 |
|||
No one automobile is right for everybody in every situation. That is why manufacturers make everything from two seat convertible sports cars to pickups and minivans. We each have different needs and financial realities. Some of us struggle to pay for a $12,000 car financed over five years while others can stroke a check for a $90,000 prestige ride. The one automotive segment that is overlooked by many manufacturers and auto writers is the lowly entry-level sedan. This segment of vehicles with Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) of less than $14,000 and powered by engines smaller than a 2.0 liter four cylinder are just not considered sexy by those of us who lust after 400 horsepower luxury sport machines. But we live in a real world where we drive what we can afford. At less than 2% of the total industry volume, this entry-level market may not be very large, but it is incredibly important for at least two reasons. First, and most important, is that young buyers often enter the marketplace at this price point. If you can build brand loyalty early in life, not only can manufacturers tap into more buying cycles but these owners influence fashion, status and buying habits far beyond their own peers. Second, with gas prices on the rise and economic uncertainty looming, fuel-efficient cars are sure to gain market share. Nissan wants to be ready. As the very popular Nissan Sentra has aged, it has put on weight, gained in features, benefits and of course price. Nissan has been very successful with the Sentra and Altima but it does not want to abandon the young entry buyer. Nissan enjoys a young demographic and they are not about to let the small car opportunity slip away just when they think the segment is about to explode. This past week, I was invited to the announcement of the new 2007 Nissan Versa. Set in a beautiful state of the art design studio outside of Detroit, over 140 automotive press professionals caught a glimpse into the future of Nissan in North America. The new 2007 Nissan Versa will compete alongside the Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo and Suzuki Aerio. Honda and Toyota also have plans for new entries into this market. With an emphasis on maximized compact space, small engines and an affordable entry price, this market segment is heating up. Built on Nissan's exiting international "B" platform, the Versa will be produced in Nissan's Mexico assembly plant. Even though the 2007 Nissan Versa measures slightly over 14 feet long the interior space was designed to be class leading in comfort and room. The rear seat knee room measures over 25 inches for comfortable seating of even large passengers Super soft to the touch, Nissan has designed many of the interior panels with a high quality feel. Front seats are well padded and are designed to be almost as large as ones found in the Maxima. Seven speaker stereos with satellite radio and upgraded systems will be offered to prove that entry level value doesn't always mean a sacrifice in features and benefits. With the new Versa, Nissan will continue their leadership in CVT transmission applications. Continuously variable transmissions do not rely on fixed gears but rather continuously changes the ratio to provide smooth power at any speed without traditional gear changes. The new technology Nissan seeks to apply in the Versa is designed to reduce by 30% upshifting and downshifting time. Equipped with a new 1.8 liter aluminum engine, the new 2007 Nissan Versa is estimated to produce 120 Horsepower and 125 lb. ft. of torque. With an aerodynamic shape of .31Cd and equipped with the CVT, Nissan hopes the Versa will be rated at a combined (City/Hwy. average) 38 MPG. With gasoline prices sure to escalate, smaller car become a real option for many commuters. The 2007 Nissan Versa may have just found a growing niche on the American road.
2007 Nissan Versa Front Wheel Drive Economy Car
1.8L I4 cylinder engine
Estimated MSRP Range $12,000-$14,000 Estimated Combined MPG 38 Additional Web only Information and Resources For Additional Reviews: |
©2006 - Stan Risener