The "Big Small Car" Brings Innovation within ReachOffers
Mid-Size Vehicle Technology without Mid-Size Price; High Value, High
MPG and Exceptional Roominess Highlight Sophisticated All-New Sedan
DesignSmall
on the outside, big on the inside. Smart technology with
next-generation efficiency. A $10,990 starting M.S.R.P. and low cost of
ownership. New dual injector system and sub-planetary CVT design.
Expected combined city/highway fuel economy of 33 miles per gallon. New
global "V" (for Versatile) platform. Sophisticated styling, high quality
interior.
There are myriad ways the all-new 2012 Nissan Versa
Sedan breaks new ground for entry-level compact sedans. And many ways to
sum them all up. But perhaps a simple statement is best: Innovation
Within Reach.
"Compact cars are getting a lot of attention lately
due to rising fuel costs and concerns about the environment. Yet many
buyers are disappointed in what they find -- vehicles rife with
compromise," says Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager,
Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "This new Versa Sedan, a
'clean sheet' ground-up design, takes small cars in a whole new
direction -- proving that you don't have to sacrifice style for
affordability, interior roominess for a smaller footprint, or
drivability for high mpg."
Small When You Need It, Big Where You Want ItKnowing
that entry-level vehicles are used as "workhorses" -- for commuting on
weekdays, errand running on weekends and transporting family and friends
all week long -- the designers of the new Versa Sedan sought to combine
five-passenger practicality with a high degree of comfort and
refinement. It also offers an unexpected level of available
entertainment and connectivity features, such as Bluetooth®, navigation
system with 5-inch touch-screen display, Satellite Radio and an
iPod®/USB interface.
"We see buyers in this segment as people
who are always busy, even while relaxing," explains Castignetti. "With
the amount of time they typically spend in their vehicles, we want to
make sure they feel good about their purchase long after the new car
smell has worn off. So we invested in areas that they see and touch most
-- like available Fine Vision instrumentation, quality fabrics, bright
trim work and comfortable seating for front and rear seat passengers."
The
new Versa Sedan's interior volume of 90.0 cubic feet and trunk volume
of 14.8 cubic feet (104.8 cubic feet total) are intended to not only
look great on a specifications sheet -- the passenger and cargo spaces
have been configured for real-world use. Versa Sedan has, for example,
more rear legroom than some mid-size sedans -- trumping even luxury cars
such as the Lexus LS460, BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. And
the trunk design focuses on useable space, taking into consideration
everything from the size of the hinges to the shape of the sidewalls. A
60/40-split fold-down rear seat is offered on SL models for even greater
versatility.
Other available interior features include trip
computer, power windows with driver's one-touch down, speed-sensing auto
door locks, remote trunk release lever and steering wheel-mounted audio
controls. Two interior colors are available, Sandstone and Charcoal.
The
Versa Sedan's new exterior design is also a departure from most current
compact sedans, offering a fresh, refreshing design character that is
both sophisticated and highly aerodynamic.
"The new Versa Sedan
stands out as the only expensive looking car in the segment -- with a
lot of eye power," said Castignetti. "Its sculpted, dynamic proportions
are modern without being gimmicky, projecting a much higher sense of
design value than you might expect in a vehicle with a $10,990 starting
M.S.R.P."
To
achieve the new Versa Sedan's upscale look, the designers gave the
exterior shape a strong sense of volume, with a wide shoulder width and a
smooth silhouette. In front, Versa Sedan features Nissan's new
signature sedan grille design and jewel-like headlights.
The
front end blends smoothly into the cabin, which offers flowing curves,
while design elements such as the shape of the trunklid help give the
new Versa Sedan excellent aerodynamics, including a low coefficient of
drag of just 0.31.
In addition, to help ensure superb
functionality, fresh ideas were addressed in the initial stage between
the designers and the engineering team. For example, the indented line
in the middle of the Versa Sedan's sweeping roofline is not just a
design feature, but a functional innovation that helps reduce the
amplitude of the roof panel vibrations in order to create a quieter
cabin interior without the use of reinforcement devices called "mass
bumpers."
"Design and engineering came together in an
extraordinary collaboration to create a level of sophistication that you
not only see but also feel," adds Castignetti. "It helps provide a
sense of 'modern value' that goes far beyond the mere purchase price,
much like you expect from larger, more expensive sedans."
Other
exterior features include a fixed roof antenna, body-color front and
rear fascias and available chrome-accented grille, blacked-out B-pillar,
chrome door handles and front fog lights.
The 2012 Versa Sedan
is offered in eight exterior colors, including Metallic Blue, Blue Onyx,
Super Black, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Gray, Red Brick, Fresh Powder
and Titanium -- which has previously been reserved for the Nissan GT-R
among Nissan models.
Next-Generation Efficiency and an All-New V PlatformOne
of the biggest challenges in designing a compact sedan, of course, is
where to put everything -- people, cargo, engine, transmission and other
mechanical components. Often the solution is to gather a fraction of an
inch here, a fraction there and hope they add up to a usable benefit.
For the new Versa Sedan, the approach was a little more radical --
create a totally new global platform and drivetrain, reducing the size
of engine and transmission, reducing the number of component parts and
reducing platform weight.
"It's unusual to develop a totally new
platform for a vehicle in only its second generation, yet when driven by
a culture of innovation, such investments are easy to make," explains
Castignetti.
The 2012 Versa Sedan's all-new front-wheel drive
global "V" platform, designated "V" for Versatile, utilizes nearly 20
percent fewer platform components and weighs around 150 pounds less than
the previous "B" platform. While retaining the same 102.4-inch
wheelbase and 66.7-inch width as the previous generation Versa Sedan,
the new model is 1.2 inches lower in height (59.6 inches) and 0.6 inches
shorter in overall length (175.4 inches). The biggest dimensional gain,
however, is in the visible gain in trunk length -- provided by a more
compact engine/transmission design that allows for a 2.7-inch increase
in rear overhang (the distance from the center of the rear tire to the
rear bumper).
