2020 Nissan Versa Sedan Debuts Looking Like a Mini Altima

Nissan just unveiled its brand new 2020 Versa subcompact sedan. This totally overhauled small car brings more technology, extra refinement, and fresh design to a vehicle segment more typically known for utilitarianism and bargain-basement prices.

The new Versa is lower, wider and longer than before, with an overall look that’s more premium than people shopping for this type of car might expect. Up front is a prominent V-motion grille, Nissan’s signature styling element. This redesigned Versa also features boomerang-shaped headlamps, a floating roof and uniquely styled C-pillars, elements that help it fit in with the rest of this automaker’s car lineup.

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For extra choice, eight exterior colors will be offered. A few of the signature hues include Electric Blue Metallic, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat and Monarch Orange Metallic.

Bringing groundbreaking features to the subcompact segment, elements of Nissan Safety Shield 360, the automaker’s suite of advanced driver aides, are offered on the new Versa. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams and even rear automatic braking are all standard. Optional safety equipment includes things like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-alertness monitor and even adaptive cruise control. Just a few short years ago, these high-end features weren’t even available on luxury cars and now many will be standard fare on Nissan’s smallest sedan.

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Inside, the Versa’s “Gliding Wing” instrument panel is vaguely reminiscent of what’s found in the Altima and Maxima four-doors, though upon closer inspection, it looks almost exactly like the cabin of Nissan’s Kicks subcompact crossover, which is not a bad thing. Keeping the driver and passengers happy, remote keyless entry, push-button start and power windows are all standard.

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Optionally, buyers can get heated front seats and automatic climate control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are on the menu as well.

Under the Versa’s hood, just one engine will be offered, a familiar 1.6-liter four-cylinder delivering 122 horses and 114 pound-feet of torque. This should be the exact same engine found between the Kicks’ front fenders. It can be paired with either an automatic transmission of the continuously variable variety or a five-ratio manual for drivers that prefer rowing their own gears.