While the Nissan Versa sedan received a complete redesign last year, the hatchback continued without any change on the platform previously introduced.

According to Nissan, the Versa Note will feature “best-in-class” cargo space and achieve up to 40 mpg fuel efficiency on the highway. The Versa Note will hold the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine reaching 109 hp & 107 lb-ft of torque.

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is set to go on sale June 2013 with a base price of $13,990.  Available in three trims; S, S Plus and SV- as well as 8 beautiful exterior colors.

The Nissan Versa made this Top 10 list thanks to not only its affordability but also the variety of options that come with Versa. With an under $11,000 starting price, the 2012 Nissan Versa is the least expensive car in the United States. However, despite the super low price, the five-passenger Versa sedan offers quite a few options, like an MP3 auxiliary jack. As Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelly Blue Book’s KBB.com notes, “As the least expensive car in America, the Nissan Versa makes an excellent choice for students looking for the most sensible way to get from A to B.”

This award comes on the heels of several other awards the 2012 Nissan Versa sedan has won. Other awards include Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com’ s Best Cost of Ownership award for its class. The Versa also won the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick, awarded for have the highest safety rating for front, rear and side impact protection, as well as the highest rating for roof strength.

Parents will know their student is safe with the standard six airbags, including two dual-stage front airbags, side impact airbags, and two roof-mounted curtain airbags for front and rear passengers. To complement the low price tag and high safety ratings, the 2012 Nissan Versa’s fuel efficiency at 38 miles per gallon is perfect for a student’s budget.  As Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager of Nissan Division, Nissan North America states, “Although small on the outside, the 2012 Nissan Versa offers big value on the inside with its exceptional roominess and an unexpected level of available entertainment and connectivity features.” What more could a student want?

The Nissan Note is newly on the showroom floors in Japan. European drivers will see the new Note at dealerships at the beginning of 2013. Hints of what American car buyers can expect with the Versa hatchback are found in the Note, as both are based on Nissan’s global V-platform. Of course, the Versa will include features specifically designed for both the North and South American markets.

Currently, the Nissan Versa, in both the hatchback and sedan versions, leads the American sub-compact market for 2012. It has outsold tough competitors including: Ford Fiesta, Honda, Fit and Hyundai Accent, controlling more than 22 percent of the US market share.  When questioned about the Versa’s market success, Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, notes, “Nissan’s sales dominance in the sub-compact segment was driven by Versa’s triple-digit gain in June. The Versa offers exceptional value, excellent fuel economy and numerous features rarely available in other models in the segment.” With the new changes coming to the Versa hatchback, the Versa will be well-positioned to continue dominating the sub-compact market.

Visit Orland Park Nissan today to discover what the Versa can do for you!

 The NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigations is looking into reports of the SRS warning light coming on, due to the steering column pinching the spiral airbag cable assembly. If this cable becomes pinched, it could prevent the airbag from correctly deploying, in the event of an accident. Although this potential problem only affects 2012 Nissan Versa sedans, the NHTSA is evaluating the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences of the issue.

Despite this potential problem, the Nissan Versa was named one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Picks in March. The redesigned 2012 Nissan Versa sedan earned this prestigious award with “good” ratings for front, side, rear, and rollover tests, as well as for coming standardly equipped with stability control. This was a significant improvement from previous year models, which only scored “acceptable” in roof strength and side impact testing.  Nissan voluntarily reporting the potential issue with the airbag, before consumer problems arose, demonstrates the manufacturer’s commitment to consumer safety.

The 2012 Nissan Versa sedan model is based on Nissan’s Sunny, sold in foreign markets including China. The next generation, American, 2013 Versa hatchback, which is due out this fall, will continue to be built on the global Tiida platform. As the sedan and hatchback model are two different vehicles, the hatchback is not affected by the airbag cable assembly concerns.

