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Or maybe they just wanted you to buy something today.
I have seen Versas (Tiidas) in other countries on sale, and compared to Yaris and Fit, the cabin of the Versa is indeed much bigger. In fact the rear seat legroom is awesome ! Words cannot describe the sensation I felt. The Yaris on the other hand, if U sit in the 2nd row, your head might bump into the ceiling, depending on how tall U are. The Yaris cargo capacity is also quite small. The Fit is better than the Yaris, bigger cargo space and interior room, but the Versa beats these 2.
Also I did some Maths on the Versa vs the Prius. Here's what I found :
Assuming per day I cover say 45 miles. If I take the Versa's gas consumption to be say 35 mpg on a combined city / highway cycle, then everyday I will use 45/35 = 1.286 gallons. Assume gas prices at $3, then My cost per year will be 1.286 x 3 x 365 = $1408.
Now if I buy the Prius, and assume Prius fuel consumtion is say 42 mpg, I will consume 45/42 = 1.071 gallons. Thus cost per year will be 1.071 x 3 x 365 = $1173
Thus the gas money I save per year if I use the Prius is $1408 - $1173 = $235 per year !
Even if one uses Prius mpg at say 50, the result is still similar.
Now, compare the Prius price with the price of the Versa and I feel that the Versa makes the most sense financially.
Doing the same Maths, even if gas prices rose to $5, the difference in gas money a year between the Prius and the Versa is still at $392 per year. And if I buy a Versa, the $5000 or more initial money I save can buy me FREE gas for the next 3-4 years !
Furthermore the Versa is still a lot bigger and more spacious than the Prius.
A lot of people buy hybrids to save the environment and gas dependency. But for me, the way I see it is this : think about how many tens / hundreds of millions of older cars already on the roads. Even if hybrids sales continue to increase, compared to the HUGE number of older more polluting cars on the road, the effect is I think less than what some people thought.
Hybrids will have to say take up 20 or more % of the whole US car population in order to have any appreciable effect on the environment, and I don't see that happening anytime soon.
I think the effect will be greater if for every single Prius sold, 10 or more people buy cars like the Versa. The drop in fuel consumption will be greater as a whole. For example, if for every 10 owners of previous gas guzzler models, 6 changed their cars for a Versa, compared to say only 1 or 2 changed to a hybrid, I think the Versa will make a bigger environmental impact than hybrids.
I just think that the volume of hybrids sold is still too small to have an impact on the environment. Large numbers of cars like the Versa used will have a faster, bigger impact on overall fuel consumption.
Anyway, cars like the Versa already have good clean emissions.
The Yaris and Fit are good cars allright, compact, affordable and low fuel consumption, with already very low emissions. Just that the Versa is the most value for money and gives the most space among the 3. She gives the most bang for your bucks.
I have seen and test driven one, so I know what I am talking about.
And finally, pricing hasn't been officially announced by Nissan, so I'm not sure how you're comparing bang-for-buck against the Yaris/Fit.
I do agree though, the Versa seesm to be a great small car. In fact, if you read the text of the C/D comparo, you'll see that when considering the true mission of these types of cars- commuting, providing comfortable budget transportation, etc.... they preferred their Versa. Its just that the Fit... fit THEM better, given their sporting preferences....
With all that said, I still wonder, once the sedan is out... if it won't just make more sense to get a lightly optioned redesigned Sentra, which to me looks a good deal more upscale than this Versa sedan.
~alpha
That said, I am enthusiastic about this car. It should be a real value IF they can screw them together properly and there are no reliability and/or fit-finish issues lurking in the weeds.
It is an economical alternative to the Prius - but not a more spacious package.
Versa 95 cubic feet interior/ 18 cargo
Prius 96.3 interior / 16.1 cargo [plus the underfloor tray that has about another cubic foot or so].
So, they're close...our '06 Prius cost us just about $20k even after the tax credit [$3150], and at that price, I have no regrets. We consistently get 40-45 mpg, driving it like any ordinary car - no special techniques that the Prius "nation" employs.
But I thought about waiting for the Versa - I think that for anyone who can't or doesn't want to spend the difference, it should be a great value. But I also doubt, from reading the preliminary road tests, that it can compare in long-distance comfort and refinement to our Prius. Just a bit more rude and crude...but personally, I like what I've seen in the Versa more than the Honda Fit, which I know would not have the long-distance comfort we need.
Anyway, no argument from me to anyone who likes this car - my only reservation has to do with Nissan's recent habit of putting new product on the street with some rough edges. We'll see....
I am 5.6 feet tall. Thus I am not a very tall guy, but when I sat on the 2nd row of the Prius, there is very very little headroom left for my head. In fact I can already feel my hair brushing against the top ceiling of the Prius's 2nd row. Anyone taller than me by even a few inches will find his head stuck against the ceiling of the Prius if they sit in the rear seats.
I wonder how do taller people, those approaching 6 feet more cope. Do they bend their heads all the way when making trips in the Prius's 2nd row ?
Really, for those of U who had not tried the Versa's interior, U will be in for a surprise ! Also FYI, the Versa in Japan and China, known as Tiidas there, are blockbuster sellers. The Versa is consistently one of the best selling Nissans in Japan. Always in the top 10 !
Refinement wise of course the Prius's quietness when using the electric motor will give U the impression that conventional cars are noisy. But from my own Versa test drive overseas, the engine noise is reasonably quiet. And the low end acceleration is powerful. And thats a 1500 cc version I tried. The Versa in USA will be even more powerful, 1800 cc.
The Versa's rear legroom is larger than many many cars I have seen. If U don't trust me, go see for yourself when U had the chance later. And I got a habit of sliding the front seat almost all the say back, and yet there is still plenty of rear legroom for rear passengers.
Whereas the legroom in the Prius, Yaris, Fit, I will not say cramped. Its decent, BUT the Versa just have more legroom. I would say abt at least 50% more the extra legroom. Very helpful for taller people on longer trips.
And the Yaris have the same headroom problem as the Prius in the 2nd row. I am quite surprised that not many people noticed this.
Or maybe a lot of people drive the Prius / Yaris alone and never got to sit in the back row ?
So next time U try a new car, don't just sit in the driver's seat. Go to the 2nd row and try it out.
I will not say Versa is super refined or what. But for 12000-15000 price range, its MORE than enough ! U just don't expect cars in that price to be as refined as cars over 20000 ! U get what U pay for. Just that for the Versa, U get quite a lot vs what U pay for.
More trusty will be the FEEL U get when U actually sit inside the car. On paper the Prius is bigger than the Versa, but in reality, I feel more comfortable in the Versa, because remember, the curvature of the various parts of the body in different sections is different.
If U drive alone, really the Prius is as good as any Versa and Fit, but for rear passengers, trust me, the Versa beats all of them hands down. So ask yourself, how important is rear space to U ?
Rob
Also that version allows the 2nd row seats to be reclined up to I think 45 degress for more comfort, for those who wants to sleep during long journeys.
If U are not in a hurry, my advice is be patient and wait to see the Versa, if U don't like it afterall, then U can go back to other models.
Once again, the Versa isn't perfect (which car is ?), but for her price, I can't think of any other car (except old used big cars of course) that gives U BMW 5-series like space, strong engines, 30+mpg performance.
The Fit and Yaris are best sellers in Japan because many Japanese are not very tall, so Yaris's limited headroom is not a problem. But don't ever think the Versa is " made for Japanese " size. Comparing the interior of the Versa to Fit and Yaris is like comparing the 1st class and economy class seats in airlines. Think I am joking ? See for yourself later !
Surely they must have meant the xB in the discussion on rear-seat room. The xA is pretty cramped in the rear, and I'm only 5'10".
Interesting that one reviewer thinks the Versa is more fun to drive than the Fit, when equipped with the six-speed.
U see, the main reason why I strongly feel the Versa IS the most suitable for Americans is not brand, but BIOLOGICAL.
Without any intention to offend Japanese, in general (not always of course), more Americans are of bigger build, longer legs and taller overall height (and width in some cases) than the car buyers back in Japan.
Now, the Yaris has very limited headroom especially in the 2nd row, plus very small cargo area, and the Versa outguns the Yaris and Fit in terms of legroom and overall space feeling by a whopping margin.
UNLESS U and family are very close to 5 feet compared to approaching 6 feet, buy the Fit and Yaris and U will see what I mean. People's head are going to hit the ceiling ! And legs are going to feel like sitting in economy class on a 6 hour flight !
Only the Versa offers sensible space for Americans. Considering that Versa's space and legroom is comparable to the Infiniti Q45.
The thing is I suspect a lot of people, when they test and see a new car, they simply jump into the driving seat, and if it feels OK, thats it ! Do they EVER study the 2nd row in detail ?
No doubt about it, the Yaris and Fit's front row is fine, but unless U are driving alone most of the time and seldom take your family elsewhere, getting a car with very limited headroom and legroom in the rear is not getting the most bang for yr bucks.
For those who STILL refuse to consider the Versa, then I think the next best thing is the Fit. The Yaris has too low headroom spacewise in the rear (even though legroom is comparable to the Fit) and the cargo space is almost HALF of Fit and Versa.
Believe me. I speak from facts. Like I said, if anybody do not believe me, soon U will be able to verify my claims. My only message is " Hold your cash " till U have seen the Versa before U make a final decision. If U want to buy other cars, its fine with me (of course), but U will be most satisfied if U have studied ALL options and choices.
One thing about the Versa that worries me is that apparently you need to get the SL trim to get a driver's seat height adjuster. At least it has one (the Fit doesn't), but it irks me a lot that I have to buy the higher-priced trim to get it, when competitors like the Rio5 and Accent have a great height adjuster standard. Maybe the standard seat in the S will be comfy enough, but I am pessimistic about that.
It has everything I want, and really nothing superfulous, in the right sized package, at a real good price.
Only concerns I have are related to the steering/handling, and length of the driver's seat cushion. But, those are both things I need to try out for myself.
If I was to get one, a quick suspension and/or tire upgrade might be in the works. Hopefully by the time the production cars hit the road, they will have tweaked the steering feel a bit, but who knows.
IN any case, I will try one when they show up. I do like the fit, but it is tiny, and I can't get the seat the way I want it. That, and for me, no moonroof = no sale! Oh, sat radio and steering wheel controls are a must too.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
BUT, for not too much difference in price, the Versa gives U more.
Furthermore, if U do the Maths, the Fit's mpg figures, while a bit better than the Versa, does not make a lot of difference in yr gas money.
FYI, in Japan, the test results show that the Versa 1800 cc version gets U 37 mpg, vs 42 mpg for the 1500 cc version. Thats combined cycle in Japan. In the US the figures may have to be lowered a bit.
Anyway I worry that the Fit's 1500 cc engine maybe too weak if U carry 4-5 people and/or more load. 1800 cc engine may be just about right if I may say so.
Anyway, I don't meant to downgrade the Fit. Fit is a good car allright, just that for me, Versa is better. Just that. More bang for your bucks.
I mean if one day an airline offers me a first class ticket at 110-120% of economy class ticket, I'll take it anyday ! OK, the difference between Versa and Fit is not as great as economy and 1st class, but the rear legroom is QUITE significantly different if I may say so.
For those interested Fit buyers, I don't meant to discourage U, but wait at least for the Versa to appear, then have a look at it and THEN make your final decision. U don't lose anything by waiting just a little bit longer. As the Versa's launch is imminent.
FYI, the Versa in Asia the Tiida, while it looks a bit weird on some photos, when I see it in real life, its more beautiful than in photos.
And I suspect the Versa may look not so nice to some people in photos, but like the Tiida, may also look much better in real life. Give her a look I say, before committing your cash.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=115699/pageId=98- 212#5
As I expected, while the Versa looks boring on some Nissan advertisements on the net, but when I look at Edmunds photos of the blue Versa, wow ! She IS beautiful !
Maybe cars are like actors and actresses. Sometimes they look handsome / beautiful on TV, but not so in real life. Some look average on TV, but when U see them in real life, U feel like sleeping with him / her ! Haha !
I like the looks of the Versa OK, except the sharp point at the top of the rear windows. It doesn't look integrated with the rest of the car to my eyes.
I look forward to driving the Versa S 6-speed when it arrives at my local dealer, hopefully in the next month or so.
Thats before the $1,000 rebate on 2007s or $2,000 on 2006s and dealer discount (about $700).
It is very easy to option up a Focus to over $19,000 and I'm the first to concede that there are better cars out there for that money.
HOWEVER if you like to drive. The $16,000 Focus SE is hard to beat. This is the car you hate until you drive it.
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=106881/pageNumber=5
PS this test is flawed because they apparently choose the Kia over the Focus based on MSRP instead of on TMV. Focus always has at least a $1,000 to $2,000 rebate.
