Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Nissan
Nissan Versa 1.6 becomes lowest-priced car in U.S.
Nissan has announced a new version of its Versa sedan today, which it claims is now the lowest-priced car in the U.S. For a base MSRP of $9,990 (excluding a $695 destination and handling charge) you can get your hands on the new Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6, which includes a standard 1.6L four-cylinder producing 107 horsepower. It's smaller in displacement than the Versa's other 1.8L engine that produces 122 hp, but is also more efficient returning 26 mpg city/34 highway with a five-speed manual and 26 city/33 highway with a four-speed automatic. The larger 1.8L achieves 26 city/31 highway with a manual, 24 city/32 highway with an automatic and 27 city/33 highway with Nissan's Xtronic CVT transmission. So the new Versa Sedan 1.6 will be slightly more frugal with fuel, but we also expect it will include less standard features in order to keep the starting price below $10,000. The new lowest-priced car in the U.S. will go on sale November 18th.
In the meantime, Nissan has another plan to ease the financial burden of its customers in these tough economic times. The Japanese automaker has announced 0% financing for 36 months (for well-qualified buyers) on the Murano, Sentra, Altima, Versa and Rogue, as well as a $199/month lease for the 2009 Altima and Rogue. Leasing a Rogue for less $200/month will require a hefty down payment of $2,754, while the Altima commands an even more steep $2,759 before you can drive it off the lot. The question is whether or not a sub-$10k Versa and new financing and lease deals will move cash crunched consumers to act.
[Source: Nissan]
PRESS RELEASES
Nissan Announces Lowest-Priced New Car in the U.S.*
- New, 2009 Versa Sedan 1.6 Features $,9,990 MSRP, Excellent Fuel Economy, Design, Quality and Reliability; Available at Dealers November 18 -
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (October 31, 2008) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced a new 2009 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 model, which features a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $9,990* (excluding Destination and Handling). The new Versa focuses squarely on value and fuel economy, with its standard 107-horsepower DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivering responsive performance and a 34 mpg highway fuel economy rating (with the 5-speed manual transmission).
The Versa Sedan 1.6 goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning November 18, 2008.
"Starting under $10,000, this new Versa Sedan 1.6 has the lowest new-car MSRP in the United States," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. "It combines the low price of a used car with the dependability, high quality and full factory warranty of every new Nissan. It's our way of saying that in tough economic times, Nissan is here to help."
Since its introduction in 2006, Nissan Versa has enjoyed strong appeal in the marketplace among buyers seeking fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or roominess. Versa offers one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings and the largest interior in the entry-level segment – along with excellent quality, reliability and durability.
The new high-value Versa Sedan 1.6 model features a smaller displacement 1.6-liter engine (versus the standard 1.8-liter), standard 5-speed manual transmission and simplified content. It is also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the 5-speed manual and 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic.
"The new Versa Sedan 1.6 is another way in which Nissan is taking a leadership role in reassuring consumers that now is a great time to consider a new car," said Carolin.
* Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $9,990 for the new, 2009 model year Versa 1.6 Sedan. Claim based on competitive MSRP's in the Lower-Small segment for new, model year 2009 vehicles. MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice. Destination and Handling $695.
Nissan Announces New Consumer Value Opportunities
– Comprehensive Program is Designed to Reassure Budget-Conscious Shoppers; Includes 0% Financing on Key Models and Competitive Leasing Programs –
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (October 31, 2008) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced a new Consumer Value Program designed to let consumers know that Nissan offers a variety of options in today's marketplace. The program includes:
- Zero-percent financing on five Nissan models*
- Competitive leases, including a $199/month lease on the Altima and Rogue**
- A national advertising campaign supporting the program, which utilizes the theme "Nissan Delivers," will launch nationally on Nov. 4th.
The zero-percent financing program includes the popular Nissan Murano, Sentra, Altima, Versa and Rogue.
"The 'Nissan Delivers' program makes good sense for consumers who now can take advantage of zero-percent financing or attractive leases on a number of great Nissan vehicles," said Carolin.
The Nissan Delivers program will feature a $199/month, limited-time lease offer on the 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan and Nissan Rogue crossover SUV.
*0% APR for 36 months. For well-qualified buyers. Offers end 11/30/08.