 With gas prices still a significant concern for many drivers, smaller cars, like the Nissan Versa, are seeing an increase in sales.  Not so long ago, many car manufacturers didn’t have the selection of fuel friendly vehicles consumers now demand. Thankfully, Nissan understood that the rising gas prices along with an increasingly eco-conscience consumer would change the needs for today’s car buyers.

 Today, the Nissan Versa gives drivers the flexibility of either a four-door sedan or a hatchback and highway gas mileage up to 38 miles per gallon.  The Versa’s affordable price, starting under $11,000, and fuel sipping 1.6 liter or 1.8 liter engines has seen sales climbing for the first half of 2012.  In fact, with such great gas mileage and low price tag, the Nissan Versa makes those considering a hybrid think twice before making a purchase.

The sub-compact market segment is one of the most competitive; however, the Nissan Versa has all of the angles covered. It’s roomy interior includes an adult friendly backseat. The Versa also has one of the most comfortable rides in its class. Plus, the large trunk space in the sedan or rear cargo area of the hatchback, means you will have lots of room for luggage on your road trip and more money to spend on your trip thanks to the Versa’s fuel efficiency.

It’s no wonder more car buyers are selecting the Nissan Versa. With gas prices over $4.00 per gallon in many areas of the United States, fuel efficiency is one of the most important concerns for drivers. Although other classes of vehicles are becoming more fuel friendly, such as more fuel efficient SUVs, for those who need the highest fuel economy at the most affordable price, Nissan Versa is the answer they’re turning to, as seen in sales figures across America.

The 2013 Nissan Versa comes in three trims including the 1.6 S, the 1.6 SV and the 1.6 SL. There is also a Nissan Versa hatchback that is available, which comes with the same features as the previous generation Versa model.

The 2013 Nissan Versa uses a CVT (continuously variable transmission), which has improved the overall fuel efficiency of this model. The new 2013 Versa now gets 31/40mpg, a difference one an added a mile a gallon more to the city mpgs and two miles a gallon more on the highway. The CVT is not an add-on option, but rather a standard feature incorporated into the engine design by Nissan. The S trim can also be made available with the CVT.

Gas mileage aside, the 2013 Nissan Versa has the option of adding a backup camera to the SL trim model with a Tech Package. This adds an additional safety feature for those who have small children that may be roaming around the vehicle as it is put into gear. The live video from the camera displays directly on the dashboard screen when equipped with the Tech Package.

The 2013 Nissan Versa is expected to be at Orland Park Nissan sometime in August 2012. For more information about scheduling a test drive or pre-ordering one of these hot new vehicles, contact Orland Park Nissan by phone or visit their website. A sales representative will be happy to assist you with any questions that you may have!

Both the Nissan Note and the redesigned 2013 Nissan Versa hatchback use Nissan’s V (Versatile) global platform. The 2012 Versa sedan also uses this platform, debuting with this model in the summer of 2011. However, the 2012 Versa hatchback currently uses the older B platform, which it shares with its brothers – the Cube, Juke, Sentra, and Rogue.

The V platform is lighter, easier to manufacture, and less expensive than the B platform predecessor. In fact, the new 2013 Nissan Sentra, set to debut in the next few months, will also use a version of the V platform.

Although the Versa currently controls 22 percent of the sub-compact market segment, the Versa hatchback is definitely due for a makeover. It’s sedan brother realized increased success with its recent facelift, and the styling cues from the Note will definitely improve the look of the 2013 Versa hatchback.

Although listed as both Nissan Versas, interestingly the sedan and the hatchback are run on two different model cycles. The Versa sedan recently received a makeover. Now with the new and improved Versa hatchback, Nissan is perched to remain at the top of the sub-compact market.

Once upon a time, subcompact cars were relegated to those who simply wanted cheap transportation. Car manufacturers then realized that with refinements to their vehicles and an increasing array of features, subcompact cars like the Nissan Versa now appeal to a wider variety of drivers.

