The 2010 Nissan Versa might actually be a magical car. I was impressed with many aspects of the Versa, including its spaciousness, flexibility and quality of materials. When I heard I was getting a Versa, I thought, “Meh.” But when it showed up in my driveway and took it for a spin, my attitude magically adjusted and I admit the Versa made me change my tune.
What oddities existed in the Versa were few, but noticeable. The adjustments for the front seats were found on the inside of them, by the emergency brake, rather than on the outside by the door. Odd. The transmission was a CVT, which behaved oddly.
No, the 2010 Nissan Versa doesn’t magically fly, but it could still belong to Harry Potter. First of all, the paint color is a bit mysterious and magical. It looks like it’s a black car in the shade, but in the light you notice it’s a lovely brown. I know, I’m not usually a brown car kind of girl, but the Versa’s brown cast a spell on me. How did it do that?
Secondly, the interior made my coffee disappear. You heard right. I had just gotten a cinnamon latte, and when I tried to lift it out of the awkward cupholder it spilled everywhere. The latte happened to be the same color as the carpet in the Versa, so the unfortunate spill was at least offset by no stain to the interior. While the wand I waved to get the coffee out was just the sprayer at the car wash, I was pleasantly surprised with the good-looking results.
Did I mention the cupholders were awkward? Combined with mild operator error, they could be a headache. All I mean is, you have to grab your drink a certain way so the lid doesn’t come off. Just letting you know, dear reader.
I admired how the Versa stowed away cords, cables, and devices like magic. There was a great console above the stereo where my iPhone went, and it also housed the aux input, so no cables were hanging around. When I wasn’t using the console though, the cubby next to the emergency brake looked like a good alternative. The truth is, it was too shallow for my iPhone, but maybe it’d be okay for your device.
Magically, this car doesn’t shift gears. Okay it’s not magic, it’s a CVT. But it feels magic as there’s no kick when the shifting happens. Some manifestations of this are really great. The execution on the Versa felt more like I was riding the clutch. It was odd and unsettling. I think I would opt for a manual transmission on this puppy. Fortunately, the 1.8l 4-cylinder was just fine, moderately peppy, and was about what I expected it to be. And with an estimated mpg 28/34 mpg, I’m okay if I’m not always the first off the line.
But I think my daughter described the Versa’s strength the best. “Mom, you know that part in the Goblet of Fire where they go to the Quidditch World Cup? You remember how the tents looked small on the outside but inside they were HUGE? This car is like that.” She was absolutely right. I was amazed with the legroom in the back seat of the Versa. The front passengers were all comfortable and happy with ample head and legroom.
What I really liked about the Versa was the price tag. I got a roomy car that was really flexible at a sticker price of $18,405 (and that includes touchscreen navigation!). With all the magic this car possesses, on the TFLcar.com recommendation scale of:
– Buy it
– Lease it
– Rent it or
-Forget it
I definitely give it a TFLcar.com rating of
Sara Lacey
Growing up in Colorado Sara Lacey was always kind to her cars. These days however, she spends her time punishing automobiles with the help of her children. Reviewing cars from the unique perspective of a woman and mom, Sara also writes for MotherProof.com and Cars.com. In addition, she sits on the board of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association.
Car buyers who like the Versa might also like the new Ford Fiesta. Check out the first drive video review below.
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