Versa-tile Nissan Hatchback

Economy cars just aren’t what they used to be. Time was, an economy car - and particularly a hatchback - was a ticket to a miserable driving experience. They were underpowered, uncomfortable, and generally ill-handling. About the only redeeming characteristic of an econo-box was good gas mileage.

But that’s yesterday’s news. Today’s economy cars are peppy, comfortable, and include all the creature comforts that used to define upscale luxury cars. Witness the 2008 Nissan Versa hatchback. For a base price of $13,450, you get a 122 horsepower 127 pound-feet 1.8-liter DOHC engine, air conditioning, a nice CD stereo, 4-way adjustable driver’s seat, tilt wheel, and a complete set of side curtain and forward impact air bags. You have your choice of 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions at no extra charge.

For a little extra cash, you can get a $700 “power package” that gives you power everything and remote keyless entry. $200 more buys you cruise control, and there are mat kits and splash guards on the books if you care to buy those. About the only strange feature is that even with a list of safety features that takes up a whole column on the window sticker, Nissan wants to charge $250 extra for anti-lock brakes. Many automakers do this, and I always find it puzzling because ABS is such a fundamental safety feature. And it’s not like the extra $250 will push the car over the next big price threshold.

So, if you load up the Versa hatchback, it still comes in at a very affordable $15,490. And that gives you a lot of money left over to put gas in the car  - at 24/32, the mileage is well above average, but still not all it could be. That’s the price of a 1.8-liter engine that gives you 122 horsepower.

But the driving experience of the Versa is much better than the price tag would lead you to expect. I like this hatch better than the 2007 Versa. The car seems to be tighter and handle better. You’ll have no problems taking this car on the freeway or on a long trip.

The hatchback Versa is also a better-looking car than its sedan sibling. You still get tall doors and a roomy interior, but the overall look of the vehicle is much more balanced than the 4-door. Give this ride a set of nice wheels and you’ll be styling.

Nissan has foreseen this and responded to the modification market with a Sport Package for the Versa. The Sport Package adds a higher level of performance styling with a rear spoiler (roof-mounted for the Hatchback, decklid-mounted for the Sedan), lower body side sill extensions, unique front and rear fascia (Hatchback) and chin spoiler (Sedan) and fog lights. That package costs a tidy $700.

I enjoyed the Nissan Versa a lot more than I expected. Nissan is building great cars from top to bottom these days, so don’t be shocked if you go to the dealership looking for a Versa and leave with an Altima or Sentra, or even a 350Z. The whole Nissan lineup is worth a look.