Autoblog

Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent and Chevy Sonic top Consumer Reports subcompact shootout

Zach Bowman — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota

Consumer Reports has just wrapped up an evaluation of subcompact sedans, and the Kia Rio EX has rolled out ahead of the class. The four-door beat out its corporate clone, the Hyundai Accent and the Chevrolet Sonic to take the top spot. Evaluators pointed to the sharp handling and well-optioned interior in the Rio as reasons for the vehicle's win. The newly redesigned Nissan Versa and unloved Toyota Yaris filled out the top five sedans. And what of the baby hatchbacks? CR once again credited the Honda Fit as leader of the pack, followed closely by the Versa Hatchback and Rio Hatchback.

The organization found fault with the base Chevrolet Sonic's fuel economy, and found the turbocharged LTZ model to be too expensive. Evaluators also felt the Sonic Turbo "didn't live up to its sporty aspirations."

We'll politely agree to disagree on that one.

All of the vehicles in the evaluation are either too new or scored too low in CR evaluations to earn a coveted Recommended rating. Hit the jump for a look at the full press release and debate amongst yourselves in Comments.

Continue reading Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent and Chevy Sonic top Consumer Reports subcompact shootout

Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent and Chevy Sonic top Consumer Reports subcompact shootout originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2012 Nissan Versa

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Nissan, First Drives

America's Cheapest Car Returns With More

V is for Versa, and Nissan would like you to believe that its 2012 Versa also stands for volume, value, virtues, versatility and, since we're out of Vs, sophistication. While other automakers have been out to redefine the idea of the compact car as something hip and sporty - no longer the moped of cardom - Nissan developed this Versa "to redefine compact car value, giving buyers everything they want and need in one stylish package."

That means the Versa makes math arguments, not emotional ones. It wants to give you more than you'll get elsewhere and not make you feel bad about going for its attributes instead of allure. As the segment sales leader, that argument has been working for years. Yet with other manufacturers adding new variables, we went to Seattle to see if the Versa still makes a case for itself.

And it does... if you like numbers.

Continue reading 2012 Nissan Versa

2012 Nissan Versa originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan Versa hatchback soldiers on for 2012 despite all-new sedan counterpart

Zach Bowman — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Nissan

Nissan has officially released pricing on the company's 2012 Versa Hatchback. Buyers looking for the functionality of a five-door can expect to pay $14,380 excluding destination charges for models equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission in S trim. Opting for a four-speed automatic gearbox will set you back an additional $1,000, while stepping up to SL trim with the company's Xtronic CVT will cost another $4,010. Of course, that stack of cash buys SL owners more than just the fuel-saving transmission. It also includes all of the equipment formerly stashed in the Premium Package as standard, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth hands-free calling and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Keep in mind that aside from the new standard equipment, the 2012 hatch will soldier on much as it was in 2011. Nissan says that since most of the model's sales were five-doors, it wanted to debut an all-new sedan first.

Even so, the five-door prices mark a steep increase over the base Versa Sedan, which starts at just $10,990 when equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed transmission. The hatchback Versa is on sale right now, but shoppers looking to get their hands on the low-buck four-door will have to wait until later this year. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Continue reading Nissan Versa hatchback soldiers on for 2012 despite all-new sedan counterpart

Nissan Versa hatchback soldiers on for 2012 despite all-new sedan counterpart originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York 2011: 2012 Nissan Versa offers 33 mpg for $10,990

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:18:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Nissan

2012 Nissan Versa - Click above for high-res image gallery

Revealed "simultaneously" as the new Tiida in Shanghai, the 2012 Nissan Versa drove onto the stage here at the 2011 New York Auto Show spouting some impressive numbers: 33 miles per gallon (combined, and 30 city/37 highway) for the low, low price of $10,990. Sure, 33 ain't nothing compared to a Toyota Prius, but you could buy two Versas for the price of a Prius, and $10k buys a lot of gas at 33 mpg.

This is exactly the kind of thinking that Nissan wants car buyers to do, and the company is encouraging this train of thought by branding the Versa with its Pure Drive efficiency label - first applied to cars in Europe in 2008. The 2012 Versa, sporting a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine and weighing 150 fewer pounds than the previous generation model, will be the first Pure Drive vehicle in the U.S. Speaking at the show, Nissan's executive vice-president of the America, Carlos Tavares, said that this "is a real car, complete with air conditioning, vehicle dynamic control, CD/radio with aux in, electric-assisted steering and 15-inch wheels and tires." You want more features, like satellite radio or "Fine Vision instrumentation?" They're available of course, but they'll cost you a bit more.