Mark.
That 500 dollar difference gets bigger when you add the $550 destination for the Fit. The difference is about 800 between a fully loaded base versa
>In C/D's recent 1000-mile test, the Fit did 20% better in fuel economy than the Versa, 35 to 28. When I drove the Fit, it was plenty peppy, even with the 5-speed automatic. The Versa does have more power but is also about 10% heavier, so its acceleration is actually worse than the Fit's, 9.4 secs vs. 8.7 secs 0-60 for stick models in C/D's tests.
No doubt the Fit Sport C/D tested is built for performance. the mileage they posted was also more city based for the versa, whereas more even city/highway for the fit, as they admitted. On top of that, the CVT should cut the gap in mileage for the versa here versus the 5 speed automatic on the fit.
As for the versa versus the fit in acceleration, C/D for some reason can't shift a six speed. When I looked at their comparo's between an RSX and a Spec-v, there was easily .5 second difference between real life the c/d numbers, but in real life it's pretty even. Regardless, when you compare a sport model (fit sport) versus a comfort model (versa 1.8 SL) naturally you'll get different comparison numbers.
For me, this is just all magazine racing. I'm more impressed by the Versa because I don't really have a need for a car besides errand hopping and the occasional road trip (I use public transportation for commuting). I'd much rather have versa's rear legroom of 38.4 inches for my passengers than 33.4 for the fit. And I bet the long distance mileage for the fit's smaller engine gets pretty even with the versa if you have more than two passengers.
would I like a fun to drive car? sure. that's why I'm waiting for the specs on the sport package for the versa. if there's a change in the tires, then that acceleration difference can be practically nil.
lets make sure we're not comparing apples and oranges here.
I am not sure where you are coming from re your comments on relative performance. The Fit Sport should be no quicker than the base Fit. In fact, the base Fit may be quicker than the Sport because the Sport is a little heavier. Also, in C/D's comparo both cars were driven over the same route, around (literally) Ohio.
I will be interested to see how the Versa's CVT does against the Fit's 5-speed automatic when real-world numbers are available.
As for C/D not being able to drive a 6-speed, why not send that comment to them and see what they say?
C/D did say that if you need a car for errand hopping, the Versa is a better choice than the Fit. Still think they can't drive a 6-speed?
I wanted to add that C/D actually tested a Fit Sport 5A in the most recent of their mag, and the acceleration times aren't bad at all, for the class.
Fit Sport 5A incl dest: $16,520
0-60 (Brake Torque): 10.4 seconds
0-60 (Street Start): 11.3 seconds
That makes a Fit 5A just about as quick as the manual tranmssion Accent and Rio...
Perhaps C/D will soon test a CVT Versa....
~alpha
I guess to be fair, we should note that the numbers in C/D for the Fit 5AT reflect the paddle-shifting variant available only on the Fit Sport. C/D noted they got a half-second better time in 0-60 shifting manually with the paddles, so that would put the base Fit 5AT at about 10.9 secs 0-60 and 11.8 seconds 5-60.
Extra living space matters MUCH more to me than a paltry 1 second extra acceleration, which we all don't even notice or feel the benefit at all.
Although those extra few inches of legroom the Versa gives may not feel much in short distance commuting, but I feel that when U are cruising long distance, spending hours on the road with your family, it could mean the difference between an enjoyable trip with your kids falling asleep, or one which makes your kids say " I want to go home Daddy ". Especially if yr kids / teenagers happen to have pretty longer legs.
That is why a short domestic flight is fine on economy class, but try economy class on a 14 hour flight ! Those extra inches of legroom COUNTS !
But first class costs much more than economy class. Here we are talking abt minor differences in price between Versa and competitors. I would say " Get the extra living space "
Oh, pls don't forget one thing during the test drive. Whose car's seat material, hardness / softness when U sit on them do U prefer ? Some cars come with quite hard seats, which some people like. I personally like softer seats like those in the Versa. More couch like than hard bench seats.
Height adjustment wise, unless U feel U need one, if U feel good in a version without one during the test drive, then its not a big deal right ? U can save the money for something else then.
One more thing. Remember that NOT all seats are alike. Some cars offer smaller seats. Some full size seats. Though if one don't pay attention, its not that obvious. But its critical for long term comfort.
