The 2019 Nissan Versalooks like it hopped right out of 2008, which usually isn’t a good thing. But the 2020 model will finally put the Great Recession behind it, with a new look that brings it ever so closer to modern times. It’s also keeping the option for a manual transmission in the U.S., unlike other sedans we know.
Nissan announced the 2020 Versa on Friday, saying it goes on sale this summer with a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. That’s somehow up from the 2019 model, which makes a rated 109 HP and 107 lb-ft of torque across the trim lineup.
The only Versa Nissan announced on Friday was the compact sedan, since the Versa Note hatchback is dead for 2020. We hardly knew it.
The 2020 car will have the same transmission options as the last, which include a five-speed manual or Nissan’s “Xtronic” CVT, as well as some standard tech and safety features: keyless entry, power windows (impressive!), a push-button start, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and high-beam assist. The 2020 Versa will also have eight paint colors, as well as optional add-ons like additional safety features, heated front seats, automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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All of that comes with the Versa’s new design, which Nissan called “energetic, provocative and engaging.” That’s a bit of a stretch, but it looks better than it did—even if a redesign was long overdue. (The 2019 Versa starts at $12,460, so you’ll forgive Nissan if it forgets the car exists for a few years at a time.)
The announcement said nothing specific about MSRP for the new car—only that the 2020 Versa will get a “price fitting buyers in the segment.”
But, whatever it costs, the 2020 Versa will look miles—years, actually—better than the last, since it’s finally leaped out of 2008 and closer to modern times. Let’s just hope it doesn’t bring any recessions with it.
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