Nissan has officially announced packaging and pricing for its entry-level Versa hatchback models for the 2012 model year, signaling added value for those seeking a no-frills ride on the cheap.
With Versa sales dipping just over 15 percent for the first half of 2011, the automaker has adopted an aggressive pricing structure that starts the base Versa Hatchback 1.8 S with a six-speed manual transmission at $14,380 – a $240 savings compared to the 2011 model.
That will get you a 122 horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with the same standard equipment for the S model as in 2011, but with new available packages, namely the Convenience Package, 15-inch Aluminum-Alloy Wheel Package, “Special Edition” Package and Nissan Navigation Package. Just as in 2011, there is also an available four-speed automatic transmission for an extra $1,000.
Stepping up to the 1.8 SL, however, will add even more value – but in the form of additional equipment as opposed to a lower price. The SL comes exclusively with the Nissan-developed Xtronic CVT transmission. This model starts at $18,390, having gained what was previously labeled as the Premium Package content (Nissan Intelligent Key, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels) as standard equipment.
Fuel economy ranges from the four-speed automatic-equipped S model’s 24 city, 32 highway, to the six-speed manual S model’s 26 city, 31 highway, to the SL model’s 28 city, 34 highway rating.
