2011 Nissan Versa gets priced, includes minor updates
The Nissan Versa hasn’t received any substantial updates since its 2007 debut. It’s a shame, since there’s some pretty stiff competition on the market these days, especially from the likes of the Suzuki SX4, Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta. Still, Nissan adds incremental updates annually, and the 2011 model year is no different. What’s most important, though, is that pricing for the latest Versa has gone unchanged, meaning the bottom-end 1.6 Base sedan still rings in at $9,990, and the top-end 1.8 SL hatch commands $16,900, with a variety of models in both body styles in between.
Visually, nothing will change from the 2010 car (pictured), but some new standard equipment makes its way onto some trims. 1.8 S Versa sedans now benefit from an in-dash six-disc CD changer, and mid-grade 1.6 sedans now come with standard ABS (sorry, 1.6 Base, you still have to do without anti-lock brakes).
Categories: Hatchback, Nissan, Sedans/Saloons Tags: Nissan
Report: Nissan offering 2010 “model version up” kit to older JDM GT-R owners
If you live in Japan, own a 2007-2009 Nissan GT-R and want all of the goodies the ‘10 model boasts, you’re in luck. Select Nissan dealers in the Land of the Rising Sun will reportedly be more than happy to supply you with a “2010 Model Version Up Kit.” For a little scratch, you can get a reworked set of brake calipers, an upgraded navigation system and a Spec V spoiler to help your car keep pace with the new wave of Godzillas hitting the streets.
While the navigation system will get a software update, it will also feature new USB functionality to allow it to be compatible with the NISMO datalogging kit (sold separately). That’s cool and all, but not quite so slick as what’s going on with those stoppers.
The original equipment calipers were dipped in a gold paint that would turn brown after a few hard laps, and featured brake pad springs that would fatigue over time. The model version up kit will provide owners with a new coat of heat-resistant gold paint, complete with a prominent Brembo logo and a tougher pad spring.
2011 Nissan Juke details, specs spilled ahead of New York
Nissan’s new-for-2011 Juke is set to make its North American debut at tomorrow’s New York Auto Show, and the small crossover’s polarizing moon-buggy styling is sure to set tongues wagging, just as it did during its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. Having seen this vehicle in person already, we can tell you that its “Baby Predator” front end takes some getting used to, but it all comes together better than expected, and the interior seems surprisingly roomy and well-resolved.
Much smaller in person than one might think, the curvy ute is significantly shorter than vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 – it’s even shorter than the new Hyundai Tucson and Nissan’s own Rogue, not to mention the likes of Mitsubishi’s Outlander Sport (itself another NY debut). The closest competitor we can think of is Suzuki’s SX4 crossover, which is, believe it or not, actually longer than the Juke. In the end, we fully expect it to be cross-shopped with more conventional hatchbacks (Mazda3), as well as ‘box cars’ like the Kia Soul.
Featuring the first application of Nissan’s 1.6-liter direct injected four-cylinder turbo in North America, it will be available with torque vectoring all-wheel drive, so it might just be the driver’s car of the bunch, too. Featuring “180+ horsepower and 170+ lb-ft of torque,” it will be available in both six-speed manual form and CVT with a sport setting. Unfortunately, the three-pedal setup will only be available in front-drive SV and SL trim, however. That torque-vectoring system? It defaults to a 50:50 front-to-rear split, but it can push power from side-to-side along the rear axle when situations warrant.
Categories: Auto Show, Crossover, New York Auto Show, Nissan Tags:
New York 2010: 2011 Nissan Juke is actually pretty neat
Attention all you small crossover fans out there, now is the time to get excited. Nissan pulled back the curtain on the 2011 Juke and although we’ve seen it (at the Geneva Motor Show), we’re still glad it’s here. We’re being implored to mention that some of us think the front end has a Pontiac Aztek quality about it. Others (“Hi, Mom!”) feel different. Yeah, it’s… not normal looking, but we’ve seen worse. At least it’s not derivative. The rest of the Juke’s styling, however, is much less controversial. Especially that rear three-quarter view.
Categories: Auto Show, Crossover, New York Auto Show, Nissan Tags:
