This is Nissan’s cheapest new car (and also one of its better ones)
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The 2020 Nissan Versa is the third generation of the nameplate. It's longer and wider than before, but not as tall. [credit: Nissan ]
Late last year, we reviewed Nissan's new Sentra. As small sedans go, it was attractive and affordable, if a bit uninspiring to drive. As it turns out, if you're looking for an inexpensive new car, Nissan actually has a better option for you-one that's even cheaper. It's the third-generation Versa, and this subcompact starts at a mere $14,730. Even a fully loaded Versa SR like the one we drove for a week will squeeze in under the $20,000 barrier, which makes it remarkably good value in 2020.
I must confess that, at first, I struggled to understand why Nissan would spend the money to develop both the Versa and the Sentra. At first glance, the two sedans look very similar and share a lot of design details, like the V-motion grille and a floating C-pillar. But this is Nissan's entry-level car, which means it's also the smallest one in its range. The vehicle has grown compared to the previous Versa; at 177 inches (4,496mm) long and 68.5 inches (1,740mm) wide, it's slightly longer and wider, and it has a three-inch shorter wheelbase (103.1 inches/2,619mm).
But it is less tall than the last Versa. The exact height depends on the trim level-at 57.7 inches (1,466mm) the SR stands slightly taller than the 57.3 inches (1,455mm) of the S and SV trims, which is a little more than two inches (51mm) less than the previous model, which gives it much better proportions. As always, styling is a subjective thing, but to this observer, it's not a bad-looking car, with some sharp-looking creases on the body panels. Certainly, Nissan has managed to make its sedan lineup look like a cohesive family, which is something not every OEM can say.
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