I just feel that Fit and Yaris's seats are the smaller type. Which means when I sit, more of my lower thigh is jutting out, whereas in a fuller sized seat, more of the seat is supporting my thigh more distance to my knees. More comfortable in my opinion.
And I happen to feel that Versa's seats belong to the fuller, bigger sized category. Which gives me another reason for preferring the Versa. I maybe wrong. Don't take my word for it. U got to evaluate this one, just don't forget to do this.
From my experience, sitting in a new car for only a brief moment don't count. Not even 3 minutes. For accurate evaluation of comfort, one got to sit there for at least 10 minutes if possible. The longer U sit, the more U feel the plus and minuses of the car's seats, and why I say minor differences in seat material and hardness could add up on longer times U spend in the car.
People seems to focus too much on engines and looks. To me, seats are paramount too. What is the use of a cool looking car or just a few hundred dollars cheaper if the seats are too hard and too small for U ?
I have seen the torque and power curve for the Versa's engine. This new MR18DE engine is similar to its other siblings the MR20DE and HR15DE series. These new Nissan engines FYI, happen to give drivers abt 90% of maximum torque at 2000 rpm. That helps with fuel economy and acceleration.
That is why I feel that if test drives are fair, the 1.8 Versa could easily match any Fit and Yaris. the difference in weight is quite minor, how can it be possible that the extra 300 cc does'nt count ? I don't believe it.
Also the CVT version gives U abt 10% I think extra fuel economy. So for people who are buying the Versa for the long haul, it is worth while to get the CVT version.
In a nutshell, read magazines, read internet posts all U want. But pls reserve final judgement after yr test drive. Afterall, some magazine, internet editors may be more biased to a brand or car. U got to match each car to your own UNIQUE needs.
I won't be taking the Versa or any small car on a real long trip, with kids. That is what our minivan is for! But for driving comfort I prefer firm, supportive, multi-adjustable seats like those in my Elantra and MPV, vs. soft seats.
Re size of Versa's seats, every review I've read of the Versa has noted that the front seats have short cushions. So I am not ready to agree they are "full sized" until I try them out. In contrast, I found the Fit's and Yaris' seats OK for size, but they suffer from lack of adjustment (no height adjuster on the Fit, and one with the aforementioned problem on the Yaris sedan).
I will be very disappointed if the 6-speed is 10% lower in fuel economy than the CVT. That would put the 6-speed at around 32 mpg highway per Nissan's estimates. Edmunds.com made the 6-speed sound fun to use, and it costs a lot less than the CVT (since it's only available on the pricier SL trim).
The weight difference between the Versa and Fit is 261 pounds per C/D (Fit Sport MT vs. Versa SL MT). That is roughly 11% more than the Fit. The Versa's horsepower is only about 12% greater than the Fit's. That is why the extra 300 cc's on the Versa don't count for much.
I will definitely reserve final judgement until after my (long) test drive. I agree, the car has to meet the unique needs of each buyer. But I find the reviews in the auto mags and Web sites interesting and valuable--especially since they are all we have for the next month!
Also, in my opinion, 1 to 2 seconds is a HUGE difference when merging onto busy freeways from an entrance ramp stoplight, and a difference that can definitely be felt. In the case of the Versa, the issue is that the engine is decently powerful, but acceleration and MPG seem to fall a bit short when considered together...
The Versa-and the upcoming Sentra-do have some pretty neat features for their respective classes, and standard side curtains on the Versa are a plus (though the Fit offers ABS, too, at an entry price of $14,400 with the manual).
~alpha
Frankly, very few people IMO who buy this car are going to do the clutch dump or redline shifts that C&D does to get their times. I think that the street start (5-60) is more realistic. Consumers reports is also more real-world, since the stat the car at idle during their acceleration tests.
And, even though the Versa may be a tick slower than another car (FIt) or get a few less MPG, it still doesn't seem to qualify as being slow or having bad MPG.
Every car requires trade offs. THe Versa seems to be a good combo of features/quality/performance/mpg, and roomy and comfortable to boot. And cheap.
Maybe they had to give up a little bit of sporty handling and a few MPG in the process, but it still sounds like a package that will appeal to a lot of people (aka the mainstream buyer).
Now they just need a real sport version with a 2.0l engine and suspension tweaks!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
First, just as Darth Vader said to Lukeskywalker " Do NOT underestimate the power of the dark side ! " I want to say " Do not underestimate the SPACE inside this otherwise not too big Versa as it appears on the outside.
