How green is it? It's amazing what sublimely smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT) can do. Everything except the base Versa model gets this tranny, and it increases fuel economy 5 mpg.
Pros & cons: The Versa exemplifies entry-level. There aren't many cars you can get these days for under $15K, and unfortunately, the JD Power & Associates ratings reflect the quality, or lack thereof. The ratings aren't out for 2013 yet, but 2012 models were below average in overall quality and predicted reliability. On the upside, Versa was all-new for 2012, and it usually takes a model year to work out the bugs. This should be a better year. The good news for Chicago: Even the base model comes standard with air conditioning.
What's new: Because Versa was redesigned for 2012, there isn't too much new for 2013. The biggest change: The addition of the oh-so-fuel efficient CVT in the top 3 trim levels. Base model costs $11,990, but you'll shell out an additional $2K to get the CVT. The hatchback has been dropped from the Versa lineup for the 2013 model year but should make a re-appearance for 2014.
Ride & performance: The 2012 Versa shed weight to make its better mileage numbers, but the basic 109-horsepower engine still struggles in the tollway passing lane.
Family value: While we wouldn't quite call this completely family friendly, we would like to point out that the rear space is a little less cramped than other compact sedans. Headroom is really nice, which makes egress and ingress easy for older adults.
Fun factor: Less than none, which puts it a notch below Honda Civic on the fun scale.
Safety: For an entry-level sub compact, Versa has an impressive list of standard safety features: dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, energy absorbing steering column and tire pressure monitoring system.
No comments:
Post a Comment