The 2012 Nissan Versa got a facelift, with all new sheetmetal. To compliment it’s upgrade exterior, the Versa also features an upgraded powertrain and a newly redesigned interior. Starting at under $11,000 for the sedan or under $15,000 for the hatchback, you wouldn’t expect the interior features Nissan offers on such an affordable car.  The Versa sedan features class-leading legroom and headroom, making it the “big little car.” If you want even more room, the hatchback offers superior cargo area for all your belongings and your passengers. The Versa also includes bluetooth, hands-free connectivity, so you can make or receive phone calls with just a touch of the button on your steering wheel, allowing you to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. The optional Nissan Navigation System has a five-inch touchscreen display, and includes an iPod interface. Of course, with these features comes superior safety.

The 2012 Nissan Versa was a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This is a first for the subcompact. With standard stability control and “good” ratings for front, side, rear, and rollover tests, the Versa will keep your friends and family safe, in the event of an accident. Giving you peace of mind, along with a wallet-friendly price tag!

The sedan starts at just under $11,000, making it the least expensive car amongst its competitors. For the small price, the Versa offers you the most front and rear legroom and headroom for any small sedan in its class. The hatchback version gives you even more room, with increased legroom and a spacious cargo area.  The Nissan Versa goes beyond just offering a budget-friendly sticker price, you’ll continue to spend less at the fuel pump as well.

The Nissan Versa hatchback with the four-cylinder, 1.8-liter automatic with variable gear ratios gets 34 miles per gallon on the highway. The six-speed manual Versa hatchback gets a respectable 31 miles per gallon on the highway. However, if you’re making the commute from Matteson to Chicago and want to maximize your fuel economy, go for the Versa sedan, with the automatic. This 4-cylinder, 1.6-liter engine sips fuel at a very pocket-gentle 38 miles per gallon. If you like the control of a manual transmission, the five-speed manual sedan still gets an impressive 36 miles per gallon on the highway.

Surprisingly, the Versa’s little price tag also comes with a nice array of features. Hands-free calling with the Nissan Versa is super-easy. Make or receive calls with just a touch of a button, right on your steering wheel. Key information is also right in front of you, with an in-dash display of information such as instantaneous mileage, average mileage, and distance to empty. You can even get Nissan’s Navigation System to help guide you on your trips. It not only gives you turn-by-turn directions, byt also displays your incoming Bluetooth calls, shows MP3/WMA song information, and allows you access to all of your music with the easy-to-use touch screen.

After a study by Kelley Blue Book, records show the Nissan Versa also offers the lowest cost of ownership of any subcompact car during the first five years. So not only is the sticker price the lowest of any vehicle in the country, the cost of maintenance during its first five years on the road is the best in its class. Buying a 2012 Nissan Versa is basically saving a lot of money right now and continuing through the next five years. Not bad for a brand new car under $11,000.

When most people think of a low-priced brand new car, they envision a tape deck and no other form of technology. The 2012 Nissan Versa comes equipped with a 5-inch QVCA touchscreen with XM NavTraffic, a 3-D perspective map, and Satellite Radio. You can also use the Nissan Navigation System or steering wheel controls to manage phone calls through your Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System. And instead of an outdated tape deck, the 2012 Nissan Versa has a connection for your iPod or iPhone so you can enjoy the exact type of music you want.

And rest assured the 2012 Nissan Versa is a safe vehicle, too. In fact, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) recently named the 2012 Nissan Versa a “Top Safety Pick.” All qualifying vehicles must have electronic stability control and earn a “Good” rating for front, rear, and side impact protection as well as roof strength. As a matter of fact, all 2012 Nissan Versa Sedans feature six standard air bags, Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution, and Brake Assist.

Interested in seeing the lowest priced brand new car in the United States for yourself? Head down to Orland Park Nissan at 8550 W. 159th St. in Orland Park, Illinois. Their knowledgeable and friendly sales staff will be happy to explain why the 2012 Nissan Versa is the perfect car for the price!

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