However, the Nissan Versa Manual Transmission is also among the most affordable cars with a manual transmission, so naturally, this piques the interest of budget-minded shoppers who still enjoy driving a stick. Despite its budget-friendly nature, the Versa offers a fun ride that can appeal to everyday commuters and enthusiasts alike: the Versa is one of the last few subcompact sedan stick shifts around.

The Versa is another example of Nissan fine-tuning its automobiles to stay competitive in the compact car field. It’s got the same reliability, fuel economy, and value that have defined the model since before the Reagan administration, and the model’s available manual transmission brings another truck entailing fun to the lineup. The Versa offers a low-cost, high-reward proposition if you’re an experienced manual driver or want to learn to drive stick.

In this Nissan Versa review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Versa, including key features, performance, and the overall value of this affordable manual sedan, to help you decide on the right car for your needs.

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Performance and Engine Specs

Driving the Nissan Versa with 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque from the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder manual. These figures may not perform well, but they are suiting and highwaymen. It’s no sports car, but the Versa’s lightweight construction accelerates reasonably well, allowing for worry-free merging and passing.

Manual Transmission Performance

The 5-speed manual transmission will be more fun than the CVT automatic. A manual gearbox delivers precise shifts and greater power delivery control, perfect for enthusiastic drivers who prefer a direct approach to driving. Unlike the automatic variant, which is tuned for efficiency, the manual adds quicker throttle response and the ability to quickly switch up or down through gears when needed. So, the Versa is a more performance-oriented offering for hands-on people who prefer full control over their ride.

Fuel Efficiency

You’ll also get a more enjoyable drive with the manual gearbox, but it is slightly less efficient. Nissan’s budget-friendly Versa is estimated to get 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway with the manual gearbox. The CVT variant is a tick better, at 32 MPG city and 40 MPG highway due to even more finely tailored gear ratios.

The updated manual transmission Nissan Versa is still viable for practical shoppers who want a compact sedan with some performance benefits despite less-than-ideal engine specs.

Price and Trim Levels

Nissan Versa price: The Nissan Versa continues to offer an attractive price point, making it one of the most affordable manual transmissions available. With three trims available—S, SV, and SR—buyers can pick the feature set that meets their needs and budget.

Price Range

The Base Versa S trim with a 5-speed manual transmission starts at just under $16,000. This is the base model, and as such, it includes only the necessary features, providing a more traditional driving experience for those on a budget.

The SV trim retails for roughly 18 grand more and adds a fabulous tech presence, a giant touchscreen, and nicer materials for those who want to keep things manageable. Unfortunately, that’s only offered on a CVT automatic trim, so manual lovers must stick with the S or go for the sportier SR.

At the top of the range, the stylish and well-appointed Versa SR sells for around $19,000. Standard equipment with a CVT, though a manual might be coming for drivers who want the performance for less. It’s a convincing option, bringing some sporty design cues, more advanced safety systems, and a premium interior for this trim.

The base Versa with manual transmission drops the price by more than the CVT-equipped versions but provides a nice alternative sportiness for shoppers with a budget.

Interior and Comfort Features

The Nissan Versa interior is simple and functional, so it could be the ideal budget set of wheels. Higher trims are available with soft-touch materials, and the cabin has cloth or optional leatherette upholstery. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with controls well within reach. The front seats also offer solid comfort on long drives, and the rear seats provide reasonable legroom for a compact sedan.

First, regarding Nissan Versa’s tech features, the car is very well-equipped compared to its class. Standard equipment on the base model includes a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while upward trims get an 8-inch display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Standard features include Bluetooth, a USB port, and a four-speaker audio system; a six-speaker audio system and a Wi-Fi hotspot are included in the upper trims. Peace of mind during those frequent commutes comes from safety tech like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Versa also scores highly when it comes to cargo space. The trunk cargo capacity is 15 cubic feet, or larger than some are offering in this half of the compact car interior bitrate. The rear seats fold 60/40, providing extra storage options to make room for larger items inside. Versa—Why We Love It: Versa offers plenty of room—a few quick stops around town or a road-trip-ready interior.

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Safety and Driver Assistance Features

In a compact car class focusing on cheapness, the Nissan Versa never lets us forget safety rules everywhere. The economical sedan comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of advanced driver-assistance technology that adds peace of mind behind the wheel.

