As the consumer’s thirst for conspicuous consumption wanes, so, too, does the desire to abandon the gas-guzzlers that characterized the earlier part of this decade. All sorts of motive power options still exist: Hybrids. Electrics. Reclaimed cooking oil. And finally, there remains the lowly gas-burning, internal combustion engine. With this in mind, we decided to take a look at the Nissan Versa 1.8 SL – the big brother to the recently-announced cheapest car on sale in the United States.

Well, at $9,990, the Versa 1.6 was, for a few days, the cheapest way to get that new car scent. Shortly after Nissan’s announcement, Hyundai countered with a stripped out Accent for a few bucks less.

What is it?
Although classified by the EPA as a midsize car, based on its interior volume, The Versa is Nissan’s entry into the compact car segment. Available in other world markets as the Nissan Tiida or Latio – and even the Dodge-badged Trazo C1.8, the U.S.-spec Versa is offered in several trim levels as a four-door sedan with trunk or a five-door hatchback. Both can accommodate five passengers, although you might not want to do this during a cross-country trip.

Nissan supplied Leftlane with a 1.8 SL hatchback, and though it’s at the top of the Versa pecking order, most of its basic attributes (ignoring the extra 0.2 liters of displacement, some luxury features and hatchback body) are shared with the 1.6.

What’s it up against?
Competitors in the compact hatchback ranks are few, but it’s a growing segment. Start with Honda’s Fit, Kia’s Rio5, and Toyota’s new Yaris five-door hatch and, if you start adding on the options, you ought to be out cross-shopping Mazda’s slightly pricier Mazda3, Volkswagen’s Rabbit, Toyota’s Matrix and Pontiac’s Vibe.

Any breakthroughs?
The Versa breaks no new ground as far as technology goes, but does plow ahead in the value department. Standard features include a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), power windows and locks, cruise control and a CD changer – all starting for a bit over $16,000. Nissan offers some luxo-style options, too, including keyless access and starting, Bluetooth and remote engine start – rare items in this segment.

How does it look?
Attractive, in a squished sort of way, the Versa is nonetheless an odd bird. A high-roofed, two-box design, it has definite JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cues that define what a Japanese commuter might typically drive in the home market. Ours had lower rocker panel ground effects, a rear spoiler that also acts as a backlight shade, and unique front and rear fascias, for an added sporty look.

Oversized headlights in front, coupled with largish taillights at rear give off the appearance of the Gremlin characters from the movie series of the same name (check out the sixth photo). Finally, 15-inch alloy wheels are wrapped with four all-season Continental ContiProContact tires.

Fit and finish, both inside and out, exceeds the norm for this segment.

And inside?
As quirky as the exterior is, the interior is completely at the other extreme. As we stated before, this is not the loss-leader $9,990 model that Nissan rushed to market to try and take advantage of the economic downturn currently gripping most of the world. It is rather well equipped for an econobox, lending it an air of sophistication not typically seen at this price level – even if our tester was almost double the list price of the value-leader. Supportive front seats with a rather plain seating surface carry over to accent the doors, rounding out the upholstery portion of the interior.

A rather square-ish dashboard offers close access to the driver for most every control available. Starting with the leather-wrapped steering wheel, the gauge binnacle is clearly visible through the wheel. The center stack is such that it would not be out of place in a 1999 Chevy Malibu. It’s totally functional, just not sexy. At the very top is a compartment suitable for sunglasses, followed by a six-speaker audio system with in-dash six–cd changer. Rounding out the bill is a manually operated climate control system.

Just below that is a console that houses a pair of cupholders and change slots. Unless you have the reach of a gorilla, it might take a stretch that possibly could divert your attention away from the road. The console also houses the shift lever, which controls the continually variable transmission with overdrive.

Finally, the rear seats fold forward in a 60/40 split, but they don’t fold quite flat. As a result, you won’t realize the same cargo capacity that you might find in cars like the Honda Fit.

But does it go?
The Versa does have a bit of go-go under its belt, albeit in a way that shows this is not a high output ride. Powered by a proven Nissan 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine, it provides 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft. of torque. Power is supplied to the front-drive transaxle by Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission. We understand the ability of a CVT to improve fuel mileage and economy, but we still can’t get over the continuous climbing pitch of the transmission whine as the Versa’s speed increases.

Good throttle response makes for fairly quick getaways from the stoplights. But surprisingly, you get decent mileage numbers too. Expect 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for an average of 30 mpg – not bad, even for the class. Brakes are discs up front with drums at the rear. An optional ABS package ($250) includes the usual anti-lock system as well as electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. We think it should be a standard feature, at least on the uplevel SL.

An array of independent struts up front and a torsion bar set up at rear provide the suspension underpinnings and they generally do a good job. We say generally because when negotiating speed bumps in a parking lot, a loud thump would be audible from the rear as though the torsion beam was bottoming out against another part of the Versa’s underbody. We don’t think this is an isolated situation, as we have heard owners and other members of the media claiming a similar occurrence.

As we’ve come to expect from Nissans, the Versa is certainly above average in the handling department. Accomplishing quick lane changes and maneuvers, the light steering worked fairly well, showing just a minor amount of side-to-side wallowing. While not in the league of the Nissan GT-R, it still provides reliable transportation with good return on mileage.

Why you would buy it:
You like unusual shapes and are girding your loins for the next spike in oil prices.

Why you wouldn’t:
Your idea of efficient fun includes around-town jaunts in your hoity-toity Smart fortwo.

2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL base price, $16,210. As tested, $19,260.
Convenience package, $650; Moonroof, $600; Floor mats, $155; Sport package, $700; ABS package, $250; Destination, $695.

Words and photos by Mark Elias.

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