Hatchback and Sedan Offer Perfect Blend of Economy, Performance, Roominess and Durability
The Nissan Versa enters its third year of production in 2009, continuing its strong appeal in the marketplace among buyers seeking fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or roominess.
2009 Nissan Versa: Continuing
its strong appeal in the marketplace among buyers seeking fuel
efficiency without sacrificing performance or roominessNissan Versa again offers one of highest standard horsepower/torque ratings and the largest interior in the entry-level segment – along with excellent quality, reliability and durability. Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg City/33 mpg Highway when equipped with the Continuously Variable Transmission.
“Since its launch in the 2007 model year, the Nissan Versa has become the smart choice for a wide range of buyers seeking its breakout combination of outstanding roominess, comfort, fuel efficiency, style, safety and versatility,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America. “But great value and a low cost of ownership is just one part of the 2009 Versa’s story – it’s also a great driving car around town or on the open road.”
Two Distinctive Body Styles, One Powerful Drivetrain
The front-wheel drive Versa is offered in two body styles, a 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan – each available in two well-equipped models, the Versa 1.8 S or the Versa 1.8 SL.
The exterior of the Versa Hatchback and Sedan, with their long 102.4-inch wheelbases and short front and rear overhangs, feature a dynamic look and attention to detail, as seen in the large halogen headlights, signature Nissan grille and large taillights. The Versa exteriors also feature body-color front and rear bumpers and body-color dual remote-controlled outside mirrors. Versa has a coefficient of drag of 0.31.
“Versa’s expressive styling is another one of its strong selling points, exceeding the usual expectations in class, with a touch of sophistication and, definitely, quality,” said Castignetti. “Versa’s crisp, youthful body forms and long rooflines suggest both the roominess inside and Versa’s performance capabilities.”
A Sport Package (optional on the Versa Hatchback SL model) adds a higher level of performance styling with a roof-mounted rear spoiler, lower body side sill extensions, unique front and rear fascia and fog lights.
2009 Nissan VersaAll 2009 Versas feature a standard 16-valve 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of three transmissions: an available Nissan Xtronic CVTÔ (Continuously Variable Transmission) (Hatchback SL model), available 4-speed electronically controlled automatic with overdrive (optional on Hatchback and Sedan S models, standard on Sedan SL) or 6-speed manual transmission (Hatchback and Sedan S models).
With 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, the 1.8-liter engine is powerful and responsive, while also delivering excellent fuel economy. EPA fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg City/33 mpg Highway with the CVT transmission; 24 mpg City/32 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic transmission; and 26 mpg City/31 mpg Highway with the 6-speed manual transmission.
The Xtronic CVT, unlike conventional stepped gear automatics, operates as essentially “one gear” through use of a belt and two pulleys. By infinitely varying the working diameters of the two pulleys, the transmission eliminates the “steps” between gears, resulting in a smoother, more efficient operation by keeping the engine in its optimum power range under a variety of driving and load conditions.
All 2009 Versas are equipped with an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, with front and rear stabilizer bars. Other standard equipment includes electric power steering, power-assist front disc/rear drum brakes and 15-inch wheels with P185/65HR15 tires. Also available are an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) and 15-inch 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels.
A Highly “Versatile” Interior
In Versa, Nissan’s design and engineering teams found a way to fit a large interior in a small car. Interior length, front to back, is more than six feet. Both the Versa Hatchback and Versa Sedan have large cargo areas, ideal for owners with highly active lives. Versa Hatchback models feature a 60/40 split fold-down rear bench that allows for a wider spectrum of passenger/cargo space combinations.
Along with a spacious cabin, Versa offers a clean, simple, high quality interior design and excellent craftsmanship. Comfort is a priority for all passengers. The wide, laterally oriented instrument panel underscores Versa’s width, while the low center console flows freely toward the rear, giving a sense of the interior’s length.
Both Sedan and Hatchback designs also integrate convenient storage solutions, including in the center console, glove box, front doors and an in-dash CD storage compartment. In addition, Versa comes with a long list of standard and available equipment, including available Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and Clarion speakers with a Rockford Fosgate-powered subwoofer.
2009 Nissan VersaStandard Safety Features and a 5-Star Rating
Versa has received the highest possible ratings in both government (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – “5 stars”) and private (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – “Good”) safety tests, thanks in part to safety features including the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags and front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection), and available roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.
Additional safety features on 2009 Versas include standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, child safety rear door locks, child seat upper tether anchors, front seat Active Head Restraints and standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Models and Manufacturing
The 2009 Versa is offered in three Hatchback models: Versa 1.8 S with 6-speed manual, Versa 1.8 S with 4-speed automatic and Versa 1.8 SL with Xtronic CVT. The 2009 Versa Sedan is available in three models: Versa 1.8 S with 6-speed manual, Versa 1.8 S with 4-speed automatic and Versa 1.8 SL with Xtronic CVT.
Available packages and equipment includes the Sport Package, Power Moonroof Package, Power Package, Convenience Package, ABS Package and XM® Satellite Radio, Audio Package and Cruise Control.
Additional images from the 2009 Nissan Versa Photo Gallery:
Versa is manufactured at Nissan’s Aguascalientes, Mexico assembly plant that also builds Nissan Sentra models for the United States market.
