The Nissan Versa is a subcompact sedan. (Fox News Digital)
It is spacious enough for four six-feet-tall adults without having to squeeze too much, has a huge 15 cubic-foot trunk and is nicely appointed overall for the price.
The Versa's trunk has a capacity of 15 cubic feet. (Fox News Digital)
Even a fully-loaded Versa SR with the automatic transmission checks out at $20,215 and gets 40 mpg on the highway. It is very much an economy car on both points, but it is not a penalty box.
The rear seat can fit two adults comfortably. (Nissan)
It is not a fast car, but it can accelerate to 60 mph in just over 10 seconds, which does not feel dangerously slow while merging into traffic, just a little leisurely. The response of the shiftless CVT (continually variable automatic transmission) is a little sluggish when you hit the gas pedal, but it helps keep the engine speed low when you’re cruising along.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FOX NEWS AUTOS NEWSLETTER
When you are, it is surprisingly quiet and ride quality is very nice. The Versa’s suspension is on the soft side, and it soaks up potholes and ruts well. I have been in fancy SUVs that have done a worse job on NYC’s streets.
The Versa's engine is a 122 hp four-cylinder. (Nissan)
As far as a car for commuting into the city on a budget is concerned, you could do much worse than the Versa. Consumer Reports predicts it will delivery average reliability, and it has a five-star crash test rating from NHTSA to boot.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
I did not expect much when I picked up the Versa to test, but after a few days in it, I honestly would have been fine with many more.
----------
2023 Nissan Versa
Base price: $16,925
Type: 4-door, 5-passenger, front-wheel-drive sedan
Engine: 1.6-liter four-cylinder
Power: 122 hp, 114 lb-ft torque
Transmission: CVT automatic
MPG: 32 city/40 hwy.
Gary Gastelu is Fox News Digital's automotive editor.