The Versa is the new subcompact hatchback sweetheart. With its low price, it measures up to the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, yet its generous dimensions make it virtually as big as a Toyota Matrix, a compact-size vehicle. That's an interesting paradox that makes Nissan, its manufacturer, look good.

A compact-size vehicle virtually as big as a Toyota Matrix.

In 2007, Nissan Canada sold 50% more cars, an increase that was possible thanks to the arrival of the Versa. Launched in the summer of 2006, the popularity of this new model justified the addition of a four-door sedan a few months after the introduction of the hatchback.

The Versa arrived just at the right moment, and with the right attributes. Its seductive lines, a $14,598 base price and a fuel consumption average of about 7.0 L/100 km promised by the carmaker explain the interest generated by consumers who are worried about repeated hikes in the gas prices.

In real life, of course, we must add at least 15% to that fuel economy figure in order to obtain a more realistic result. By the way, our winter testing with this car gave us an average consumption of 10.0 L/100 km.

A "more-than-Yaris-and-Matrix"!
By comparing base prices, you'd think the Versa is the same size as a Yaris. Wrong! The Nissan is 47 centimetres longer. Interior space destined for occupants is also proportionate with this difference, just like cargo space, which is 24% bigger in volume inside the Versa.

Comparing it with the Toyota Matrix is more realistic. All you have to do is park a Versa next to a Versa to realize it. There are only 6 centimetres in length and width, and a marginal 1.5 centimetres in height for the Versa to equal the dimensions of the Toyota.

Ironically, the published volume for the cargo hold is actually bigger than in the Matrix, despite the small dimensions. In fact, once the split rear seat is folded down, cargo volume reaches 1,427 litres, or 30 more than in the Matrix.

The Versa's trunk is more spacious than that of the Matrix.