7 percent, but the Versa is rated by the EPA only 1 mpg (3%) more on the highway than the 4AT. It would probably be even less of a difference (maybe no difference or a deficit?) if the Versa had an automatic with more than 4 speeds available.
My guess as to why the versa cvt could possilby get worse MPG (if it even does) and is rated only 1 mpg better than the auto (you sure that doesn't include the MT?) would be in the programming. To the best of my knowldge, the xtronic cvt doesn't just naturaly find the best gear ratio on its own, it uses preprogramed algorithms (300 I think) to determine the best gear with factors such as power, acceleration ect taken into consideration along with MPG. I'd bet they could program it to get better MPG, but at the expense of power, acceleration ect.
Maybe in theory CVTs are guaranteed to get higher FE than an AT,
Its not just theory, they will. thats why hybrids use them.
So it seems at least Mr. Ghosn thinks hybrids are OK for Nissan.
"CVTs are 10% more fuel efficient." - Charles Ghosn, quoted in C/D, May 2007
Well, not for the Versa, but then that could be because of how the CVT was implemented in the Versa.
FYI, hybrids such as the Prius use a totally different CVT design than the Versa does.
Based on C/D's tests the Versa CVT is quicker than the 4AT--8.9 to 9.5 secs, 0-60. Not surprising at all, given the CVT has infinitely more gears than the 4AT does.
Its not the nissan doesn't like hybrids, they just don't think they'll be the future.
link title
"Nissan has set itself a target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 70% by 2050, but will not produce hybrid or electric cars in the short term.
Instead, Nissan is striving to make improvements through technology advancements instead.
The company's general manager of product planning and strategy, Chris Lee, revealed that the immediate emphasis was on improving engine efficiency, reducing friction and examining new technology, rather than rushing out 'green-powered' car"
link title
"Ghosn was criticised at the firm’s shareholder conference for his open sceptism towards hybrid technology — which rivals Toyota and Honda have pioneered. "
If Toyota is successful with its plans to release a 90+ mpg Prius in the next couple of years, and applies that technology across its lineup, I wonder what Nissan will think about hybrids then?
Come to think of it, the Versa hatchback would be a good candiate for hybridization--lots of room in back for the battery, and it's small enough so a low-powered I4 engine like that used on the Prius would work just fine.
yet at least. thats why they only sell them in 8 states; california and the 7 states that have adopted their strick air quality standards. nissan has no plans to offer the hybrid and any additional states. the reason is simple, they don't have a hybrid system, and have to buy it from toyota. but in those states, they have to offer something. I believe a certain percentage of their vehicles sold have to be low emmision vehicles. but I could be wrong about that.
http://www.greencar.com/index.cfm?content=features28
Here is another article that talks about Nissan's success with electric cars and their development of fuel cell cars:
http://www.evworld.com/article.cfm?storyid=1221
If Toyota would sell Nissan a motor that is compatible with the Versa, I think it would be a good platform for Nissan's next hybrid, if they continue down that path.
My sister drove a 5-door hatch 1.8S, was very pleased. We both were very impressed with how it handled, especially when running over the concrete entrance ramp into the dealership's parking lot. It was so smooth.
She then drove the 4-door sedan, a 1.8SL with the CVT transmission. That was just plain wierd. It honestly reminded me of a golf cart or ATV the way it changed gears. I was impressed though, and I did put it through it's paces. I did not drive the 5-door, but I insisted I try out the CVT in the sedan. Not my choice for a vehicle, however. I myself am about to trade my Dodge Durango in on a Toyota Tundra.
My sister also drove the Toyota Yaris, a 3-door liftback and a 4-door sedan. Had this vehicle came in a 5-door like the Versa, she may have had a tough decision. The yaris was a very nice car, however she's decided to get a Versa. Thanks for all your information, and I'll keep ya posted as to when she gets it.
Now, you can continue your CVT conversation haha
idntnvu
As for the Yaris 5-door hatch-over, yeah, Toyota missed on that one. They should bring the Yaris 5-door to America, I have read so many comments from people who would've bought a Yaris if they had brought the 5-door hatchback to America. I looked a long time at the Toyota Yaris sedan and still don't mind the small car at all.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070716/FREE/70716005/1024/L- ATESTNEWS
Remember, the Focus may be 8 years old, but it still offers a fully independant suspension which neither the Yaris, Fit, or Versa offer.
With new cutting edge engines introduced in 2005, the Focus offers 136hp from 2.0 Ls and pretty good gas milage and has a high fun to drive rating. Outstanding if you opt for the manual trans.
I would definately without hesitation buy the Focus with a Manual trans over the Versa with the manual. The Versa manual 6 speed feels like a $3 dollar part.
Mark.
David