Versa offers "HX" model at $10,680

mahout · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 03:07 PM

Nissan has announced a 'HX' version of the Versa. The 1800 cc engine is replaced by their 1600 cc engine and A/C is not standard but that looks to be a gift to the car market outside Detroit. The price tag of $10,680 undercuts all econoboxes and is based on proven reliable components.
Mileage is expected to be 30 mpg urban and 38 mpg highway. No word if the tranny will offer CVT but no reason it shouldn't.

I suggest Honda counter with an Si version of the Fit, not so much in power, but in appearance.
What do others think?

vince · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 07:00 PM

imo i believe that honda will never release a Si version of the fit simply because its a econobox and not a sports car. it already does a awesome job serving its main purpose.

ChrisG · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vince

imo i believe that honda will never release a Si version of the fit simply because its a econobox and not a sports car. it already does a awesome job serving its main purpose.

What do you think the Civic is? Its definitely not a sports car by any means.

vince · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 07:15 PM

i dont think civic is a sports car either (the usdm ones), unless its the civic type-r from japan (csx here). thats just what i think though.

polaski · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 10:29 PM

Fit = tiny profit
Civic Si = lots of profit

Guess what gets the good motor.

If Honda wanted to counter... iDSI!!!

mahout · #6 (**permalink**) 11-08-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polaski

Fit = tiny profit
Civic Si = lots of profit

Guess what gets the good motor.

If Honda wanted to counter... iDSI!!!

I agree. Dropping the 1700cc HX engine in the Fit would distance the Fit value well up from the Versa 1600.

Sugarphreak · #7 (**permalink**) 11-08-2008, 07:49 PM

meh, the Versa felt like a cheap Ford to drive and had crappy fitment inside and out. Plastic seams all over the place mixed with cheap materials really put me off when I test drove one. I would have bought the Fit regardless of a more signifigant price difference.

Basically they just dropped the price down to match the rest of the Versa IMO.

kylerwho · #8 (**permalink**) 11-08-2008, 08:11 PM

does the "hx" stand for Honda eXterminator?
the versa is just plain ugly and will probably never out sell the fit.

Nabisco · #9 (**permalink**) 11-09-2008, 11:42 AM

The Nissan Versa cars are assembled in Mexico. That said, I'll keep my Honda.

Someone said the Civic is not a sports car either. I agree and the 4 door SI is blasphemy as well.

While a Fit or a Civic or any other FWD "box" may not be defined as a sports car, it all matters what you do with it.

Padraic · #10 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 12:35 AM

The only way I would drive a Versa is if it were the Nismo tuned Tiida. I test drove a 6-speed hatch when I was car shopping and it just didn't pass muster.

The shifter was kind of sloppy and had too long a throw. I think they borrowed it from a Jeep Wrangler.

/Hotlinked goodness.

kylerwho · #11 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 01:25 AM

did they put a vq35 in that versa? ha ha ha

Padraic · #12 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylerwho

did they put a vq35 in that versa? ha ha ha

Just a 1.8 liter with an axle-back.

They did change up the suspension a bit though. With 126bhp and weighing in at below 2600 lbs, it might be fun.

kylerwho · #13 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 01:34 AM

i still think the spoon fit with 122hp and 1800lbs would drive circles around this.

Padraic · #14 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylerwho

i still think the spoon fit with 122hp and 1800lbs would drive circles around this.

It's not even a competition. The Spoon Fit is a stripped down racer without an interior or A/C. The Tiida is a commuter car.

I wonder how the Nismo Tiida would do on a track with a stock or lightly modded Fit. With 100 more lbs, 25 more hp and a revised suspension, the Tiida might do pretty well.

Sugarphreak · #15 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 02:49 PM

lol, a Nismo Versa

What a POS

Quote:

The shifter was kind of sloppy and had too long a throw. I think they borrowed it from a Jeep Wrangler.

haha, the shifter in the one I test drove was WORSE than my Jeep!!

mahout · #16 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylerwho

does the "hx" stand for Honda eXterminator?
the versa is just plain ugly and will probably never out sell the fit.

Unfortunately, the Versa has regularly outsold the Fit. Don't forget the average driver thinks the 1980 Olds was the best driver ever.

mahout · #17 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylerwho

did they put a vq35 in that versa? ha ha ha

They left room for it. Thats why the rear seat is so big. Somewhere, somehow somebody will do that. And you thought a Hyabusa engine in a Smart was funny.

dick29662 · #18 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 10:38 AM

The Versa is no competition for a Fit. The strippo Versa is like a 50's pickup, noisy,underpowered, cheap materials, etc. If anything, Fit should introduce an upscale model with super quiet interior and all the bells and whistles standard. Dual horns, an 1.8 engine, standard GPS, upscale carpet, leather interior, etc. I'll be the first in line to buy one. Oh yes, electric six way seats under both front seats and a CVT that delivers on gas mileage.