Tavares said the Versa is already the best selling car in it's segment, and we can see Nissan selling quite a few of these if the numbers talked about today bear themselves out on the road. Check out the details in our gallery below and read plenty more in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Nissan Versa: New York 2011

Gallery: 2012 Nissan Versa

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading New York 2011: 2012 Nissan Versa offers 33 mpg for $10,990

New York 2011: 2012 Nissan Versa offers 33 mpg for $10,990 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Is the age of the sub-$10,000 car passing?

Chris Shunk — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Hyundai, Nissan

As you've likely noticed, new cars aren't getting cheaper. Pack enough options onto a new C-segment hatchback or sedan, and it's not difficult to elevate the MSRP to $25,000 or more. At the same time, there are still plenty of B-segment and C-segment vehicles that can be had for $16,000 or less, and the base Nissan Versa can still be snagged for $9,990; albeit with zero options and no radio. The same goes for the cheapest Hyundai Accent, which starts at $9,985.

How much longer can Nissan continue to offer a new car for under $10,000? USA Today thinks those days are about over, as the 2012 Versa is set to bow at next week's New York Auto Show. The new Versa appears to be better looking and more refined than the model it replaces, making a $10,000 price tag unlikely. The new Accent is another probable candidate to drop its $10K model. It's also expected to make an appearance in New York, and should be markedly improved over the current car in all respects.

So, does the arrival of the next-generation Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent mean the end of the $10,000 vehicle? Does it even matter? While the ultra-cheap stripper models are handy marketing tools for their manufacturers, a shopper with $10,000 to spend can get a lot of car for that money on the used market. With a radio and A/C to boot.

[Source: USA Today]

Is the age of the sub-$10,000 car passing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2012 Nissan Tiida hatch (pronounced: "Versa") caught ahead of Shanghai reveal

Chris Shunk — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, Hatchback, Nissan

Yesterday, we told you that the 2012 Nissan Versa is coming to the New York Auto Show later this month, and today we can show you exactly what its JDM counterpart will look like. Above is a completely undisguised photo of the Tiida hatchback as it sits in a parking lot in China. The hatch shares a virtually identical front end to that of the Versa sketch Nisan showed us back in October. The Tiida also shares a platform with the already in production Sunny, which shows that a sedan variant is also likely.

The spy photo shows highly stylized headlamps and a grille that is framed in chrome. The lower fascia is agape, framed by a pair of similarly large fog lamp openings. Overall styling of the Tiida appears to be a bit more conservative than competitors like the Ford Fiesta, though it's a clear improvement compared to the outgoing Versa. Another spy photo, which is available on autoincar.com, shows that the Tiida carries a Direct Injection Gas 1.6 liter turbo engine, which currently pumps out 188 horsepower under the hood of the Juke, though we'd be very surprised if the Versa gets that kind of power - a naturally aspirated 1.6 will likely be offered.

We'll see how close this spy shot of the Tiida is to the production 2012 Versa when it is unveiled in New York later this month.

[Source: Auto In Car]

Spy Shots: 2012 Nissan Tiida hatch (pronounced: "Versa") caught ahead of Shanghai reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan teases next-gen Versa, confirmed for U.S.

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Etc., Hatchback, Nissan, Design/Style

Nissan has released a sketch of the next-generation Versa, and in the process has confirmed the new model will be sold in the United States. The 2011 model benefited from minor equipment and pricing changes, but the next Versa looks to take on much more stylish design language, with the Versa adopting some of the familial lines of its larger Altima and Maxima siblings.

Details are still very limited at this point, in fact we only have the above image and confirmation that this next-gen Versa will be sold here, but with the auto show season just ramping up, we'd expect to see Nissan's new compact bowing at the LA Auto Show this November.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan Versa Hatchback

Photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Nissan]

Nissan teases next-gen Versa, confirmed for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Nissan abandons thoughts of 240SX revival, ponders Sentra coupe instead

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Nissan

Nissan Foria Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

As much as we'd love to see Nissan hearken back to its performance roots with a remake of the classic 240SX coupe, it seems the Japanese automaker is content to earn sales by sticking to the tried-and-true approach of offering competent vehicles at attainable prices. In other words, if Nissan has a sporty-looking coupe in the pipeline, it'll be more of a Scion tC competitor than a Hyundai Genesis Coupe-challenger.

