2008 Nissan Versa Overview

Introduction

The Versa took over the Sentra's spot last year as Nissan's entry-level car with the intention of attracting economy-minded buyers with its mileage, price and larger size than most other vehicles in its class.

In keeping with its positioning as Nissan's entry-level car, the Versa lineup is pretty straightforward. It is available as a hatchback or sedan in two trim levels, S and SL. All models are powered by the same 122-hp, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels. Both S trims as well as SL hatches come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional on the S, while an advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is standard on SL sedans, optional on SL hatches.

The Versa carries over into 2008 with the addition of a sedan Sport Package, formerly only available for the hatchback, and the availability of cruise control on S trims.