What's Wrong With This Picture: Visions Of A New Versa Edition

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

In this first look at Nissan’s 2011 Versa, we’re seeing a very different car from the high-roofed, gangly subcompact that has been dominating the B-segment sales charts all year. Which begs the question: should Nissan mess with success? With Kia’s Soul sneaking up on the Versa in year-to-date subcompact sales, will a sleeker sedan keep the Versa riding high, or will it lose out to boxier, more practical offerings?


Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Psarhjinian Psarhjinian on Oct 11, 2010

    If the Versa becomes sleek and coupe-like and, as a result, dimensionally challenged, it's sales will absolutely crater. The Versa isn't the top-selling subcompact because it's stylish or sporty. I'd hazard it's the top-selling compact because it isn't stylish or sporty. It's roomier than a many fullsize sedans (back to front), rides better than many midsizers and gets subcompact mileage. It's the big-car experience that North Americans love, but in a small package. I could see the point of a sportier Versa sibling, alongside the mainstream models. Hey, maybe a crossover-ish sporty offering; a kind of Impreza Outback-like vehicle, only with far more bizarre styling. I can see it now, but I can't think of a name...

  • PeriSoft PeriSoft on Oct 12, 2010

    For the love of Christ, stop the stretchy headlights! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhrrrgggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Jeff One less option will be available for an affordable midsize sedan. Not much can be done about GM discontinuing the Malibu. GM, Ford, and Stellantis have been discontinuing cars for the most part to focus on pickups, crossovers, and suvs. Many buyers that don't want trucks or truck like vehicles have moved onto Japanese and South Korean brands. Meanwhile large pickups and suvs continue to pile up on dealer lots with some dealers still adding market adjustments to the stickers. Even Toyota dealers have growing inventories of Tundras and Tacomas.
  • Lorenzo This car would have sold better if there was a kit to put fiberglass toast slices on the roof.
  • Lorenzo The Malibu is close to what the 1955 Bel Air was, but 6 inches shorter in height, and 3 inches shorter in wheelbase, the former making it much more difficult to get into or out of. Grandma has to sit in front (groan) and she'll still have trouble getting in and out.The '55s had long options lists, but didn't include a 91 cubic inch four with a turbo, or a continuously variable transmission. Metal and decent fabric were replaced by cheap plastic too. The 1955 price was $1765 base, or $20,600 adjusted for inflation, but could be optioned up to $3,000 +/-, or $36,000, so in the same ballpark.The fuel economy, handling, and reliability are improved, but that's about it. Other than the fact that it means one fewer sedan available, there's no reason to be sorry it's being discontinued. Put the 1955 body on it and it'll sell like hotcakes, though.
  • Calrson Fan We are already seeing multiple manufacturers steering away from EVs to Hybrids & PHEVs. Suspect the market will follow. Battery tech isn't anywhere close to where it needs to be for EV's to replace ICE's. Neither is the electrical grid or charging infrastructure. PHEV's still have the drawback that if you can't charge at home your not a potential customer. I've heard stories of people with Volts that never charge them but that's a unique kind of stupidity. If you can't or don't want to charge your PHEV then just get a hybrid.
  • AZFelix The last time I missed the Malibu was when one swerved into my lane and I had to brake hard to avoid a collision. 1 out of 5ā­ļø. Do not recommend.
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