Autoblog

Buick LaCrosse and Nissan Versa latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Pick awards

Chris Shunk — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Hatchback, Buick, Nissan

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for high-res image gallery

There was a time when the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety was the ball buster of safety standards, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Association gave out Five Star ratings like glitter at a gentleman's club. Times have changed and automakers have evidently picked up on what IIHS is looking for, and more and more new vehicles are receiving the top designation of "Good." To get the top score, stability control is the price of entry, and features like side curtain airbags can really help the cause. And unlike NHTSA's 35 mph impact speeds, the IIHS smacks concrete at a more impressive 40 mph.

The two newest members of the "Good" club cater to very different customers, but both have great safety chops. The 2010 Lacrosse is all-new for 2010, and the IIHS found the newest Buick very worthy in front, side and rear impact collisions. As you might expect, the Lacrosse comes standard with stability control and side curtain airbags.

The Nissan Versa has been on the market for a while now, and the 2010 subcompact has once again earned the top designation from the IIHS. The Versa scored well in front, side and rear collisions, and with optional stability control, it was able to fetch a top score.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

[Source: IIHS]

Buick LaCrosse and Nissan Versa latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Pick awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan shows off new Versa-based electric vehicle prototype

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Technology, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

Nissan EV-11 prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

A week before it shows the world what its new dedicated electric vehicle will look like, Nissan is showing off its latest-generation prototype. The company's previous iteration was based on the original Cube, but the new test units are based on the Versa/Tiida. A 108-horsepower / 206 pound-feet electric motor designed in-house at Nissan drives the front wheels, while a lithium ion battery pack created by Automotive Energy Supply Corp. stores electricity. The 24 kWh pack is fitted under the floor and is expected to yield a 100-mile range.

Nissan is aiming to make life as stress-free as possible for its EV drivers. To that end, the navigation system will automatically display the driving radius that the current battery state of charge will support. It can also download information about currently available charging stations. Drivers can also access the charging status of their cars remotely via a cell phone, so no doubt an iPhone app will be on the way. More details after the jump.

Gallery: Nissan EV-11 prototype

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan shows off new Versa-based electric vehicle prototype

Nissan shows off new Versa-based electric vehicle prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan to shift Versa/Tiida production from Japan to Mexico

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Nissan

With a rapidly appreciating yen and an expected loss of almost $3 billion for the 2008 fiscal year, Nissan is shifting some small car production to Mexico from Japan. The Versa/Tiida (as it's known elsewhere) is expected to be built south of the border for export to the rest of the world. North American-market models are already built in Mexico, and this would consolidate production. CEO Carlos Ghosn already announced cost-cutting efforts that would eliminate 20,000 jobs worldwide, including 12,000 in Japan. The U.S. dollar has dropped 15 percent against the yen in last six months, costing Nissan nearly $1.3 billion.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]

Nissan to shift Versa/Tiida production from Japan to Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Fit dominates Consumer Reports subcompact test

Michael Harley — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota

Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Fit Sport

The folks over at Consumer Reports have ranked the Honda Fit Sport top among tested subcompact cars in their March 2009 issue. "We found the new Fit the most practical and enjoyable car in this month's group," says Consumers Union. The world's largest independent consumer product testing organization, who don't claim to be enthusiasts, ran the small Honda against the Suzuki SX4, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, and Chevrolet Aveo.

Compared to the rest of the group, the Honda Fit Sport 5-speed was the quickest to 60 miles-per-hour (an asphalt-melting 9.2 seconds) and sipped the least amount of fuel during testing (a not too shabby 33 miles-per-gallon overall). The CU testers were pleased with the Honda's versatile and flexible interior, but not with its dismal headlights. Of the five, only the Fit and SX4 were recommended. The Yaris and Aveo scored too low in testing to make the cut, and the Renault-based Versa sedan has proven too unreliable. Better luck next year, guys. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport

[Source: Consumer Reports via PR Newswire]

Continue reading Honda Fit dominates Consumer Reports subcompact test

Honda Fit dominates Consumer Reports subcompact test originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh, it's on! Hyundai Accent regains Cheapest Car in America title

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hyundai, Nissan

Less than a month after Nissan announced its $9,990 blue-light-special Versa Sedan 1.6, Hyundai has one-upped them. Or should that be one-downed? The 2009 Hyundai Accent has regained the title of Cheapest New Car in America with a starting price that undercuts the Nissan by a Jackson. Priced at $9,970, it is now the least expensive new car on the market. And Hyundai didn't reduce content to get the price down. It's essentially the same Accent you could have bought last month, just with a lower MSRP.

That's a hard deal to pass up, but that's not all bargain shoppers! Act right now and you'll be getting some free peace-of-mind, as well. According to the most recent J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, it's also the "Most Dependable Sub-Compact Car" on the market. With Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection, it tops the Nissan there, as well.