This revelation comes by way of Larry Dominique, chief product planner for Nissan North America, who tells Wards "he would be more inclined to do a derivative of the Sentra than introduce an entirely new nameplate." Nissan's internal data suggests that it could only sell about 30,000 240SX coupes in America per year, which isn't enough to make a convincing production argument. Sad, sure, but very likely also true.

In related news, Dominique also says that the next generation of Nissan cars in the States will share a great deal of design DNA. At present, there is very little visually that ties the Versa, Sentra and Altima together in any meaningful cohesive way besides the Nissan badge on the trunk. Expect that to change in the coming years as the nameplates receive their next rounds of styling updates.

Gallery: Nissan Fiora Concept

[Source: Wards]

Report: Nissan abandons thoughts of 240SX revival, ponders Sentra coupe instead originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Which models will join the 100,000 sales club this year?

Zach Bowman — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Toyota

2011 Toyota Camry - Click above for high-res image gallery

The number of vehicle models slated to cruise past the magic 100,000 mark this year is up. In a big way. According to Wards, there are around 39 percent more nameplates expected to clear the six-digit hurdle in 2010 compared to 2009. So far, sales-trends point to 32 cars and trucks expected to meet or exceed the goal, compared to 23 last year. So which models are the winners of 2010?

For the first time ever, vehicles like the Kia Sorento, Chevrolet Traverse and Nissan Versa are aiming to close out 2010 with more than 100,000 units sold. They join the ranks of mainstays like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado - two trucks that have already well-exceeded the 100k line, even with another full quarter left in the year. In all, a total of 16 cars and trucks have already performed similar feats of sales wizardry.

And who's the fairest of them all? That honor goes to the Toyota Camry. The Japanese automaker has already delivered a total of 220,061 units through August, putting it well ahead of any competition. That pace doesn't look to be slowing anytime soon, either.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Camry

[Source: Wards]

Which models will join the 100,000 sales club this year? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan joins overheating Garmin sat-nav recall

Zach Bowman — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Technology, Nissan

2010 Nissan Versa Hatchback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan is recalling a number of models due to overheating Garmin navigation units. Cars, trucks and SUVs equipped with Nuvi 750, 760 and 765 GPS devices are at risk for a vehicle fire due to overheating batteries in the devices. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall affects Nissan's Altima, Frontier, Pathfinder, Rogue, Sentra, Versa and Xterra models sold with the Garmin devices between 2008 and 2010. NHTSA does not say exactly how many vehicles will be effected by the defective batteries.

Garmin technicians will make the necessary repairs to the GPS units by replacing the battery with a new, less-toasty unit and adding an additional spacer between the battery and the rest of the device. The repair won't cost owners anything other than a little time and a trip to the local dealership. Nissan will notify owners directly about the recall, which is scheduled to begin sometime during this month. Suzuki is facing a similar recall, as well - these Garmin navigation units are fitted in the SX4, Grand Vitara and Equator.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan Versa Hatchback

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: NHTSA]

Nissan joins overheating Garmin sat-nav recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Edmunds compiles top ten 'Dark-Horse' list of worthy overlooked vehicles

Zach Bowman — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Buick, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Suzuki

Edmunds' Top 10 'Dark-Horse' cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

We all know the typical sales winners of the automotive universe. Come hell or high water, Honda Civics and Toyota Camrys will still float off of the lot. Granted, that's good news for most automakers, but at the same time, there's a wealth of under-appreciated models languishing under the beady eyes of inflatable gorillas across the country. The good people of Edmunds have taken it upon themselves to wrangle up a top 10 list of those long forgotten winners and filed them under the collective banner of "Dark-Horse" candidates. Sexy.

We're absolutely down with cars like the 2010 Buick Lacrosse, 2010 Suzuki Kizashi and the 2010 Hyundai Genesis, but the 2010 Nissan Versa has us scratching our heads. While the car is a perfectly decent little compact, the market is awash with other excellent options. Need proof? Look no further than another Edmunds Dark-Horse selection, the 2011 Ford Fiesta. We suppose that with all the hype surrounding the new Blue Oval hatchback that it can't as easily be considered a forgotten option, at least at this point. Hop the jump for the full press blast and check the gallery below for the top picks.

