2020 Nissan Versa available in showrooms: top-of-the-line models under 20K

• The 2020 Nissan Versa is available from dealers starting at 15,000 $.
• The new model has a 4-cylinder engine that produces more power on the 12% than the previous generation.
• Buyers on a budget will appreciate the Versa's economy of use, particularly fuel consumption.

Versa is one of the best sellers among the Nissan product line. And with the reimagined 2020 Versa, the company has high hopes for the car's design. Nissan received a more dramatic and expressive exterior, trying to move to a new level. This concerns the location of the elements and the quality of the materials. Despite this, the 2020 Nissan Versa is inexpensive and very cheap indeed. The new Versa, which just hit dealerships, has a starting price of just $14,730. The basic version is equipped with a manual transmission.

How is the 2020 Nissan Versa equipped?

Versa is available in three variants:

• S 1.6 (with manual transmission or automatic Xtronic);
• SV 1.6 Xtronic;
• and the top-notch SR 1.6 Xtronic.

The price varies from about 15 thousand dollars to 18.5 thousand dollars. $18,240 will cost the full-sized Versa SR 1.6 Xtronic. These are very low prices for a modern high quality car. Seriously though, the 2020 Nissan Versa is perfect for any first-time buyer or those on a budget.

As you would expect from Nissan products, you get a lot of options for your money. This is the third generation of the Versa. The company enthusiastically notes that it is using Nissan's new Intelligent Mobility technology. Also available is the Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of advanced safety technologies and semi-autonomous features. This is all already the standard for the SV and SR classes.

Safety Shield 360 includes:

• automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection;
• rear automatic braking;
• lane departure warning;
• high beam assist: blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert.

2020 Nissan Versa. Photo: Nissan North America.

Styling and design

According to Nissan, the new design is based on a wider platform but implies a lower height that still makes the Versa's interior more comfortable. The interior of the car has all the modern family design features that Nissan calls "Emotional Geometry".

Thus, the new model has:

• new Versa V-shaped grille;
• headlights and taillights in the form of a boomerang;
• C-pillars;
• aero roof.

The buyer can choose from eight body colors, though Nissan only tells us three colors: Electric Blue Metallic, Orange Metallic and Dark Scarlet.

The interior now features a Nissan Gliding Wing instrument panel with a floating seven-inch touchscreen display. These elements are complemented by a sporty D-shaped steering wheel, keyless entry, power button, automatic climate control and available heated front seats. Other tech and convenience options include standard Bluetooth features for audio and phone (with steering wheel controls); Siri Eyes Free voice control, hands-free text messaging, and a USB port for connecting your iPod.

2020 Nissan Versa SV. Photo: Nissan North America.

Power and performance

The latest version of the Versa is powered by Nissan's next-generation 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. This small model puts out 122 hp on the road. and 114 lb-ft of torque. The engine is available in combination with Xtronic Automatic or an available five-speed automatic transmission (Versa S only). Fuel economy is, as you'd expect, really good, but the five-speed car is more expensive.

The "high performance" model will be the Versa SR. Nissan says it "adds an extra sporty touch." The SR package includes 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 205/50 R17 all-season tires, as well as LED headlights and fog lights. An additional optional SR package was offered with heated front seats and intelligent cruise control.