**Rogue: $2,754 initial payment required at consummation (includes $2,555 down payment and $199 first month payment). 2009 Rogue S AWD w/ Splash and Mats subject to availability to well qualified lessees through Nissan-Infiniti LT. Leases are subject to credit approval. MSRP of $22,505 includes a destination charge of $695 and excludes tax, title, and license. See your local Nissan dealer for more details.
**Altima: $2,759 initial payment required at consummation (includes $2,560 down payment and $199 first month payment). 2009 Altima 2.5 S with Xtronic CVT, splash guards, and floor mats is subject to availability to well qualified lessees through Nissan-Infiniti LT. Leases are subject to credit approval. MSRP of $22,545 includes a destination charge of $695 and excludes tax, title, and license. See your local Nissan dealer for more details.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Mehdi Cheddadi 11:07AM (10/31/2008)
Altima Coupe
Reply
fixitfixitstop 12:43PM (10/31/2008)
What about it?
ambientFLIER 6:17PM (10/31/2008)
It's ugly?
Chad 11:10AM (10/31/2008)
That's what I'm talking about. Small engine, steel wheels, no AC, no PL/PW, stick shift. Minimalist transportation for the masses. Sign of the times I guess. Pity the Versa is made in Mexico, though.
Reply
Crackberry Addict 11:18AM (10/31/2008)
wtf is wrong with you? what does it matter?
Chad 11:25AM (10/31/2008)
I like my car purchases to at least have some semblance of national pride. I know this is a concept that is lost on most people nowadays.
If I'm going to buy a car that is made in Mexico, it should at least be a domestic brand. Likewise, if I buy a foreign brand, it should at least be assembled in the U.S.
In reality, If I was to buy a car today I'd pick up a cobalt XFE. It is made in Ohio, a domestic brand, gets great fuel economy, and I have seen them in ads for $10,000 new.
Also, please don't insult me.
Avinash machado 11:28AM (10/31/2008)
Chad, you can buy a Nano instead. It is a very minimalist car.
Chad 11:32AM (10/31/2008)
Avinash machado, see above post.
Rai 1:08PM (10/31/2008)
does this mean you're NOT going to take a GT-R even if they gave it to you for free? because it's not assembled in the US?
Rocketboy 1:15PM (10/31/2008)
So, Mexicans don't deserve jobs?
Chad 2:25PM (10/31/2008)
Rai, in all honesty, if I was given a GT-R I would sell it, donate half the money to charity and use the other half to pay down my mortgage. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have a GT-R, but I just couldn't rationalize that kind of over-consumption.
Rocketboy, yes Mexicans deserve jobs too, but I, having national pride, personally would rather support American workers with my purchases.
Bob-omb 4:00PM (10/31/2008)
Me, too. Which is why I bought a Civic. A small car that's fun to drive and built in America.
Chad 5:33PM (10/31/2008)
Good for you Bob-bomb. The only thing better would be to buy a domestic branded car that is manufactured in the U.S.A. (that way the profits stay in the U.S. and don't go to another country).
But, I'm not about to tell you what you should buy (as it should be). I'm glad you bought a car that was assembled in the U.S.
P.V. 5:49PM (10/31/2008)
I agree. I'm not sure why Honda can't make the Civic DX start lower, as it doesn't even have AC (it does have radio, though), yet it starts at over $15,000.
Don 11:52PM (10/31/2008)
I guess that no AC thing is great in the North, but not in sweltering South Florida.
FFS 10:58PM (11/01/2008)
Chad...thats pathetic, what national pride do you get in making some Rockefeller or Trump or whatever richer ?? they already have enough billions and are not the kind that would give any away easily...i see no difference in a Japanese billionaire owner of nissan getting profits or owner of Ford getting profits...only difference i see is American owners would rather see the company go bankrupt and get as much money they can off of it than put effort into keeping it..... maybe they figured it went ok with the enron and worldcom guys
Chad 9:19AM (11/03/2008)
Simple, U.S. owned companies pay more taxes to the U.S. government. Those taxes fund our government.
Wheatstraw 11:30AM (10/31/2008)
The gas millage isn't as good as I would expect, same problem as SMART. I would just a Mazda 3 for a couple grand more.
Reply
Don 11:53PM (10/31/2008)
The 3's mileage is unimpressive as well, but it's a heck of a lot more fun.
Torrent 11:33AM (10/31/2008)
but it's ugly.
Reply