"The new Versa Sedan proves that when it comes to
packaging and aerodynamic efficiency, not all small sedans are created
equal," says Castignetti. "The same can be said of the engine, which
beautifully balances excellent environmental performance, responsive
power and smooth, quiet operation."
The second-generation
1.6-liter HR16DE 4-cylinder engine includes a range of cutting-edge
technologies, making it one of the most advanced powerplants in class.
For example, while the average engine uses only one injector per
cylinder to inject fuel, the new Versa Sedan engine is equipped with two
streamlined injectors mounted near the inlet valve for each cylinder.
This dual injector system allows a wider injection of fuel, with the
smaller nozzles delivering a finer spray (approximately 57 percent finer
than the previous generation single injector design's particle size) to
help achieve stable combustion.
The new compact, lighter weight
engine also utilizes a twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC)
system mounted on both intake and exhaust ports (versus conventional
CVTC systems which are mounted only on the intake port), similar to the
system used on the flagship Nissan Maxima. Using a CVTC on the outlet
port increases thermal efficiency, decreases inhalation resistance and
offers an approximate four percent improvement in fuel efficiency.
Other
enhancements include the addition of a piston oiling jet, tuning of the
piston top shape and expansion of the exhaust manifold diameter.
"To
incorporate the new dual injector system into an entry-level vehicle is
very fitting of Nissan's corporate philosophy of 'innovation for all'
-- bring advanced technology to high volume segments rather than saving
them only for high-end machines," says Castignetti. "The new dual
injector system also uses around half the amount of rare metals in the
catalyzer by reducing the amount of unburned fuel and hydrocarbon
emissions."
The new 1.6-liter engine is rated at 109 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm.
The
Versa Sedan is available with a 5-speed manual transmission (1.6 S
model only) and with a next-generation Xtronic CVT™ transmission. The
CVT allows continuous change of the transmission gear ratio by
connecting the two pulleys with a metallic belt and changing their
diameter by using hydraulic pressure. The new CVT design adds an
auxiliary gearbox using planetary gearing, helping improve efficiency.
The
CVT also features a transmission ratio of 7.3:1, which is broader than
those of conventional CVTs and even typical 7-speed automatic
transmissions. Friction is reduced by about 30 percent, weight by about
13 percent and overall size by about 10 percent versus the previous
Versa Sedan CVT design.
Versa also offers low rolling resistance P185/65R15 all-season tires with available 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
"The
result of all these enhancements and advances is that the new Versa
Sedan engine burns cleaner and uses less fuel, which combined with the
improved CVT performance and better aerodynamics reduces overall fuel
consumption by about five miles per gallon versus the 2011 Versa Sedan,"
says Castignetti. "Better mileage means fewer stops at the pump ? and
more 'room in the wallet' for other activities."
Fuel economy for
the 2012 Versa Sedan is estimated at 30 mpg City, 37 mpg Highway and 33
mpg Combined with the CVT transmission (27/36/30 mpg with the 5-speed
manual transmission) (preliminary estimates).
All 2012 Versa
Sedans are equipped with an independent MacPherson strut front
suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, with front and rear
stabilizer bars. Other standard equipment includes Electric Power
Steering and power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes. An Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and
Brake Assist (BA) is also standard on all Versa Sedan models.
In
addition, the new Versa will be the first Nissan model in the United
States branded with the PUREDRIVE™ designation. PUREDRIVE will be used
on models utilizing Nissan's most advanced technologies to promote
eco-friendly driving and lower CO2 emissions*.
Standard safety
features found on every 2012 Versa Sedan include the Nissan Advanced Air
Bag System (AABS) (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags and
front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection),
seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air
bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear
outboard occupant head protection.
Additional safety features
include standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system,
child safety rear door locks, child seat upper tether anchors and Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and
Traction Control System (TCS).
Summer 2011 On-Sale DateThe
all-new 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan is available in three
well-equipped models -- Versa Sedan 1.6 S (offered in 5MT and CVT versions),
Versa Sedan 1.6 SV (CVT only) and Versa Sedan 1.6 SL (CVT only).
Along
with the 1.6 S model's many standard features, the 1.6 SV adds cruise
control, Fine Vision instrumentation, chrome grille accents, body-color
dual power remote-controlled sideview mirrors, upgraded cloth seats,
power windows and more.
Versa Sedan 1.6 SL models add 15-inch
aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, variable intermittent wipers, chromed
inside door handles, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, Bluetooth®
Hands-free Phone System, steering wheel audio controls, USB/iPod®
connectivity, upgraded audio system, door-linked map lights and more.
Just
three options packages are offered: the Cruise Control Package (1.6 S
CVT only); the SV Convenience Package (1.6 SV only) with Bluetooth®
Hands-free Phone System, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, upgraded
audio, iPod® control, map lights and front passenger vanity mirror. The
SL Tech Package (1.6 SL only) adds the Nissan Navigation System with XM
NavTraffic® (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and 5-inch
color touch-screen display and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription
required, sold separately).
The 2012 Versa Sedan will be
manufactured at Nissan's Aguascalientes, Mexico assembly plant that also
builds Nissan Sentra models for the United States market.
"This
all-new Versa Sedan is a total value proposition," concludes
Castignetti. "The Big Small Car is bringing Innovation Within Reach to
an eagerly awaiting audience."
*Lower emissions compared to the MY '11 Versa and estimates for PUREDRIVE technology.Source: http://www.nissannews.com/pressrelease/2404/135/2012-nissan-versa-sedan-big-small-car-brings (April 18, 2011)