The 2007 Nissan Versa, an all-new entry-level hatchback and sedan, is scheduled to go on sale in early summer 2006, with the Versa sedan following in late 2006. Versa is expected to be priced starting at a MSRP around $12,000. Combined with the popular Nissan Sentra, the new Versa gives Nissan a major presence in the under $20,000 market, which currently accounts for nearly 1.9 million annual sales.

Photos (Nissan Versa Hatchback): http://www.nissannews.com/multimedia/nissan2007/800px/07_versa_hatch_02.jpg
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Photos (Sedan): http://www.nissannews.com/multimedia/nissan2007/800px/07_versa_sedan_10.jpg
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The name Versa reflects the “versatile space” provided by the roomy interior and cargo area. Versa is called Tiida in Mexico, Japan, China and other markets where the car is sold. And while Versa has a global footprint, the design, specifications and equipment offerings are customized for each major market.

The new Versa is built on Nissan’s “B” platform, with priorities placed on interior roominess, a high quality interior and comfortable, stress-free environment. In creating the Versa packaging, the design and engineering teams found a way to put a big interior in a small car. The interior length, front to back, is over six feet long.

Along with a spacious cabin, Versa offers a high quality interior design and craftsmanship. The front seats are nearly as large as Maxima’s and comfort is a priority for all passengers. The interior features a clean, simple design and layout that accentuates its surprising roominess. The wide, laterally oriented instrument panel underscores Versa’s width, while the low center console flows freely toward the rear, giving a sense of the interior’s length.

The exterior of the Versa hatchback and sedan feature a dynamic look and attention to detail, as seen in the large headlights, signature Nissan grille and large taillights. The crisp, youthful body forms and long rooflines suggest both the roominess inside and Versa’s performance capabilities.

Versa is designed to provide Nissan’s trademark enjoyable, stress-free experience through use of an all-new 1.8-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine that satisfies both performance and environmental requirements. Three transmissions will be available with the 2007 Versa, including Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

At 120-horsepower (estimated) and 125-plus lb-ft of torque (estimated), the engine is powerful and responsive, but it also delivers excellent fuel economy – estimated at a combined 38 miles per gallon with the CVT transmission (final engine performance and fuel economy rating will be finalized closer to vehicle on-sale date).

Unlike conventional stepped gear automatics, the new Xtronic CVT operates as essentially “one gear” through use of a belt and two pulleys. By infinitely varying the working diameters of the two pulleys, the transmission eliminates the “steps” between gears, resulting in a smoother, more efficient operation by keeping the engine in its optimum power range under a variety of driving and load conditions.

Safety is another Versa strong point with 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), standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), available roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, child safety rear door locks, child seat upper tether anchors and front seat Active Head Restraints.

The Versa hatchback and sedan will be offered in several models and with a long list of standard and available features and amenities, including available Intelligent Key, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, satellite radio and Rockford Fosgate-powered subwoofer.

Versa will be manufactured at Nissan’s Aguascalientes, Mexico assembly plant that currently builds Nissan Sentra models for the U.S. market.