I can understand that to people used to riding in big minivans on long distance trips, they cannot imagine the Versa suitable for such purposes. NO WAY is the Versa even close to a minivan in space.
My answer : U R QUITE WRONG if U think so. The only thing Versa cannot do that the minivan can is the Versa do not have 3 rows of seats. So Versa can carry max. 5 people vs 7 or more for minivans.
BUT for those 5 in Versa, I say they will enjoy EQUAL comfort and space as many minivans. And I tell U, the legroom in the Versa's rear is GREATER than many minivans ! Now that may even make Versa even more enjoyable than some minivans on long trips.
How can I describe the feeling in words ? Remember folks, I have sat in one. I am not guessing.
Also, don't just compare power with weight folks. The torque curve also matters. And for this new engine, Nissan happens to adjust so that we get 90% torque at low rpms. I don't know how Honda's Fit engine torque curve is like at low rpms.
To Backy, if U feel like taking yr family on long trips on the Versa, No problem ! Yr kids will feel like they are on a minivan. Just that U lose 2-3 extra seats thats all.
If anyone is interested, I can find articles overseas that have test driven Versas, in English of course, and put them here. And these articles are not from Nissan offices worldwide but from independent sources. I have seen many and majority marvel at this car.
well, when I brought up that relative performance thing, the component I stated was tires. most sport models have better tires than the commuter models, and largely that's the big difference. the fit has dunlops and the versa has continentals ( which I hate for a tire. the conti's on my spec would never grip at a start.) stiffer springs help too.
as for c/d's numbers, stickguy reiterated my point. it's that extra shift under 60 that adds to the times. and again, for this car, it's pretty pointless to argue over a .5 second difference.
When taken alone, it may be pointless to argue over a .5 second difference, but when taken against the fact that the Versa returned what(?) 6 MPG less over C/D's 1000 mile loop, it becomes apparent that the powertrain in the Versa is not as efficient as strong as the Fit's.
~alpha
I'm not sure how the C/D test loop compares to the driving most people will do with a car of this type. They do tend to get some screwy numbers at times. I'm not even sure that it's some cars get too low, just that for some reason some cars get real high results.
Again, look at the entire package and get what makes the most sense for you. If MPG is the only thing you care about, get a Yaris since it will get better mileage than the Fit!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
You make many good points in your posts but you lose me when you talk about things like the Versa feeling like a minivan on a long trip. The Versa has four captain's chairs, which recline, with armrests? It allows four people to sit in those chairs while a fifth stretches out in the rear seat? It has a deep well in the back that holds lots of cargo, even if all seats are used--or if only four people are in the car, it provides a HUGE storage compartment in back? If you want to take the family dog with you in the Versa, where does he sit when there are five people in the car and the rear is filled with luggage?
Have you ever taken a family of five (with their luggage) on a 2500-mile trip in a subcompact car like the Versa? Have you ever done it in a minivan? If so, you might know why minivans are so popular with families.
However, do you think it possible that after consumers compare the Fit (Magic Seats, better MPG, made at old plant in Japan) and the Versa (No Magic, no standard ABS, made at new plant in Mexico) the consumer demand for the Fit will increase to a level greater than today?
Add to this the increased advertising Honda will buy to compete with Versa, and we could see Fit prices rising even higher than today. What are your thoughts?
I do have a Mazda 3... that has inexpensiver service every 7,500 miles. I don't want a car that is significantly worse (since I'd opt for a second one of those then...)
Below are 3 websites, Nissan, Honda and Toyota mpg data for these 3 cars. In Japan they take mpg seriously too, as the section is highlighted in special color, reddish pink. Scroll down to the number under the KM/L (I'll convert for U guys to mpg):
Nissan Versa (look under the MR18DE engine heading): http://www2.nissan.co.jp/TIIDA/C11/0409/DATA/main2.html
Honda Fit
http://www.honda.co.jp/Fit/grade-data/index.html
Toyota Yaris (known as Vitz in Japan)
http://toyota.jp/vitz/spec/spec/
Look under the 1.5 L heading.
Even though the numbers whether they are freeway, city or combined I am not sure (probably combined as it does not make sense for them to give highway figures when in Japan they have traffic jams in their cities as well). Furthermore the explanation in Japanese beside the mpg section are similar in Japanese characters, which I conclude they all use similar conditions when testing.
Also these cars have been sold in Japan for sometime, so I guess their mpg figures should be reliable, cause if they don't the Japanese consumers will laugh at any company whose data is incorrect. So as a "starting" point for comparison, one might want to use these Japanese data.
Here's my deciphered data (Gosh, now I know why the US code breaking team in the Pacific War during WW2 almost go crazy breaking the Japanese military code !):
Versa 1800 cc version achieves 16.4 Km/L CVT version. Thats 38.6 mpg. The 1500 cc version did better, at 18.2 Km/L CVT, thats 42.8 mpg. The non CVT 1500 cc version achieves 39.5 mpg.
The Fit claimed 18.8 km/L = 44 mpg for the 1500 cc engine.
The Yaris claimed 18.6 km/L = 43.8 mpg for the 1500 cc.
OK. Should Versa buyers start cancelling their orders because the Versa 1.8 burns a bit more gas ? Let's put this into proper perspective. Look, the Versa is bigger sized and gives U bigger interior space. Isn't it fair and normal that she burns a bit more gas ? U can't have something extra for nothing !
In fact the Versa 1500 cc engine mpg figure is very similar to Yaris and Fit even though she is bigger. Thats pretty good ! Just that Nissan decided USA wants the bigger engine.
How does the gas money adds up ? Assume U drive 50 miles a day. Thus if U use the Versa, U will burn 50/38.6 = 1.295 gallons. Thats 1.295x3x30 = $116.55 gas money a month.
If U use the Fit, U will pay 50/44x3x30 = $102.3 a month.
If U use the Yaris, U will pay 50/43.8x3x30 = $102.7 a month.
OK, figures in the US may not be that rosy (wonder what stuff they put in their gas in Japan), but still I believe many don't drive 50 miles a day on average. So do yr own maths.
And my conclusion is the gas money difference between the Versa, Fit and Yaris is very very small. Not meaningful at all ! Only $14 dollars or a bit more per MONTH !
So why don't U regard the $14 as a ticket to enjoy bigger space per month ? Extra legroom, headroom, things like that ?
But for those who can buy a $10k+ car and still wants to keep $14-$20 a month, then the Fit is probably for U. As for the Yaris, forget it. For the same gas money, Fit offers more space than Yaris.
I spent a lot of energy and risk spying on the [non-permissible content removed], so please make good use of these data !
I would like to point out that much of your argument assumes that a majority of people have the same prefrence profiles as you do. So, I understand your points on the Versa's impressive interior space. However, not everyone places the highest priority on the biggest in class interior room. For those who find the Fit sufficiently large, the Versa's extra room is superfluous, but the difference in MPG, noticeable. Also, I understand your analysis, but the gap is FAR wider as tested by Car and Driver- a whopping 6-7 MPG difference (can't remember offhand). Finally, the Fit, as noted, has a trick interior that the Versa doesn't.
I feel that it comes down to a matter of the targeted buyer. Though both are small runabouts, I feel the Versa is more conservatively American, while the Fit is more aimed at youthful, active lifestyle. The Fit also appeals to those especially sensitive to the rising gases prices and/or wanting the promise of reliability. Nissan's Mexico plant doesn't have the best track record, for example, with this generation of Sentra.
Finally, this is a civilized forum and we tend not to use words that can be mistaken as slurs, so please also observe that.
~alpha
Slurs ? What slurs ? Oh, is it the [non-permissible content removed] thing ? Ah, I don't mean any offence ! If I hate them, I would not be recommending a JAPANESE CAR ! OK. Then I will type Japanese.
Anyway, I have made most of my points. Suit yourself then. I don't have many more things to add.
Anyway is there are real strong proof that the cars made in the Mexican plant are really below standard ? Or is it just " lack of confidence " in the abilities of Mexican car workers ? Despite the fact that its the Japanese who trained them and assisted by advanced car manufacturing machinery ?
If I still sound offensive, let me know. I really have no malice to anyone. I just want nice value for money cars !
Re: my comment on the Mexican plant- the current generation Sentra, now in it's 7TH model year- has consistently fluctuated between worse than average and average in the Consumer Reports survey of reliability. This, from a model that previously (when built in Japan and then Tennessee...) consistently rated at better to much better than average.
~alpha
Most modern plants are heavily automated, so there is not that much difference between a Japanese plant and the Mexico one.
Now, if the Mexican workers were sloppier, that would show up in initial quality maybe (fit/finish), but I don't think it has much to do with where the factory is if the made in wherever Tranny or altenator craps out in year 4!
I don't have my CR here at work, but I know that there are poorly rated cars made in Japan and certainly Germany, which are supposed to be the holy grail of manufacturing sites, and plenty of fine ones made in the USA, and other places.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
All this back and forth just goes to prove the adage "different strokes for different folks". Different buyers have different needs/likes, and the Versa and Fit (and yaris, etc.) all go about trying to fill them in their own way.
As I said before, the Fit might get better MPG, but the Versa is still likely to be very full efficient in it's own right. Besides, real world results will often be different than the ratings.
Besides, the Fit is smaller and lighter, so I hope it gets better MPG! Some people just value room/comfort/features over the few extra MPG.
my Accord is averaging ~25 mpg putting around town (my normal usage). I certainly wouldn't complain if a Versa upped that to 29, even if a Fit might jack it up to 32 (all numbers for illustration purposes only)!
I'm too lazy to do the math, but the couple of bucks a month I would save would not be enough to make up for not having a moonroof, sat. radio built in, and steering wheel audio controls.
Now, if the Versa got H2 mileage, and the Fit averaged diesel rabbit numbers, it might be a different decision.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I prefer the sportier look and driving dynamics of the 2006 Kia Rio5 and the clean, crisp lines of the 2006 Kia Rio LX sedan to the Versa. It is going to be fun to follow the 2007 Nissan Versa's reliability record and owner's reports on it's performance.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
See, I am not a racist, just that I am surprised saying " [non-permissible content removed] " today is still regarded as having a negative connotation like during the 2nd World War. I thought its now 60 years after WW2, but I guess I am wrong on this one perhaps.
So in my opinion, the quality of a car coming out of a plant in any country depends on :
The production SYSTEM, machinery and TRAINING supplied by the company. The best babies, Mexican or Japanese or American, who have grown up to become car workers are useless if the company's training program is poor or uses bad machinery etc.
Oh, of course the parts / components quality. Again this depends on the company system and how they choose their suppliers, not just the workers.
The EXPERIENCE of the workforce will also exert some influence. That could be why the Nissan Smyrna plant is so good, but the Canton plant recently have some quality issues, even though with Nissan's long experience in car making, these should be ironed out soon.
I think one simply have to realize that a fresh US Marine recruit who just joined the US armed forces in the year 1945 for example just cannot be compared with veterans who have fought since the early days of WW2.
BUT in newer car plants, it should be easier to speed up the learning curve, as many automated machinery are helping. Marines don't have that when fighting their opponents. So while it could take quite a while for a new soldier to become a combat veteran, car workers should be able to turn out good cars in a shorter period.
Now we simply ask ourselves, how long has the Mexican factory been in operation ? How " bad " are the RECENT quality problems ? I say recent because its not fair to use old issues when improvements will definitely have been made as time passes by.
If you read the news recently, even Toyota made in Japan cars have a number of big volume recalls recently. Japanese babies who become car workers do not necessarily ALWAYS turn out almost perfect, much better cars. Its the overall company system that counts.
Thats why I am convinced that Canton's newer workforce will be veterans soon. UNLESS Nissan is a new car company that existed only since 5-10 years ago. But Nissan have been making cars since I think 1933 ! They have tons of experience on car making problems and how to solve them.
Just that cars are very complex objects. One don't expect problem free production all the time, everytime. Even Toyota is not immune from these problems.
If Nissan overall company quality basically sucks, I don't think they can become so big back home in Japan. Japanese consumers are equally unforgiving about bad quality that refuses to disappear, like everyone of us.
In my opinion, the quality of most car makers today isn't that much different among one another as compared to say decades ago. Every car maker simply have much more experience today.
Also in some other websites in other countries where Versa is sold, I have seen good figures. I will need to dig up those websites again.
If those Japanese websites give misleading information, won't people laugh and/or somebody might even sue for gross misleading information ?
But don't worry. I won't say which party is dead right at this moment. I will help find other worldwide independent figures, preferably from owners, who have been using the Versa for a while.
I also want to pinpoint the data. Like any laboratory experiment, the best is not to take one reading only, but to take multiple readings and use the AVERAGE figure.