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.

 

:confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:
i still wouldn't buy it
bigger motor and less cost = no standard features lol
i wouldn't be surprised if it only came with one seat :rotfl:

 

so why is this in Fit general and not off topic? I mean we all know you're unhappy with your Fit.

 

Re-read it - the 1.8 is replaced with the 1.6, not vice versa... (hehe, versa) So it's a downgrade, not up.

I may have re-considered it if this HX was around last year, although the magic seats and overall styling for the Fit was my selling point, and slightly better MPGs...

So, basically for .2 liters less power, no a/c standard, and probably a few less non-essential features (and probably steelies w/ hubcaps... ew) you save some benjamins. With the economy, I won't be surprised if this is huge seller for Nissan. It's definitely going to be more appealing for lower budget people in need of cheap reliable transport - no frills.

I think the Fit has always been the ultimate compromise between the budget/economy and performance/fun. Get the Yaris for 10K and you get terrible handling, sloppy gearbox and cheap interior, but awesome fuel efficiency. Get the Versa, you lose MPGs, get a better interior, larger capacity, but not the best handling and huge (compared to the fit's) throws for the manual. Sure, CVT is nice, maybe. Also, why on earth did Nissan make it a 6-speed manual? I felt like I was shifting FOREVER when I test drove it on a stretch of highway.

Then there's the Fit. "nuff said.

 

A hell of a deal, price wise, if you can live without A/C. Personally, I wouldn't ante up new car money for a non-ABS car these days either. Add A/C, ABS, and then take into account likely resale difference, I'll take a base manual Fit, and in the long run you probably have a better and safer investment unless you just have to go through the couch cushions looking for change.

 

Wrong. I sold my Versa to buy a Fit because the Fit drives so much better. Versa is for truck drivers.

The reason the $10680 Versa is important is it will relieve pressure on Fit sales. The Versa outsold Fit by nearly 2:1; that may increase which means more Fits for the knowledgeable. Course, it may affect the resale value of all econoboxes and that means us.

 

Versa reliability ratings => NFG!

 

haha wait a few years see how they held up and buy one for dirt cheap to beat on

 

If they improve on reliability. If not, then I would not touch them.
So far they are rated only average reliability by CR and JD Power. NG for a brand new vehicle.

 

I also traded in my Versa for a Fit. My main reason for upgrading to a Honda was due to how much my Versa was being repaired in the dealer service department. I had reoccuring brake issues among several other mechanical defects over my first 3 months of ownership. I bought it brand new and felt like it was cheaply made and not a good risk for the long haul. Handling was poor and the Versa proved to be anything but a joy to drive on the highway. Constant steering corrections required...

I am sold on Honda. Very impressed with the apparent build quality and performance of the Fit. It is what it is and I am so glad IT IS FIT to go!

 

just wanted to throw out there that the 1.6L is only found in the sedan, not the hatch. Also, for the $10,680 price, it ONLY comes in the 5-speed. If u want an auto, u gotta fork over $2000 more but then ur not buying the base model anymore, just the standard 1.6L. I rarely see the sedan, i mostly see the hatches rolling around. Both are ugly IMO. =]

 

In 8000 miles my Versa had no problems at all and averaged 30.8 mpg, about the same as my Fit has
In the April auto issue both the Fit and Versa SLwere recommended and the Versa hatchback was commended for reliability as well as the Fit. The Versa's rear seat room was especially recommended.
I've owned 20 Hondas beginning in 1976 and no one is more sold on Honda than I but I keep an eye on competitors because what they do will affect my holdings as well.
The $10K Versa wuill have a serous effect on the econobox market. Toyota appears to do the same with their iCar.

 

I apparently had a lemon. The best features of the Versa IMO was the CVT transmission and the roomy back seat. In fact the back seat was one of the strongest selling points in my decision to buy. I was a long time Nissan fan and was very disappointed and surprised with the Versa. I expected a much better product from Nissan. I did substantial research before buying it and felt this car would be a smart purchase. I was especially impressed with all the luxury options available for a reasonable cost. My SL hatchback was loaded with options including Bluetooth - which I loved. It was a shame the Versa became a reliability headache for me.

The silver lining or rather the Milano Red lining is that I ended up with a pure joy of a car. No mechanical problems thus far and a blast to drive! Go Honda!

 

Consumer Reports just ranked the Versa the least reliable small car, I believe. Bet this helps resale when this is widely publicized. Google it.

 

April issue of CR recommended Fit, Versa SL, and Yaris.
2008 sales so far this year:Fit 69.846; Versa 75,509; and Yaris 93,366. Oct sales: Fit 6478, Versa 6889, and Yaris 4871. Yaris has been steadily declining lately because even truck drivers dislike the Yaris; once they got the single commuters, the tiny toy fell from favor.

The key here is Nissan recognizes car sales, including econoboxes, are tanking and they have addressed the issue. Right now they are saying Versa "HX" sales expected is 10k per year. I bet it ends up 25,000. Spending is slowing dramatically (wait as long as you can to buy any Christmas presents for cheapest prices) at the consumer level. we're hoping Honda is doing some sratching as well.
Vehicle sales are dropping back viciously. As is, employment projections for next year are falling fast. All those 20 to 24 year olds who voted for Obama are about to find out why track records always are better than campaign promises. It's a lesson it seems all of us have to learn (as I did in the sixties).

 

CR may have recommended the Versa, but look at the reliability listings. It got only an "average" overall rating, and that's NG for a new car.
Also, JD Power ranked it low on their reliability scale.
So buyer beware.

 

I would rather blow $10680 on H00kers------j/k!

 

$10,680 is a lot for a set of headers! ;-)