Safety Ratings

It’s no surprise that the Nissan Versa’s safety features help this subcompact earn high safety ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it an overall four-star safety rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested it well in crashworthiness, particularly in frontal and side-impact testing. These ratings help keep the Versa known as a good, compact sedan built to keep its people safe.

Driver Assistance Tech

• Nissan Safety Shield: 360 standard on most trims):
• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: Stops you before you can crash.
• Lane Departure Warning: This warning system notifies drivers that their vehicle is drifting out of its lane without the turn signal being activated.
• Rear Automatic Braking: Detects objects behind the vehicle and applies brakes if required.
• High Beam Assist: Headlights automatically adjusted for better nighttime visibility.
• Blind Spot Warning: Standard on higher trims, this safety tool helps drivers avoid hidden vehicles in adjacent lanes.

Furthermore, with manual transmission safeguards, drivers can focus on being in control, bringing stability, and having a fun, dynamic ride while keeping necessary safety technology in the mix.

Those combined with good compact car safety ratings create a compact sedan that keeps the driver and passenger safe, making the Nissan Versa a great practical compact class choice with good security.

Driving Experience

Manual Transmission Feel

The Nissan Versa Manual Transmission is visceral in the way you want it to be if you like to drive a stick. Shifts through the 5-speed manual box are smooth with an appropriately weighted clutch, making stop-and-go traffic bearable but retaining a sense of primitive driving. It delivers a sense of engagement that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s compact cars, whether in the form of acceleration from a stop or downshifting when additional control is desired. Combined with its short, no-nonsense gearing, it gives the Versa a sportiness, a sense of being alive and in touch with the road.

Handling and Ride Quality

Nissan Versa driving experience: A higher-class feel for a compact sedan, with a comfortable yet controlled ride. Steering is light yet accurate enough to keep you centered in a narrow city street or highway lane with little input. The Versa, however small, remains solid at speed, with little body roll when shooting around corners. The suspension strikes a decent balance of comfort and responsiveness on winding roads, offering a smooth ride without being overly firm.

Nissan has stuck to the basics, and while rivals such as the Hyundai Accent or Toyota Yaris pack more power and/or features, the Versa delivers predictable handling and a well-mannered suspension. The suspension seems to soak up the bumps and potholes, ideally for a small car, so it’s an excellent option for everyday and long drives. It may not have the sportiest setup, but it is a happy compromise between efficiency and comfort — for those who still like to drive stick, it’s among the best in class.

Pros and Cons

Pros: It is one of the last cheap cars you can buy, and all pricing and availability are subject to change. The advantages of manual transmission are more control over shifts and an engaging driving experience. So, it could become a good option for enthusiasts who like engagement in driving. In addition, the Versa also offers phenomenal gas mileage to help keep commuting costs low. Nissan has also fitted the Versa with comprehensive safety systems, from automatic emergency braking to lane departure warning, even on lower trims. The car is small enough to easily navigate through tighter streets in the city, making it a quick little commuter car.

Cons: The Versa is very cheap compared to its competitors; its cheapness will cost it something in return. Its fuel-thrifty 1.6L four-cylinder engine puts gas mileage ahead of performance, leaving it feeling sluggish when driving on the highway or with a full complement of passengers. The good old gearbox enhances the driving experience but is probably not the ideal choice when stuck in traffic. Rear seats also lack legroom for taller passengers, making longer trips less comfortable. The base model also misses some high-end tech associated with more expensive rivals, such as an upgraded touchscreen or audio system.

The Nissan Versa’s pros and cons make it great for budget drivers looking for the lowest possible price and best fuel economy while remaining very safe, but with poor performance features and some higher-end features.

Conclusion

So, all told, the Nissan Versa Manual Transmission earns its place on the list of the best budget manual transmission cars on sale. Its fuel-efficient engine, relatively pleasant handling, and bargain pricing make it a nice blend of utility and fun. The English ride tries to make it more of an engaging option with the help of a more responsive manual transmission. Further value is added by Nissan’s overall suite of safety implements and its overall comfortable cabin.

The Nissan Versa review confirms that if you’re a buyer on a budget but looking for reliability and efficiency, the sedan is plenty of car for the price. The Versa is enjoyable, no-nonsense daily transportation, whether it’s your first car or a revival of the classic stick shift you want to enjoy.