The $9,970 pricetag applies to the 2009 Accent GS 3-door with a manual transmission, which comes with a 110-hp 1.6-liter four-banger, power steering, airbags all around and even a tire pressure monitoring system. If you absolutely have to have an automatic or four doors, however, the price jumps quite a bit. The Accent three-door with automatic transmission starts at $12,070; the Accent GLS 4-door with a manual transmission starts at $12,920; and the "sport-tuned and comprehensively equipped" Accent SE 3-door with manual transmission starts at $15,070. Freight adds $695 to each. So we'll call this one the cheapest hatch in America and the Nissan gets to keep cheapest sedan honors, for now at least.
[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Oh, it's on! Hyundai Accent regains Cheapest Car in America title

Oh, it's on! Hyundai Accent regains Cheapest Car in America title originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What does the Nissan Versa 1.6 offer for $9,990? Not much

Chris Shunk — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Nissan

Cheap, efficient transportation is highly desirable right now, and Nissan has stepped and delivered a super base Versa that will run you under 10 large. But what do you get for that rock-bottom MSRP? Well, you still get four wheels, four doors and six airbags, but things get thin from there. Nissan started with a one-two punch of crank windows and no air conditioning, making the economical sedan a bad choice south of the Mason Dixon line. A five-speed manual is standard fare, with automated cogs available for $1,000. Our friends over at Kicking Tires note that you also have to add A/C to the option box to get that slush box, and that'll run you a second $1,000. Nissan also saves coin by using cheap black plastic for the side mirrors and door handles, and the wheels have shrunk to 14 inches. Wait, where's the radio? Oh, there isn't one, at least not as standard equipment. Nissan provides the speakers and the wiring, but an aftermarket setup is required to hear anything other than road noise. Out the door pricing for a Versa with A/C and an automatic transmission will cost you at least $12,935 with destination. So much for being the cheapest car in the U.S.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

What does the Nissan Versa 1.6 offer for $9,990? Not much originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Versa 1.6 becomes lowest-priced car in U.S.

John Neff — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Nissan

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]

Continue reading Nissan Versa 1.6 becomes lowest-priced car in U.S.

Nissan Versa 1.6 becomes lowest-priced car in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler/Nissan partnership bears fruit in South America: the Dodge Trazo C1.8

John Neff — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Trazo C1.8

Early this year Chrysler and Nissan formed a partnership to share products. The big news at the time was that Nissan would be replacing its Titan pickup with a version of the Dodge Ram. But before that deal went down, the two automakers from different continents had already agreed on a partnership that would see the Nissan Versa sold in some South American markets as a Dodge. Today Dodge unveiled that vehicle at the Sao Paulo Auto Show in Brazil as the Trazo C1.8 sedan. It is a direct port of the Nissan Versa we know in the U.S. and the Tiida sold in Japan, though will only be offered as a sedan in South America and not as a five-door hatchback. As far as we can tell, not a body panel or interior appointment has been changed, save for new Trazo badging and slightly different black plastic grille. We couldn't even find a Dodge logo on the car's exterior. The Trazo's engine also appears to be the same 1.8L four-cylinder used in the Versa that's been made E100 ethanol-capable for South American markets. Reading the press release from Dodge after the jump is a bit trippy, as we've never heard one automaker speak so flowery about another automaker's product. If Chrysler thinks the Trazo is so good, should we buy the Versa instead of the Caliber in the U.S.?

Gallery: Dodge Trazo C1.8

[Source: Dodge]

Continue reading Chrysler/Nissan partnership bears fruit in South America: the Dodge Trazo C1.8

Chrysler/Nissan partnership bears fruit in South America: the Dodge Trazo C1.8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Number of sub-$15k cars in U.S. falls by one-third

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Budget

Click above for more high-res shots of the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo

Every year, cars get just a bit more expensive. There was a time, which doesn't seem too long ago, that ten grand and a signature was all you needed to walk out of a dealership as the owner of a brand new car. Today, not so much. In fact, according to J.D. Power and Associates, $15,000 gets you just two-thirds of the choices you had just two years ago. Holding up the bottom of the list is the Chevrolet Aveo, which, along with the base-model Cobalt, makes GM the only American player in the cheap-car sweepstakes. The 2009 Aveo, however, has a higher base price than before thanks to the elimination of the lowest price value model. The Koreans in the form of Hyundai and Kia offer three choices, and the remaining five slots are ably filled by Japanese manufacturers.

While there may be a few more vehicles that have base prices below the $15,000 mark, J.D. Power's numbers actually reflect transaction prices rather than MSRPs. Some vehicles, like the Honda Fit, are able to maintain some driving enjoyment to go along with their low prices, and these cars often command higher prices because of the demand for them.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage - 2007 Chevy Aveo

[Source: JD Power via Winding Road]

Number of sub-$15k cars in U.S. falls by one-third originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS: In crash, Versa good, Rio, xB not so much

Chris Tutor — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Safety

Due to the popularity of small, fuel-sipping cars, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has smashed up some of the newest offerings. And, as if you needed further proof to get optional side air bags on your next car, the minimally-bagged Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Scion xB and Toyota Yaris all got poor ratings while the Nissan Versa and Honda Fit, both with standard side airbags, and the Yaris with optional side bags, got top ratings in side crash testing

The Accent and Rio both come with standard air bags, but the tests showed significant driver injury was possible. Pity the xB owners who don't even have a choice of side air bags. The IIHS said that during testing, the xB's dummy's head actually struck the crash barrier. That's gotta hurt.

The IIHS also mangled a 2006 MINI Cooper and a Chevy Aveo with standard side bags. The MINI got an acceptable rating, while the Aveo scraped by with a marginal, just above poor.

Despite the Fit's remarkable side crash results, the Honda's front airbag didn't perform properly during the frontal crash. Honda says Fit owners can expect a recall to address the airbag's early-deployment.

For an IIHS summary of all the small cars tested, click here. For an IIHS summary video, go here.

[Source: The New York Times, The Associated Press via wcnc.com]

IIHS: In crash, Versa good, Rio, xB not so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Testing a full slate of cheap cars

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Chevrolet, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Saturn, Toyota

They miss the Yugo, godblessum. Those wacky guys at Slate long for the days when a new car could be had for less than the price of a modern television set. Surveying the bargain basement offerings of the automotive world, they found that only the Chevy Aveo can be had for under 10 grand, let alone the four thousand bucks a Yugo stickered for 20 years ago. Even at an adjusted-for-inflation price of $7500, the Yugo GV earns its initials and indeed represents a Great Value. Well, you get what you pay for. Anyway, Slate rounded up a field of econoboxes for a brief comparison test to see what you can realistically expect at the bottom end of the scale.

Slate's Seth Stevenson, an admitted cheapskate who drives a '96 Saturn with 103,000 miles on it, laments the fact that the lowest rung of the car market actually spans $12,000 to $17,000 nowadays. But what exactly do you get for that much cash? More than some might guess in a few cases. Mainly in response to escalating gas prices, several automakers have brought thrifty new models out to make the bargain hunters happy. Slate tried out the Saturn Ion, the Kia Rio, the Nissan Versa, the Scion xA, the Toyota Yaris, and the Honda Fit. When he went in to rent a Chevy Aveo, the counter agent told him, "You do not want to drive that car." So he skipped it. We don't want to spoil the rankings, but after trying cars that were too boring, too jerky, and even too flashy, he finally found one that was a perfect fit. Click through for the car-by-car reviews.

Thanks for helping us fill our slate, smj!

[Source: Slate]

Testing a full slate of cheap cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sex sells: suggestive Nissan commercial axed in New Zealand

Stuart Waterman — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Nissan

The actress who put the "sex" in HBO's Sex and the City TV series, Kim Cattrall, is currently starring in a series of three Australian-produced TV commercials for Nissan's new Tiida (North America's Versa) in which the unremarkable little car becomes something of a sex symbol.

Well, apparently the diminutive Nissan is just a bit too racy for New Zealand TV - the carmaker has pulled one of the ads from Kiwi airwaves after a number of viewer complaints. We haven't found a clip of the offending spot, but we've got the next best thing - another ad in the series (above), which we're sure will give you the idea.

Here's the dialog from the too-hot-for-New-Zealand ad:
Cattrall (talking to a salesman): "Ah! That was amazing. Absolutely fabulous! I mean the great body and the way you moved it. Why didn't you tell me it was so big? I just wasn't prepared for it. You know what? I think I'm ready to go again." (Moves to car in showroom window) "Coming?"

[Sources: USAToday, Duncan's TV]

Sex sells: suggestive Nissan commercial axed in New Zealand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jul 2006 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan announces pricing for 2007 Versa hatchback

Erin Mays — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Nissan

Nissan's littlest offering in the United States, the 2007 Versa, now has some pricing to go along with the buzz its been generating. Starting at just $12,450, the base Versa is powered by a 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Buyers will have the option of adding a 4-speed automatic transmission for $800 more.

For high rollers, the Versa 1.8 SL is also available for $14,450 and includes 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, six CD changer, auxiliary input jack, remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel controls and a nicer interior. The SL is also available with Nissan's Xtronic CVT for $15,450.

The vehicle, which sports continuously variable transmission (CVT), should get around 30/36 miles per gallon for city and highway driving, respectively.

Full release after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan announces pricing for 2007 Versa hatchback

Nissan announces pricing for 2007 Versa hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jun 2006 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai announces Accent pricing, adds a hatchback

Erin Mays — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Hyundai

Hyundai will add a hatchback accent to its lineup for 2007, coming in at just a smidge less expensive than the sedan. The hatch starts at $10,415 (plus destination) for the GS with a standard five speed manual transmission, and the SE, which is tricked out with ABS, more airbags, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a stiffer suspension, starts out at $14,495. The GLS sedan starts at $12,565. Automatic transmission is $1,000 extra on all models, and the hatch, as well as the sedan, comes standard with front, side-impact and side curtain airbags.

The move may help put Hyundai in the running with the likes of the new Nissan Versa, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, ideally pulling the Accent out of the hole that has its sales down 34.9 through May over the same period in 2005.

[Source: PRNewswire, Automotive News]

Hyundai announces Accent pricing, adds a hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jun 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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