THE RESPECTABLE BANTAMWEIGHT: Nissan Versa SV PRICE AS TESTED: $14,198 OVERALL RATING: 53/100
POUND FOR POUND SCORE: 3.73
HIGHS: Fuel economy, rear seat, trunk
LOWS: Agility, engine noise, front-seat comfort, fit and finish, reliability
TALE OF THE TAPE: Sure, the 53 score shouts mediocrity, but with a nearly four overall rating points, the Nissan punches above its weight. Okay, the interior is unapologetically cheap-looking, its cockpit is noisy and the motor whines when the vehicle accelerates, but it provides decent fuel efficiency and handles capably. If you want to keep your new-car outlay in the teens, however, skip for the Versa for the similarly priced Chevrolet Cruz ($14,995) and its PfP of 4.53.
