What Price Mediocrity? Well, the 2014 Nissan Versa Starts at $12,780

Nissan announced that the 2014 Versa sedan will start at $12,780, noting that makes the model the lowest-priced car in America for the third straight year. That's a nice thing to tout in ads but not generally a good sign for the car itself, and brings to mind a fortune cookie we once read: "Confucius says: Good food not cheap; cheap food not good." On the plus side, the pricing is unchanged from last year even though the 2014 model will receive some (admittedly unexciting) enhancements. There are four trims available, all offering a 109-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder good for up to 40 mpg when paired with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). All 2014 Versas receive tweaks to the suspension and steering as well as updated interior finishers. Pricing for each model is as follows: S: $12,780; offers a five-speed manual transmission (a four-speed automatic costs $1000), air conditioning, six-way manual adjust for driver's seat, AM/FM/CD with two speakers, 15-inch steel wheels; a tachometer and low-rolling-resistance tires are added for 2014. S Plus: $14,580; includes the CVT and adds a four-speaker audio system, tilt steering, cruise control, and a rear roof spoiler. SV: $16,030; features the CVT, power doors and windows, auxiliary input for audio system, remote keyless entry, steering-wheel-mounted cruise controls, a trip computer, and upgraded cloth interior. For 2014, the SV adds a trunk release to the key fob and a 60/40-split rear seat. Also receives improved seat bottom cushions with better foam density for improved seat quality. SL: $17,680; includes the CVT, satellite-radio capability and iPod input for audio system, Bluetooth, and push-button start. For 2014, SL models now include 16-inch aluminum wheels, a 4.3-inch display for the audio system, and a new headliner. Comparison Test: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vs. Fit, Accent, Rio5, Versa, and Yaris Instrumented Test: 2012 Nissan Versa SL Sedan Long-Term Test: 2012 Fiat 500 Sport Despite the comfort of a new-car warranty and the new-car smell, there remains little to recommend the Versa over any other competitor—the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, and Chevy Sonic are all good small cars—or even a used car with a year or two of depreciation under its belt. We suppose if all you want is a bargain on a new car, then the Versa is the best choice. But price and value don't always correlate, and the Versa might be the best example of that axiom. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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