The Versa is Nissan's entry-level car with the intention of attracting economy-minded buyers with its mileage, price and larger size than most other vehicles in its class.The Versa is available as a hatchback or sedan, with two four-cylinder engine choices on the sedan, a 107-hp 1.6-liter or a 122-hp 1.8-liter, while the hatchback is available exclusively with the 1.8. The 1.6 is can be equipped with either a five-speed manual, or four-speed automatic transmission, the 1.8 gets a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The 1.8SL hatchback offers an optional Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) rather than the four-speed auto. Safety comes from six standard airbags, while anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are optional.Effective in April 2009, the Versa hatchback will offer an FE+ 1.8SL trim featuring a 1MPG improvement to both city and highway ratings.

Top competitors for 2009 Nissan Versa :
2009 Chevrolet Aveo
2009 Hyundai Accent
2009 Kia Rio
2009 Toyota Yaris

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses, deaths, injuries, and property damage from crashes on the nation's highways. The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts.
Rating Legend:

- Good
- Acceptable
- Marginal
- Poor

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Ratings :

The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) rates vehicles to determine crash worthiness and rollover safety. The safety ratings are gathered during controlled crash and rollover tests conducted at NHTSA's research facilities. Five stars indicate the highest safety rating and one star the lowest. While the safety feature ratings may differ among vehicles, all automobiles must first meet Federal standards.