2014 Nissan Versa Note First Drive

Edmunds.com

2014 Nissan Versa Note First Drive

The new 2014 Nissan Versa Note is an undeniable bargain among entry-level hatchbacks, but are you getting your money's worth?

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emajor

The original Versa didn't have many charms to begin with, but the comparatively posh interior gave me a reason to like it. The new Versa took that charm away. No more stitched cushy armrests or above average dash plastics. Just a cheap and bland wall of shiny black now. But it is hard to argue with the 38 inches of legroom; this is about the most affordable family car you can buy. I like B segment cars and the Fiesta is my favorite, but I also need a backseat that works. So as much as it pains me to say this, the Versa Note would have about an equal chance ending up in my driveway as the much nicer but much more cramped Fiesta. That sucks.

throwback

"There's nothing inspiring about the way the 2014 Nissan Versa Note drives. And in this class that comes as no surprise"

Come on Nissan! Why not make this a true Honda Fit competitior? What happened to this company that always made such nice driving small cars when they were known as Datsun?

duck87

The only reason to like the Versa was because it's the cheapest new car with a warranty. Honestly, there aren't a lot of cars in this segment that sets anyone's pants on fire (you can get a significantly better car if you step up to the compact class; not just talking about room but refinement, power, and even similar fuel economy for not that much more), but the Note has to be one of the few cars that still defines "econobox".

tim_boo

Shaved 300 lbs from already a light car with slab sides...I sure hope there are no cross winds.

newcastlein83

Nice photos. I stopped and looked at one on Saturday. Odd you were embargoed from reporting even though they sat on dealer lots. Still a large increase since Versa was introduced: "When it was introduced in fall 2008, the Versa's base price of US$9,990 made it the least expensive new car available in the United States"

fortstring

It looks runty but in a likable way like a hamster. Lul.
Would make for good comedy if you put it in an action movie.

stovt001_

I wouldn't say it comes as no surprise that a car in this class has less than inspiring driving dynamics. The Sonic in the LT fleet was regarded as a baby GTI, the Mazda 2 drove like a Mazda, and the Fit drives nicely too.

smalltown

I bought one eleven days ago, SV trim with Convenience package. This is going to be my retirement car. I wanted a small wagon or hatchback for the functionality. I am also short. The front seat is small and firm enough to fit me. Everything is easily reachable and the controls are intuitive. The CVT is smooth. I am well past the days when I want to drive aggressively. The ride is smoother than the Fit in town and on back roads that have seen the ravages of winter weather. It handles predictably. I have ridden high quality road bicycles for years and I traded in a Mini Cooper. So I know about handling. And I did not buy this because it didn't cost much. I bought this because it meets my needs.