If you’re on a tight budget looking for a brand new car under $20,000, one of your options is the redesigned 2020 Nissan Versa.
Presented at the New York Auto Show in April before landing in dealerships in the summer, it can be had -in theory- from $15,625 plus an $895 destination charge for the base model with a manual gearbox, but good luck finding this entry-level specification readily available at all dealer lots.
The new Versa makes a good first impression, as unlike its predecessor, it’s a much better looking car inside and out, with a more aggressive face with the brand’s V-motion grille and an overall sportier silhouette, as well as a more modern dashboard.
Read: Nissan Revamping SUV Lineup For Europe, New X-Trail Up First
Okay, so Nissan has put some effort this time in the design department, but what about everywhere else? As you may have guessed, things like smartphone connectivity features, adaptive cruise control and other tech features are not available in the entry-level model, which means that you’ll have to pay more to get them. The SV and SR versions of the subcompact sedan start at $18,535 and $19,135, respectively, whereas the one tested out by CNET’s RoadShow cost $19,645.
According to the reviewer, the front seats are quite comfy, the steering and brakes are good, space at the back is relatively decent for a small car and the CVT won’t give you nightmares. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine comes with a modest improvement of 13 hp and 7 lb-ft (9 Nm) of torque, to 122 hp and 114 lb-ft (154 Nm), but it shouldn’t be a problem for your daily commute.
Now, it’s not all rosy as the new Versa also has some flaws, which were detailed on video below, so head on down and click the play button to find out what those are.