As your National
Automotive Examiner,
I love writing about
cars. It can be the
classics, new, used,
future, hybrids,
electrics, etc. I am
even writing about a
car that doesn’t even
exist. And the car is
the 2012 Nissan
Versa Diesel!
Why would I write about such a car? Because I think it should exist and
here’s why! The current Versa provides a lot of car for the money. It is
available in a sedan or hatchback version. The Versa is known for its
comfortable front seats, roomy interior and good rear legroom. The rear
seats fold-down to haul cargo, especially with the hatchback version.
Furthermore, the car has a high roofline enabling the driver to sit up
as in a small SUV and the outward visibility is good.
The interior fit and finish is excellent considering the car’s starting
price of $10,000 or about $14,000 for the mid-level model. Although
the Versa gets 29 mpg in the city, the car’s only shortcoming seems to
be its somewhat low 36 mpg on the highway.
New comes the ‘make believe’ part of this article. Let’s say that
by 2012 Nissan offers the Versa with a 1.2-liter diesel engine of-
fering 80 hp and either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
As the car weights about 2,500 lbs., the 0-60 acceleration would be
adequate. Additionally, the diesel engine would be well-suited for
hauling the weight of cargo. And the real part – the car’s fuel
economy would be compelling at 45 mpg city and 60 mpg highway.
Why is this automotive dreaming so nice? A Nissan Versa diesel
would have excellent space and versatility as well as great fuel
mileage. But what about the price? Well, take a Versa that sells
for about $12,500 and add $2,000 for the diesel engine and you
get a $14,500 price. And such is indeed possible!
Hybrids are expensive and all electrics are even more expensive.
Why not offer a reasonably priced Nissan Versa diesel? I think
that such a car would sell like crazy! It’s a dream that I hope
comes true because it should have already been a done deal!
Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site:
www.DriveTheBestBook.com. Become Kyle’s friend on Facebook
and Twitter.
