Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Or in Nissan's case, the hatchback or the sedan?
The maker has set off a bit of confusion by splitting the launch of its updated subcompact line-up between the Shanghai Motor Show, earlier this week, and a separate Wednesday news conference at the New York Auto Show.
For American motorists, it turns out, the four-door model shown in New York, and badged 2012 Nissan Versa, will be the update they'll be seeing later this year at U.S. dealerships. But that will be followed by a 5-door based on the Nissan Tiida unveiled in China, it turns out.
Credit several factors with the big jump. First and foremost, the new V-platform used for both sedan and hatchback has undergone weight "optimization," explained Tavares, the 3,000-pound 4-door coming in a significant 150 pounds lighter than the old model.
Meanwhile, Versa migrates to a new 1.6-liter inline-four engine mated to a second-generation Xtronic CVT, which is both lighter and able to cover a broader gear ratio than a more conventional 7-speed automatic, according to CEO Tavares.
The 1.6-liter engine uses a new dual injection system and twin-variable valve timing to enhance its efficiency, improving performance as well as mileage. It produces 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque.
The new 2012 Nissan Versa could also win fans of those who'd actually like to stay friends with those stuck in the rear seat. At 103 cubic feet, the interior is in a category a segment larger than the Versa's footprint would suggest - Tavares pointedly noting that its rear seating area is larger than that of the current BMW 5-Series.
The emphasis on the 2012 Nissan Versa sedan is no surprise considering the realities of the U.S. market, but Nissan will eventually bring over the 5-door version, shown in China as the Tiida. And there are budding indications that as the small car market builds Americans may once again see hatchbacks in a positive light.
More Pictures of 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan
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