2012 Nissan Versa

For the MY 2012, Nissan has revamped the Versa completely. Though it is still subtle in its design, it now resonates with a contemporary aura and looks on par with most sedans in its segment. Even on the inside, it feels refreshing and its standard features are enough to keep you busy, when on the go. Considering its price, the 2012 Versa falls in a similar ballpark as the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Ford Fiesta

The 2012 Nissan Versa is available in three different trims namely the S, SV, and SL. Each trim makes use of a standard engine option and is differentiated from the other by a set of features they possess. In addition, it features two transmission options; however, the manual gearbox is available only with the base trim. The sedan falls in a price range that extends from $10,990 to $15,990 and some of its exclusive trim-wise features include:

We Recommend

Amongst the available trim options, we recommend opting for the 2012 Nissan Versa SL that adds to the existing list of features available with both the base and mid-level trim. At a diminutive price difference, it adds specifications like fog lamps, satellite radio, and aluminum wheels and comes with a standard CVT transmission. 

The 2012 Nissan Versa makes use of a single-engine option and though an upgrade to a more powerful engine is not available, it can be of great use to the sedan. The standard engine unit is a 1.6L inline-4 option that produces 109hp and 107lb.-ft of torque. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and is channeled as an FWD variant only. Available as optional on the base and as standard on other trims, is a CVT unit that works smoothly. The sedan sprints from 0-60 mph in 10.4 seconds and can complete a quarter-mile run in 17.5 seconds, making it the slowest car on the block. However, its oneness lies is in its comfort and the ride quality is supreme, but it lacks a fun-to-drive aura that its rivals boast.

The 2012 Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio share the same underpinnings and produce the highest power and torque outputs of 138hp and 123lb.-ft. They make use of a 6-speed manual transmission system, while the less powerful 2012 Ford Fiesta makes use of a 5-speed manual setup. While the Kia and Hyundai are undoubtedly the quickest in the segment, the Toyota ranks third and is almost half a second quicker than the Nissan taking 9.7 and 17.3 seconds in the 60mph and quarter-mile run, respectively.

The 2012 Nissan Versa is extremely frugal, yet its competitors manage to outshine it. According to estimates, the sedan can manage 27MPG in the city, 36 MPG on the highway, and has a combined efficiency of 30MPG. However, it does feature the least voluminous tank in the segment that can hold only 10.8-gallons of fuel, and consequently, it manages only 292 city miles and 389 highway miles and lurks at the bottom of the table.

The similarities between the Kia and Hyundai also extend to its fuel efficiency managing a combined mileage of 32 MPG. The Ford Fiesta, on the other hand, is the most conservative option, thanks to its combined efficiency of 33 MPG and a fuel tank of 12-gallons that work together to bestow the highest range of 348 and 456 miles, respectively.

The 2012 Nissan Versa receives an update inside out. Consequently, the cabin has been redesigned and while it does look modern and sleek, the material quality is a barrier in its likability. It features hard-touch plastics that run through the dash and even the standard cloth upholstery isn’t appealing. However, the cabin is practical and all features are in the driver’s arm’s reach. The cabin is highly usable, but the competitors manage to place themselves higher in the ranks with their refinement.

The 2012 Nissan Versa can seat five passengers and while there is ample head-, shoulder-, and legroom on offer, the seats lack comfort and are hard to get used to. They lack under-thigh and knee support, making long rides a dreadful experience. In terms of cargo capacity, it leads the segment with its sizable trunk that has a total volume of 14.8 cubic feet and is adequate to place two large boxes inside.

Each sedan in the segment has a total seating capacity of five passengers, however, each competitor of the Nissan has a constrained feeling to its vehicle due to the restricted legroom for rear-seat passengers. But each of the 2012 Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, and Ford Fiesta have better-designed cabins that use plusher materials. In terms of cargo space, each of the three vehicles has a lower capacity with the Ford ranking last having a total trunk volume of 12.8 cubic feet.

Some of the salient interior features include:

• Remote Trunk Release
• Cloth Upholstery
• Electric power steering
• Tilt only Steering Column
• Single zone Front Air Conditioning
• Front and Rear Cupholders

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2012 Nissan Versa?

The infotainment system of the 2012 Nissan Versa is no pomp and gaiety. While it is easy to use and adaptable, it lacks a touchscreen system as standard and comes equipped with basic features like AM/FM stereo and a CD Player. With the optional packages, better features can be added to the vehicle and the top-tier also gets an option for a compact touchscreen display unit. Some of the salient infotainment features available with the sedan include:

• Auxiliary Audio Input
• MP3 Player
• Satellite Radio
• 2/4-Speaker Sound System
• SV Convenience Package
• SL Tech Package

The 2012 Nissan Versa looks better with its refreshed design and only carries forward a similar level of subtlety. It is now bigger and looks muscular and flared when compared with the outgoing model. The head and taillamps look extremely positive and the use of chrome to highlight the front grille is quirky in its essence. Equipped with the optional rear spoiler, the sedan looks a bit more aggressive and athletic, however, we’d stick to the basics, any day of the week.

The 2012 Nissan Versa is the longest vehicle and also sports the best wheelbase of 102.4 inches, which allows for higher space for rear-seat passengers. It is 66.7 inches wide and stands tallest in the segment at a height of 59.6 inches. It is also the lightest sedan weighing just 2,350 lbs.

All three competitors of the 2012 Nissan Versa are rather sharp and sportier in their design. However, in terms of dimensions, each of them is smaller. While the 2012 Ford Fiesta sports the shortest wheelbase in the segment of 98 inches, the Kia Rio stands at 5.5 inches from the ground. However, both sedans are wider than their competitors and measure just under 68 inches. On the other hand, the Hyundai Accent has the shortest length and height of 172 and 57.1 inches, respectively.

Some standout exterior features of the 2012 Nissan Versa include:

• Rear Spoiler
• 15-inch wheels
• Body-colored bumpers
• Splash Guards
• Chrome cladding to the grille

The 2012 Nissan Versa scores 4-star ratings in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA and a rating of “Good” by the IIHS. It comes equipped with an extensive list of standard safety features. These include brake assist, child seat anchors, and 4-wheel ABS. It is equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear that helps manage decent deceleration performance. Some of the other salient safety specifications include:

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Traction and Stability Control
• Front Seatbelt Pretensioners
• Child Seat Anchors
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Airbag System

The refreshed variant of the Nissan Versa only helps improve its appeal but does not contribute to its cause of becoming a mainstream choice against sought-after rivals. It lacks the acceleration capabilities and fuel efficiency its competitors possess and houses an overtly minimalistic cabin setup that though usable, lacks a sense of sophistication and refinement. For an entry-level vehicle that is affordable, the absence of luxury features is not a grave problem, however, with competitors offering better specification load, we’d suggest looking out for other vehicles before finalizing a decision.