Nissan builds a small car big
The Nissan Versa note is one of those little cars that’s big on space and flexibility for the dollar: it’s bigger than you think, bigger than it looks, flexible as heck, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
The tested SV model got the five-speed stick, sharp 15-inch alloy wheels, and an optional metallic orange paint job that turns heads, all for $17,000. For that, this compact fivedoor nets you a solid amount of content.
Look for a rearview camera system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, a six-way adjustable heated driver’s seat, a USB audio input, power windows, air conditioning, cruise control and a powerful central command system that looks a bit dated, but works fairly well, and can even read your text messages.
All said, the tester proved a good looking package full of most of the sort of features the modern driver is after—and space and flexibility to spare, too.
The cargo hold is fairly shallow, but rear seats fold down with ease, and a trick folding panel comprises the cargo floor, but can be flipped and slid into various height positions, or used as a divider, to match cargo carrying abilities to the job at hand. Owners will appreciate the small cubbies at the outer edges of the cargo hold, which are ideal for keeping smaller items in place.
Up front, the driving position is upright and alert, with a height-adjustable driver seat easing access to the ideal position. Cranked all the way down, even taller drivers will find plenty of headroom. Entry and exit are a cinch, thanks to the thin rocker panels and wide-opening doors.
The low mounted centre console frees up room around inboard knees, furthering the sense of space. Hop in, get comfy and get driving, and Versa Note feels like a bigger car than it is, in virtually all dimensions.
This is especially true in regards to rear-seat legroom — even if a very leggy driver has their seat in the full rearward position, an average-sized adult sitting behind him will have adequate space. Here’s an easy car for anyone to board and exit, and a little car that’s big-guy or big-gal friendly. In fact, this might just be the machine to have in the segment if you’re tall, mobility challenged, or frequently travel with a full complement of growing or adult passengers. Versa Note functions and feels like a bigger car than it is and, in some areas, it drives like one too.
Visit a rough road during your test drive to see why. In many a cheap and cheerful compact, hitting a craggy stretch of roadway makes the suspension feel and sound delicate and flimsy.
In Versa Note, I appreciated a fairly consistent feel of durability, and suspension noise levels that were largely kept to a minimum, even on challenging surfaces.
On the crumbling roadways of Sudbury, Versa Note felt a measure more solid and dense than the norm at this price point, while the slightly heavy and nicely isolated steering helped keep things on course, with the wheel virtually never fighting me as bumps passed underfoot.
Highway noise levels were appreciated too. Though the cabin can get loud at higher speeds, noise levels up to about 100 km/h are kept nicely in check and there’s little need to raise your voice. Power comes from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder with 109 horsepower. Output is adequate and little more unless you get it spinning fast and hard but, in the process, it doesn’t sound too bothered by being worked.
Drive gently and you’ll still have to use a good portion of the revs to breeze though city traffic.
The Versa Note might benefit from a sixth gear—with five, highway cruising revs land around 3,000 RPM, which is high, though the engine, largely remains quiet at these speeds.
The shifter has long throws and feels ropey and imprecise, but shifts are easygoing and require minimal effort. Manoeuvrability is decent, though I expected the turning circle to be a little smaller. Further, the backup camera does a great job of displaying what’s immediately behind you, but a wider angle may have helped reveal potential hazards farther away.
Other gripes included a lowbudget look and feel to some of cabin trimmings, adequate-at-best headlight performance, and the lack of a covered centre storage bin. Notably, though, a fold-down arm-rest was included as a surprise feature largely missing from many a little car in this price range. If you have arms, which is likely, you’ll appreciate its presence. A few elements of the cabin let the experience down slightly, but Versa Note stands as a compelling small car choice when shopper priorities include abundant spaciousness, flexibility, easy entry and exit, and good all around driving dynamics.