Gallery: Edmunds Top Ten Dark-Horse Cars

[Source: Edmunds]

Continue reading Edmunds compiles top ten 'Dark-Horse' list of worthy overlooked vehicles

Edmunds compiles top ten 'Dark-Horse' list of worthy overlooked vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Nissan Versa gets priced, includes minor updates

Steven J. Ewing — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Nissan

2010 Nissan Versa Hatchback - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Nissan Versa hasn't received any substantial updates since its 2007 debut. It's a shame, since there's some pretty stiff competition on the market these days, especially from the likes of the Suzuki SX4, Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta. Still, Nissan adds incremental updates annually, and the 2011 model year is no different. What's most important, though, is that pricing for the latest Versa has gone unchanged, meaning the bottom-end 1.6 Base sedan still rings in at $9,990, and the top-end 1.8 SL hatch commands $16,900, with a variety of models in both body styles in between.

Visually, nothing will change from the 2010 car (pictured), but some new standard equipment makes its way onto some trims. 1.8 S Versa sedans now benefit from an in-dash six-disc CD changer, and mid-grade 1.6 sedans now come with standard ABS (sorry, 1.6 Base, you still have to do without anti-lock brakes).

We find the Versa to be a rather pleasant little economy car, but with fresher, more attractive offerings on the marketplace, Nissan will be wise to accelerate the development of its next-generation car. Still, with an unchanged price and more standard equipment on deck, the Versa should continue to sell relatively well until a replacement crops up. Hit the jump to read the full details in Nissan's press release.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan Versa Hatchback

Photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading 2011 Nissan Versa gets priced, includes minor updates

2011 Nissan Versa gets priced, includes minor updates originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2010 Nissan Versa lives life large

Dan Roth — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Nissan, New Car Reviews

2010 Nissan Versa SL - Click above for high-res image gallery

Small, affordable cars are like mushrooms. They quietly go about their business in the soggy bottom of the market, tolerated more than celebrated. Occasionally, the fungi mutates into a truffle, and so it is with this less-respected branch of autodom.

The Nissan Versa is no market newcomer. Introduced in 2007, it's trudged along unloved in the U.S. while faring better in markets outside the States as the Tiida. As with cuisine, some regional flavors are an acquired taste. The Versa hatchback has a decidedly "big in Europe" thing going on, with its distinctive shape and tall-hatch proportions. Taking into consideration Nissan's close relationship with Renault, the styling even seems Gallically influenced. We nabbed a pair of Versas, an S with six-speed manual and an SL with CVT, to see if Nissan's efforts are fetid or delicious. Make the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan Versa Hatchback

Continue reading Review: 2010 Nissan Versa lives life large

Review: 2010 Nissan Versa lives life large originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #163 - Paukert Re-Redux

Dan Roth — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Saab, Toyota, Spyker, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #163 of the Autoblog Podcast is here and Chris Paukert once again adds his insight as he's fast becoming the fourth regular member of the crew. First up we peek into the Autoblog Garage, occupied this week by a Nissan Versa, Audi S4, and a Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. Topics follow, with our first drive of the 2011 BMW 5 Series starting us off before we move on to Ed Whitacre's new status as official General Motors CEO and get all misty about the uncertain fortunes of Saab (glad that's been cleared up.) Toyota's most recent recall for its throttle issue, the 2011 BMW 335is, and rumors of a 50th anniversary edition Ford Mustang with independent rear suspension finish us off before we take some questions and call it a night.

Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget - there's going to be big Apple Tablet news soon! Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #163 - Paukert Re-Redux

Autoblog Podcast #163 - Paukert Re-Redux originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Nissan planning two $10,000 cars for U.S.

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Nissan

2010 Nissan Micra (EU market) - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan apparently thinks America is ready for more $10,000 vehicles, and the Japanese automaker is gearing up to do something about it. Well, two somethings, really. Automotive News reports that Nissan's chairman for the Americas, Carlos Tavares, has gone on record with reporters at the Detroit Auto Show saying that Nissan is planning a pair of vehicles that will start out at around $10,000. AN reports that the vehicles will be based off of Nissan's new V platform, an architecture set to underpin the next-generation Nissan Micra subcompact (current model shown above), which is smaller than the Versa and not sold in the States.

Nissan already markets a sub-$10,000 Versa model in the U.S., although the value-priced subcompact comes without a radio or power windows. Tavares reportedly didn't want to speculate on equipment levels, adding "the only thing that we can tell you is that we will hold that price point."

Nissan will build the vehicles at an assembly plant in Mexico, and the plan is to build three V platform products for North- and South American markets, although only two of them will be for U.S. consumption. Tavares told reporters that a $10,000 price tag would be "about right," noting that "there are very few new cars sold at that price point in the United States."

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Micra

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Nissan planning two $10,000 cars for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments